Taking the LSAT Remote vs. In-Person

 

After COVID, LSAC has offered test takers the option to take the LSAT either at home in “an online, live, remotely proctored environment or in-person at a digital testing center”. There is no difference in the test content between the two options. You should simply choose the option that works the best for you and will facilitate your best performance.

Considerations in Your Decision

As mentioned, you should choose the option that will allow you to perform at your highest level. Some considerations in making this decision may be:

• Do I get distracted by external factors in a testing environment (e.g. doors opening and closing, noise from other test takers)? If this debilitates your performance significantly, in-person testing centers may not be for you. 
• Am I able to focus in a non-traditional testing environment (i.e. in your home, at a hotel room)? Some students find it difficult to focus in their own homes or remotely. In this case, testing centers may be the better option.
• Do I have the necessary technology to conduct a remote test? How good am I at handling technological difficulties if they arise? While the LSAC continually improves their remote testing technology, it has not been uncommon in the past for remote test takers to experience issues with software. If such a disruption could harmfully impact your performance, you may find it easier to test in-person. 

Equipment – What do I need? 

You can read more about the specific requirements for each option under the “Testing and Equipment Requirements” on the following link: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/frequently-asked-questions-about-lsat#requirements. Here is a quick summary:

• Remote:
  • A private, enclosed room with no transparent glass walls.
  • A laptop or computer with either Windows 8.1, MacOS 10.13 to 12.6.5, or MacOS Venture 13.3.1 and above.
  • A functioning webcam or microphone on your laptop/computer.
  • A strong Internet connection.
  • Google Chrome.
  • Administrative rights to the laptop/computer in order to download the proctoring software (may not be compatible with work or school laptops).
• In-person:
  • All equipment and materials are provided at the testing center (including scratch paper and pencils).

 

Scheduling

Scheduling for both options is done through the ProMetric ProScheduler tool. Once you have logged in, agreed to their terms and conditions, and entered your Eligibility Number, you will get the option to choose between taking the test remotely or in-person.

If you’re scheduling to take the LSAT remotely, you will be prompted to select your time zone and preferred test date.

If you’re scheduling to take the LSAT in person, you will enter your physical address and select your preferred test date.

Once you have done this, you will confirm your appointment and receive a confirmation email. More detailed information on how to schedule can be found on Prometric’s website: https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/lsac.

 

Deadlines

All deadlines, except for scheduling, are the same regardless of whether you choose to take the test remotely or in-person. This means that for any given test cycle, registration, accommodations, Score Preview, test date changes, and all other deadlines apply equally to everyone, no matter the testing format.

The only variation lies in scheduling deadlines. While scheduling opens at the same time for everyone through Prometric, it closes a few days earlier for in-person test centers compared to remote testing. This means that the scheduling period for in-person testing centers is typically around 7 days, while the scheduling period for remote testing is typically around 11 days.

To check your specific deadlines, go to the following page and select your test cycle: https://www.lsac.org/LSATdates.

 

Can I change from one to the other?

In most cases, it is easy to switch from a test center to remote testing on Prometric’s ProScheduler. There are certain exceptions if you have been approved for accommodations that require testing in-person.

If you’re changing from remote testing to in-person testing, you must do so before the seven-day period to schedule for a test center passes. Also note that test centers have limited spots, so you may not be able to get your preferred test date or test center if you’re scheduling close to the deadline. If you’re approved for accommodations that require a remote testing environment, you will not be able to switch.

For more specific information, consult the “Registering for the LSAT” section on the following website: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/frequently-asked-questions-about-lsat#requirements.

 

That is pretty much everything you need to know about remote vs. in-person testing for the LSAT! Some students who have experienced both testing environments report a significant difference in performance and experience, while others find that they’re quite similar. At the end of the day, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. The contents and requirements of the test will not change.