We’re nearing the end of the largest LSAT-Flex administration thus far, and Jon and Dave are here with all the details! In this episode they break down the August 2020 LSAT, examining its three source tests and their usage throughout the week, highlighting the standout elements that appeared each day, and finally providing a section-by-section scale matrix to help you determine the curve for your particular exam.
Episode Timestamps
0:00 – Intro
4:03 – This week in the LSAT world. November LSAT-Flex announcement details and what we expect for January/February ’21.
The August 2020 LSAT
16:10 – General Impressions. A report on the general feedback we received over the past 5 days, including technical issues, test difficulty, and customer service problems.
33:13 – The Saturday LSATs Review (8/29)
46:01 – The Sunday LSATs Review (8/30)
54:19 – The Monday and Wednesday Tests Review (8/31, 9/2)
56:23 – August 2020 Scoring Scale Predictions. Dave and Jon give thorough analyses and predictions on the scoring scales students are likely to see with the different section combinations.
1:11:00 – Out
Stephanie says
Hey Dave,
Did you hear anything about any technical issues with scoring or “losing” sections again? I was averaging a score of 165 for months and the prior to the LSAT Test, I shot up to 171 as my average. I felt really good about this test and was expecting low-mid 170s, but I scored a 158. What’s the likelihood of a flook or glitch (I know it’s likely low), but how do I go about inquiring from LSAC without insulting them or blaming them? Thanks!
Dave Killoran says
No, there were no reports of lost tests. However, a new feature called Score Audit appeared recently on the LSAC site, so you can get your score rechecked if you think this was a wrong score (and it sure seems like it might be!).
Thanks!
Chris says
I still had to argue with the Proctor that I was allowed paper and pencils. They said I was allowed NO materials except my earplugs. Why is this possibly still a problem!?
Dave Killoran says
Big sigh here from me, and my condolences to you. It’s absolutely ridiculous this sis till happening, and cone again a ProctorU proctor doesn’t know the rules. Last night we were talking about trying to get one of their execs on the podcast to explain why this is happening, and this is more fuel to that fire. It’s ridiculous.
Thanks and I’m sorry for you this happened.
Elizabeth says
Do you know which 25 question LR section included questions about interest rates/debt, CO2, success/time, and what is the most just?
Dave Killoran says
Hi Elizabeth,
There were multiple sections using some of those topics, so on what you’ve provided I can’t be entirely certain. Chances are it’s a no effect LR though.
Thanks!
Danny says
Hi – I am an LSAT score scaling novice. According to your podcast (which was fantastic) I had the International Sept 2016 LG hard section(+1 on the scale), middle of the park RC (international test w the dogs v wolves passage), and the Feb 2015 LR (the difficult one starting w the grandfather drinking and only 25 questions) which also adds +1 to the scale.
How exactly does this effect the score?
Dave Killoran says
Hi Danny,
Thanks for the message and glad the podcast was useful! What it means is that your test loosens up at the top compared to some other scales. For scale info, read more here: https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/help/scale.cfm. And fort how the looser curve has a specific effect in relation to our predictions, ahis article explains it a bit more, although it was written for the “standard” scoring scales, not the Flex. The idea is identical though! https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/what-does-9-10-11-12-mean-when-talking-about-the-lsat-curve/
Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!
Daniel Steven Fleissig says
Thank you, that did help! I was wondering if you have a prediction for how many questions I would need to get correct to receive a 160?
Danny
Dave Killoran says
Hi Daniel,
It’s going to vary depending on which scale you had. More info on how that works can be seen here, at the 1:20:55 mark: https://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/crystal-ball-webinar-the-lsat-flex-tests/. Look at how different scales affect the numbers.
Thanks!
George Hamilton says
Hey,
For the Sunday LR section you mentioned about the Lions/Leopards on medieval coat of arms, that actually appeared on my Saturday LSAT in the late afternoon.
Dave Killoran says
Thanks George! We realized afterward that it started being used late Saturday but we couldn’t correct the recording at that point. fortunately, it has no effect on the predictions, just the usage timeline.
Thanks again for the heads up!