Is the LSAT going digital?

Is the LSAT going digital? The answer is: NOT YET.

LSAC is starting to perform field tests for writing the LSAT on a tablet. They recently had their first field test in May 2017, where they got 2,000 students (students who plan to write the LSAT in the near future) to write an LSAT on a tablet. They conducted a second digital field test in October of 2017.

They still provided scratch paper for the games and there was a stylus pen provided as well so you don’t have to rely on touching the tablet with your fingers to select your answers. For the writing section, they attached a keyboard to the tablet so you could type your answer.

LSAC says it is still undecided if this will be something they will consider implementing in the future, but for now they want to see if it would be a viable option. In my opinion, if they are running these tests it seems likely that it is only a matter of time before they make the switch. It may take a few years before they actually implement it, but it is something to keep an eye on for the future. This would likely change how you study for the test and how you road-map your questions. However, this won’t be affecting any upcoming test writers!

You can read more about it at: https://digitallsat.lsac.org/pages/faq.aspx

LSAT NEWS: Unlimited LSAT Writings & New Test Dates

As of September 2017 LSAC is no longer limiting you to 3 writings of the LSAT per 2 year period. You can now write the LSAT unlimited times. This is big news, because it allows you write the LSAT more than once without fear of “wasting” your writings.

However, you have to remember that when you submit your law school applications the law schools can see how many times you have written the test. All of your previous writings get listed on your score report and are sent with your application. In Ontario, schools say they only consider your best score, but they will see your other scores. In the US, most schools average your scores, so if you plan to apply there you don’t want to write before you are ready.

I would still advise against writing the LSAT more times than necessary. You want to write when you are fully prepared and think you will do your best. But, this new policy should alleviate some stress, as you have more chances to write if you get overcome by test jitters/nerves and don’t reach your full potential.

You can see more about the policy on the LSAC site: https://www.lsac.org/lsacreport/may2017/news.asp#policy

The other BIG news for the LSAT is that LSAC is adding an additional test sitting for 2018. There will now be a July LSAT sitting in addition to the usual June, September and November sittings. For 2019, there will be even more sittings with a sitting in January, March, June, and July already listed by LSAC, and there will likely be the usual September and November/December sitting as well.

The added dates give you more chances to write. As always, you should start preparing early for the exam, but if you don’t feel ready by your target test date you will have more test dates than ever to choose from. This will help ensure you can write the test when you are fully prepared and reach your full potential!

You can see more about the upcoming test dates at: https://www.lsac.org/docs/default-source/jd-docs/testdateweb.pdf

Upcoming 2018-2019 LSAT Test Dates – 5 exam sittings this year!!

LSAC-no-matte

2018-2019 LSAT Test Dates:

  • Monday June 11, 2018 at 12:30 pm
  • Monday July 23, 2018 at 12:30 pm
  • Saturday September 8, 2018 at 8:30 am
  • Saturday November 17, 2018 at 8:30 am
  • Saturday January 26, 2019 at 8:30 am
  • Saturday March 30, 2019 at 8:30 am
  • Monday June 3, 2019 at 12:30 pm
  • Monday July 29, 2019 at 12:30 pm

** LSAC is adding in extra test dates for you to write the test. This is NEW for the 2018 year! This will make it easier if you end up needing to re-write the LSAT. – https://www.lsac.org/docs/default-source/jd-docs/testdateweb.pdf**