Time Management and Guessing Strategy Help Area

The Answer Choices and Answer Transferring Theories

LSAT Guessing Strategy and Probability Tables

The Importance of Using a Timer

The Answer Choices and Answer Transferring Theories

All the answers about the answers

We would like to take a moment to discuss some of the finer points of the answer choices on the LSAT.

Three in a row?

Unlike the SAT, the LSAT often has three identical answer choices consecutively (such as three "D’s"), and on several occasions, four identical answer choices in a row have appeared. On the June 1996 LSAT, it even occurred that six of seven answer choices in one section were "C." The use of multiple answer choices in a row is one of the psychological weapons employed by the LSAT to unnerve test takers. Any test taker seeing four "D’s" in a row on their answer sheet understandably thinks they have made some type of error, primarily because most tests avoid repetition in their answer choices. If you see three or four answer choices in a row, do not become alarmed, especially if you feel you have been performing well on the section. We’re still waiting for the day that the LSAT has five identical correct answers in a row, but we won’t be too surprised when it happens.

Answer Transferring

Transferring your answers from the test booklet to your answer sheet is one of the most important tasks that you will perform on the LSAT. Our research indicates that approximately 10% of all test takers make some type of transcription error during a typical five section test. Since one question can mean a difference of several percentile points, we strongly advise you to follow one of the two approaches discussed below. The method you choose is entirely dependent upon your personal preferences.

1. Logical Grouping. This method involves transferring several answer choices at once, at logical break points throughout the test. For the Reading Comprehension and Logic Games sections, transfer answer choices after you complete the questions for each passage or game. For the Logical Reasoning section, transfer answer choices after you complete each two-page question group. This method generally allows for faster transferring of answers, but some students find they are more likely to make errors in their transcription.
   
   
2. Question By Question. As the name implies, this method involves filling in the answer ovals on your answer sheet after you complete each individual question. This method generally consumes more time than the Logical Grouping method, but it usually produces a higher transfer accuracy rate. If you use the Logical Grouping method and find yourself making a number of errors, use this method instead.