LSAT-Flex FAQs
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) suspended in-person LSATs and began offering the LSAT-Flex, an online version of the LSAT that prospective law students take at home. Each test taker is paired with a remote proctor who monitors the test-taking environment before and during the test.
Is the format of the test different than the in-person LSAT?
Yes. Because of proctoring issues and other considerations, the LSAT-Flex is significantly shorter than the in-person LSAT. Rather than four 35-minute sections, the LSAT-Flex includes only three 35-minute sections, one each of Logical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games). There is no second Logical Reasoning section, nor an experimental section. Another important change is that, unlike the in-person LSAT, the LSAT-Flex is offered over multiple days of test week at many different times.
Should these changes affect the way I study for the test?
Yes. Because there are half as many Logical Reasoning questions, each correct answer in this section has a greater impact on your final score than on the regular LSAT. This isn't to say that the Logical Reasoning questions are weighted more than Reading Comprehension and Analytical Reasoning questions; each question is weighted the same across sections. It simply means that missing 10 Logical Reasoning questions on the LSAT-Flex will affect your score much more than missing 10 on the in-person LSAT. If Logical Reasoning is a problem area for you, you'll want to get in as many extra drills as possible before the test.
The good news, however, is that with the LSAT-Flex you can set up your testing environment for practice tests to be identical to the conditions under which you will take the real test. If possible, set up your testing area weeks ahead of time so you can use it when drilling and taking full practice tests.
What time is the test?
Roughly two weeks before the test, you will receive an email informing you that the window to schedule your test will open in the next day or so, along with instructions on how to schedule it. Unlike the in-person LSAT, the LSAT-Flex is offered over a period of multiple days during test week. There will be a range of dates and times to schedule your test. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you look out for this email so you can schedule your test as soon as possible to maximize your flexibility.
What time should I schedule the test?
It really depends on what works best for you. Maybe you do your best work first thing in the morning. Maybe you like to have more time before the test so you can complete your test day routine (yoga, light exercise, etc.) There's no right or wrong answer.
What are the requirements for the testing environment?
The LSAT-Flex must be taken on a laptop or desktop computer, running either Windows or Mac operating systems, with a working microphone and webcam. The computer must be situated on a flat surface in a private room where you will be undisturbed for the duration of test. Prior to the test, make sure to visit ProctorU, the remote proctoring service for the LSAT-Flex, to ensure your computer meets the system requirements. You should also have a strong, stable, and (if possible) wired internet connection. Prior to the test, the proctor will ask you to rotate your computer screen or webcam so they can verify that you are alone in the room and there are no prohibited items accessible to you.
What if my internet cuts out during the test?
The proctor will automatically pause the test and wait for you to reconnect. As long as your internet reconnects within your testing window, you will be able to return to the test. It is up to the proctor's discretion, however, whether to cancel the test on account of multiple or excessively long outages.
What if I don't have access to the necessary equipment or living space?
If you cannot meet these test-taking requirements, let the Law School Admissions Council know as soon as possible after signing up for the LSAT-Flex. They are committed to working with candidates to meet their testing needs by lending equipment and providing other resources.
What can I have with me on test day?
On the desk of your workstation, you may have:
- Five sheets of blank scratch paper
- Your valid government-issued photo ID
- Writing utensils, including mechanical and non-mechanical pencils and ink pens
- One highlighter, one eraser, and one pencil sharpener
- Tissues
- Non-electronic foam ear plugs
- A beverage in a clear plastic container or juice box, maximum 20 ounces
What is prohibited on test day?
Basically everything that isn't on the above list must be made inaccessible to you during the test. That means all electronic devices must be removed from the room or placed in a drawer you cannot access from your desk. That includes cell phones, headphones/earbuds (aside from special accommodations), electronic cigarettes, and calculators. You can find a more exhaustive list of prohibited items on the LSAC website here.
When will the LSAT be administered in person again?
This is currently unclear, in part because of the unpredictability of the COVID-19 crisis and in part because LSAC may or may not continue administrating the LSAT-Flex for the foreseeable future, regardless of what happens with the pandemic. At this time, it is too early to speculate.