Taking the Law School Admission Test is a critical step on the journey to attending law school and pursuing a successful career in the legal field. While you may have spent months studying and practicing for the LSAT, you might start feeling anxious, uncertain, and unprepared as your scheduled exam date approaches.
In this post, we'll offer helpful tips on what to expect on your LSAT test day, including the standard testing center rules and items you can and can't bring with you. We'll also go over how the exam is taken so that you know what to do before, during, and after taking the LSAT. With this information, you'll be able to feel relaxed and confident when you show up to take your test.
Going Digital
Traditionally, test-takers had the option of taking the LSAT in person or online. However, the exam changed format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is now a live, remote-proctored test that students complete from their own homes.
Although the locations for the exam are different, there are still specific expectations that each person must meet to take the LSAT.
Exam Set-Up & Requirements
Whether you're planning to take the remote LSAT from your home or another location, your testing area must be private, quiet, and well-lit. A strong, reliable internet connection is essential to completing the exam as well, so you might want to consider using an Ethernet cable to connect directly to your router rather than relying on Wi-Fi.
Computer Requirements
The ProctorU software you need to take the online LSAT is only compatible with Mac OS and Microsoft laptops and desktop computers. If you have a Chromebook, Linux, or tablet, you'll need to use a different computer. You must also own or have administrative rights to the computer you're using so you can download the remote-proctored LSAT program.
When choosing a desktop computer or laptop for taking the LSAT, be sure that your selection has:
- A Mac or Windows operating system
- A Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome web browser
- At least 1024 MB of RAM
- A functioning webcam and microphone
What If You Cant Meet the Requirements?
Those who lack the required equipment, internet access, or a quiet place to take the test can complete an LSAC assistance request form for help.
ProctorU Account
LSAC LawHub administers the online LSAT exam through the ProctorU proctored software program.
Scheduling
Test-takers must create a ProctorU account and wait for an email from LSACinfo@LSAT.org before they can schedule a time of day to take the LSAT. Scheduling sign-up closes two days before testing starts, so you must select a test time or pay to reschedule your exam date before then.
Getting Ready
Once you choose your test date and time, you can get any last-minute preparations squared away. LSAC recommends familiarizing yourself with the online test interface about two days before your exam. You can accomplish this by watching instructional videos and taking LSAT practice tests to learn how to navigate the real online exam.
Check-In
When your test date arrives, you'll need to log into your ProctorU account and select "Start Session" to begin the check-in process. After completing a guided system check to ensure that your computer meets the necessary test requirements, you'll need to verify your identity by submitting a photo of your face and your valid, non-digital government-issued ID.
Next, you'll need to download and install the ProctorU software and select "Begin Exam" to launch the testing interface. From there, you can log in using your LSAC username and password, and the proctor will ask you to read the exam rules aloud and agree to them by checking a box on the screen. When the proctor activates the LSAT start button, you can begin the test.
Time Limit & Breaks
During the digital exam, you'll have a 35-minute time limit to complete each of the four LSAT sections. Online test-takers also get a 10-minute break between the second and third portions of the test.
Items You Can Bring
Along with your ID, you're allowed to have the following items with you while completing the remote-proctored LSAT:
- Up to five blank sheets of unlined, lined, or graphed scratch paper
- Writing utensils (standard or mechanical pencils, ink pens, highlighters, etc.)
- A pencil sharpener and a non-mechanical eraser with no sleeve
- Tissues
- Generic, non-electric, non-corded/banded foam ear plugs
- A juice box or beverage in a plastic, non-aluminum container (20 oz/591 ml maximum)
- A non-digital, analog wristwatch
- Personal medical items (prescription eyeglasses, inhalers, hearing aids, eye drops, etc.)
Permitted Items Inspection
Before the exam, you must hold up each of these items so the proctor can inspect them.
Items You Cannot Bring
You'll also need to remove personal from the testing area before starting the LSAT. Below is a list of these items:
- Electronics
- Sunglasses
- Non-religious headwear
- Handbags
- Backpacks
- Printed material like books and notes
After the Exam
When you finish the LSAT, your proctor will ask you to destroy any used scratch paper within camera view before logging out. Score release dates differ for each test-taker.
As long as there are no holds on your account and you have an approved writing sample on file, you should receive your LSAT scores approximately three weeks after your test date.