The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) plans another change to the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Starting in August 2027, the exam will remove its separate experimental section. Instead, unscored questions will appear in all three main sections.
This change will affect how students prepare. The LSAT will still test reading and reasoning skills. However, the exam will have longer sections and a new format.
LSAC says the change will improve test security and quality. Meanwhile, test prep experts are helping students prepare for the update.
LSAT Announces New Test Format for 2027
The LSAT has included an experimental section for many years. It contains questions that do not count toward the final score. LSAC uses these questions to test new material.
Under the current format, students complete this section separately. However, that will change in August 2027.
LSAC will place unscored questions in all three main sections. This method is called embedded pretesting.
As a result, students will not know which questions count toward their scores. Therefore, they must take every question seriously.
What the New LSAT Format Includes
The updated LSAT will have three main sections:
- Reading Comprehension: 52 minutes, six passages, and 40 questions. Four passages and 27 questions count toward the score.
- Logical Reasoning Section One: 45 minutes and 32 questions. Twenty-five questions count toward the score.
- Logical Reasoning Section Two: 45 minutes and 32 questions. Twenty-five questions count toward the score.
Students will get a 10-minute break after each of the first two sections.
The new format will test students’ focus. They must also manage their time across longer sections. In addition, they must give every question their full attention.
Why LSAC Is Changing the LSAT
LSAC says the new format will make the exam more secure. It will also help the group test new questions.
Other major exams use similar methods. For example, the SAT, ACT, and bar exams include unscored questions.
This method helps testing groups review new questions. At the same time, students do not need to complete a separate test section.
However, the change removes an old feature of the LSAT. Under the current format, students know that one section does not affect their scores.
That will no longer be the case in August 2027.
How LSAT Changes Will Affect Students
The new format will not change the main skills tested. Students will still need strong reading and reasoning skills.
However, they will need to adjust their study plans.
Krystin Major, Kaplan’s director of LSAT programs, called the changes moderately significant. She rated their impact at about six out of 10.
According to Major, the main changes involve timing and test structure. Students will still need the same core skills to do well.
Time Management Will Matter More
Longer sections may make the exam harder. Students will need to stay focused for longer periods.
They must also manage their energy during both Logical Reasoning sections. Reading Comprehension will require steady focus as well.
Students should not guess which questions count toward their scores. Instead, they should treat every question as important.
Practice will also play a key role. Students should take full-length tests that match the new format.
Major also said students do not need to start their studies again. Instead, they should learn the new format and adjust their plans.
LSAC Plans New Practice Tests for 2027
Students will have time to prepare before the changes begin.
LSAC plans to release new practice tests through LawHub in February 2027. These tests will follow the new format.
As a result, students can learn what to expect before test day.
Meanwhile, current-format practice tests will remain available through the June 2027 exam.
This gives students time to plan their test dates. Those taking the LSAT before August 2027 can keep using current study materials.
However, students taking the new exam should use the updated practice tests when they become available.
Another Major Change in LSAT History
This update follows another major change to the LSAT.
In 2024, LSAC removed the Analytical Reasoning section, also known as Logic Games. Since then, the exam has focused on Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning.
That change affected how the LSAT tests future law students.
Now, LSAC plans to change how it uses unscored questions. The main test subjects will stay the same. However, students will need to adjust their preparation.
What Law School Applicants Should Do Next
Students planning to take the LSAT in 2027 should check their test dates. Their schedules will determine which format they need to study.
Those taking the exam before August can follow the current format. However, students taking it later should prepare for the new structure.
Here are some simple ways to get ready:
- Practice reading passages under timed conditions.
- Improve logical reasoning skills.
- Build focus and mental stamina.
- Treat every question as if it counts.
- Use official LSAC practice tests to learn the new format.
The LSAT will continue to test reading and reasoning skills. However, the August 2027 update will change how students take the exam.
For future law students, early preparation will be important. Learning the new format can help students feel ready on test day.
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