https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat

UPDATE: Coronavirus and the LSAT

Last Updated April 7, 2020

All of us at LSAC are saddened by the COVID-19 outbreaks affecting so many countries and communities around the world. Our hearts go out to all of the individuals, families, and communities that have been affected. We are working with global, national, and local officials to comply with local health directives and guidance, while striving to address the needs of test takers and schools.

The continued devastating impact of the COVID-19 virus on communities throughout North America, and the growing restrictions on travel and public gatherings have led us to reluctantly conclude that we cannot administer the April 2020 LSAT, even in smaller groups with strict candidate separation and other health and safety measures. Given the intense candidate interest in testing this spring for the fall 2020 admission cycle, we had been working to preserve every possible opportunity to deliver the April test in at least some locations with appropriate health and safety measures. While the ongoing restrictions on travel and public gatherings make that impossible, we have been working hard to develop alternatives.

In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we will be offering an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT — called the LSAT-Flex:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/lsat-flex

in the second half of May for test takers who were registered for the April test. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic closely and will make other LSAT-Flex test dates available this spring and summer if the situation warrants. We plan to resume the in-person LSAT once conditions allow, in strict accordance with public health authorities and using all necessary health and safety measures. In the meantime, the remotely proctored LSAT-Flex will provide candidates with the opportunity to earn an LSAT score even if the COVID-19 crisis makes it impossible to deliver the test in-person.

Candidates currently registered for the April 2020 LSAT will be automatically registered to take the LSAT-Flex in the second half of May unless they choose to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. If you wish to proceed, please take a moment to review the technical requirements:

https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507

and fill out the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

·What is the status of the April 25 LSAT in the United States and Canada?

In response to the growing COVID-19 public health crisis, LSAC has canceled the April LSAT in all locations.

To address the needs of candidates who want to test this spring, we will be providing an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT, called LSAT-Flex, in the second half of May for all test takers who were registered for the April 2020 LSAT.

Candidates currently registered for the April 2020 LSAT will be automatically registered to take the LSAT-Flex in the second half of May unless they choose to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. If you wish to proceed, please take a moment to review the technical requirements:

https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507

and fill out the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

to let us know whether or not you think you will need assistance. We are committed to broad access and will work with all test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. We will also work with any candidates who may need our assistance with access to computer equipment or other necessary hardware.

April registrants who do not wish to take the LSAT-Flex in May should use the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

to indicate that they would prefer to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. This coupon will cover the full price of the test date it is used for. This form must be submitted no later than April 15, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

·What is the status of the upcoming international LSAT administration, scheduled for June 27 or 28, depending on the region?

The June international LSAT administration is currently scheduled to proceed as planned. We will continue to monitor updates and guidance from national and local health officials and will provide additional information as soon as possible. Currently, based on direction from Chinese health officials, we have delayed the opening of registration for the June 28 LSAT in China until closer to the test date. Should it become necessary to close or move testing centers in certain countries related to the June test, we will communicate directly with all affected candidates and work to reschedule them to another test center or another date.

·I was registered for the March 2020 or April 2020 LSAT, and I have a previously canceled LSAT score. Can I restore my previously canceled score?

Due to the cancelation of the March 2020 LSAT administration and the uncertainty about the April 2020 LSAT administration, LSAC is providing March 2020 and April 2020 registrants who have a previously canceled score the opportunity to review their previously canceled score and restore it if they choose.

March 2020 and April 2020 registrants who have a previously canceled score will receive an email informing them of their previously canceled score and the process for reviewing and restoring it if they choose. Candidates who choose to restore a previously canceled score may not re-cancel it in the future; it will be a permanent part of their candidate record. Once a candidate chooses to restore their score, it may take up to 3 business days for the change to occur in their candidate record. Once the candidate record has been updated, the system will generate a new report to any school to which they have applied during this cycle, usually within 48 hours.

Eligible candidates with questions should contact the Candidate Services team at 215.968.1001 or LSACinfo@LSAC.org.

·What steps are being taken to protect health and well-being at LSAT test sites in response to the Coronavirus outbreak?

In response to the growing COVID-19 public health crisis, LSAC made the difficult decision to cancel the March and April LSATs in all locations worldwide. LSAC will continue to operate in accordance with the guidance provided by the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other public health agencies. Canceling the March and April tests was a difficult step, but we believe it was the most responsible course of action to protect test takers, test center personnel, and the broader community.

To address the needs of candidates who want to test this spring, we will be providing an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT, called LSAT-Flex, in the second half of May for all test takers who were registered for the April 2020 LSAT. Candidates currently registered for the April 2020 LSAT will be automatically registered to take the LSAT-Flex in the second half of May unless they choose to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. If you wish to proceed, please take a moment to review the technical requirements:

https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507

and fill out the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

to let us know whether or not you think you will need assistance. We are committed to broad access and will work with all test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. We will also work with any candidates who may need our assistance with access to computer equipment or other necessary hardware. We are still working out the scheduling details and will announce the exact date and instructions for test takers no later than April 17, 2020.

April registrants who do not wish to take the LSAT-Flex in May should use the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

to indicate that they would prefer to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. This coupon will cover the full price of the test date it is used for. This form must be submitted no later than April 15, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

Please know that prior to each administration, all of LSAC’s testing equipment is sanitized. In addition, test takers are deliberately separated from one another while taking the test.

We have amended our test taker rules to allow students to wear masks that cover their nose and mouth if they wish, and to allow students to bring an appropriate-sized container of hand sanitizer to the test.

We will continue to work with public health authorities to explore additional recommendations on test administration.

·Can I wear a face mask at my LSAT test?

We recognize that in the current Coronavirus situation, some test takers may feel more comfortable wearing a mask while taking the LSAT in a public setting with other people.

Beginning with the April LSAT and until further notice, test takers who wish to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth to the test center are permitted to do so, with the following provisions:

1. Test takers may be asked to briefly remove their masks during the checking of government-issued photo IDs. This is necessary for testing staff to make a positive identification.

2. Test takers will be allowed to wear their masks while testing.

3. Test takers may also be asked to briefly remove their masks when their identification is checked following the break after test section 3 or after any restroom break.

Please note that test centers will not be responsible for providing masks or disposing of them for test takers.

·Can I bring hand sanitizer to my LSAT test?

Beginning with the April LSAT and until further notice, test takers will be allowed to have a small container of hand sanitizer (preferably travel size, but no larger than an 8 oz. container) on their desktops or in their ziplock bags (subject to inspection).

·Is it safe to take a standardized test in a large group setting, given concerns over the spread of the Coronavirus?

We are monitoring the COVID-19 virus situation carefully and paying close attention to the guidance of public health authorities. Throughout this process, our highest priority will be the health and well-being of test takers, test center personnel, and the public.

In response to the growing COVID-19 emergency, health officials are urging businesses, organizations, and individuals to limit travel or activities that could accelerate the spread of the disease and cause our health systems to become overwhelmed. Because of this, LSAC made the difficult decision to cancel the March and April tests to assist with the social distancing that public health authorities are urging in order to slow the spread of this disease; we believe this is the most responsible course of action to protect test takers, test center personnel, and the broader community.

To address the needs of candidates who want to test this spring, we will be providing an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT, called LSAT-Flex, in the second half of May for all test takers who were registered for the April 2020 LSAT. Candidates currently registered for the April 2020 LSAT will be automatically registered to take the LSAT-Flex in the second half of May unless they choose to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. If you wish to proceed, please take a moment to review the technical requirements:

https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507

and fill out the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

to let us know whether or not you think you will need assistance. We are committed to broad access and will work with all test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. We will also work with any candidates who may need our assistance with access to computer equipment or other necessary hardware. We are still working out the scheduling details and will announce the exact date and instructions for test takers no later than April 17, 2020.

April registrants who do not wish to take the LSAT-Flex in May should use the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

to indicate that they would prefer to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. This coupon will cover the full price of the test date it is used for. This form must be submitted no later than April 15, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

We will continuously monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

General Qs on the Admission Process

·Will schools extend their application/commitment deadlines?

This is up to each school, and you should check schools’ websites to see if they have announced any global extensions. You can also email the admissions offices to ask this question. An informal survey conducted in mid-March found that more than 60% of law schools who responded had extended deadlines or were planning to, either for all applicants or on a case-by-case basis, and that percentage has probably increased since the time the survey was conducted.

·How will schools view Pass/Fail grades?

Law schools are fully aware of and understand that many undergraduate schools are going to some version of a pass/fail grading system for spring 2020. In fact, many law schools are making the same decision for their current students. Law schools will be understanding of the situation and will not penalize any applicant for having Pass/Fail grades. LSAC will place a letter in the CAS report of every applicant enrolled during spring 2020, to remind law schools going forward that the semester was one in which many schools changed their grading systems in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

·What’s going to happen with the April test?

In response to the growing COVID-19 public health crisis, LSAC has canceled the April LSAT in all locations.

To address the needs of candidates who want to test this spring, we will be providing an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT, called LSAT-Flex, in the second half of May for all test takers who were registered for the April 2020 LSAT. Candidates currently registered for the April 2020 LSAT will be automatically registered to take the LSAT-Flex in the second half of May unless they choose to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. If you wish to proceed, please take a moment to review the technical requirements:

https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507

and fill out the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

to let us know whether or not you think you will need assistance. We are committed to broad access and will work with all test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. We will also work with any candidates who may need our assistance with access to computer equipment or other necessary hardware. We are still working out the scheduling details and will announce the exact date and instructions for test takers no later than April 17, 2020.

April registrants who do not wish to take the LSAT-Flex in May should use the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

to indicate that they would prefer to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. This coupon will cover the full price of the test date it is used for. This form must be submitted no later than April 15, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

·How will schools look at the fact that my summer internship was canceled?

Again, law schools understand that COVID-19 pandemic forced many changes that affect students’ summer plans. If your summer internship has been canceled, you should explain that when you apply to law school, and you should also discuss how you adjusted to the unexpected developments resulting from the pandemic.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4502015&forum_id=1#39966106)

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/lsat-flex

Introducing LSAT-Flex

In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we are introducing an online, remotely-proctored version of the LSAT — called the LSAT-Flex — in the second half of May for test takers who were registered for the April 2020 test. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic closely and will make other LSAT-Flex test dates available this spring and summer if the situation warrants. We plan to resume the in-person LSAT once conditions allow, in strict accordance with public health authorities and using all necessary health and safety measures. In the meantime, the remotely proctored LSAT-Flex will provide candidates with the opportunity to earn an LSAT score even if the COVID-19 crisis makes it impossible to deliver the test in-person.

We will announce the exact date and instructions for the May LSAT-Flex no later than Friday, April 17. We are working hard amid this crisis to create new ways for candidates to take the LSAT and get their score in a timely manner. We know how important the LSAT is to candidates and schools, and also to fairness and integrity in law school admission, which advances access and equity in legal education. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we all work through this extraordinary situation together.

Here are some key facts about the LSAT-Flex test:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/lsat-flex/key-facts

·LSAT-Flex will provide the high levels of security, validity, reliability, accessibility, and fairness that candidates and schools rely upon from the LSAT.

·LSAT-Flex will be composed of genuine LSAT questions that have been developed and tested in accordance with our rigorous standards and processes.

·LSAT-Flex will be delivered in the same format as the free Official LSAT Prep practice tests available on LSAC’s LawHub, so you can familiarize yourself with the format now:

https://www.lsac.org/lsat/prep

·To ensure the highest levels of security and validity, all LSAT-Flex test takers will be monitored by live remote proctors via the camera and microphone in the test takers’ computer. The video and audio feed will be recorded, and further reviewed by human reviewers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques.

·LSAT-Flex can be accessed by test takers with a laptop or desktop computer with a Windows or Mac operating system to provide wide access for test takers. Learn more about the computer and testing environment requirements:

https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507

·To meet the anticipated demand and the needs of the remote testing solution, LSAT-Flex will be composed of three 35-minute scored sections (compared to the four 35-minute scored sections plus an unscored section in the traditional test).

·LSAT-Flex will include one section each of Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning. Test takers will continue to take LSAT Writing separate from the multiple-choice portion of the test.

·LSAC is committed to working with LSAT-Flex test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. All test takers who have already been approved to receive accommodations for the April 2020 LSAT test date will receive the same or equivalent accommodations for the LSAT-Flex administration. Accommodated test takers who registered for the April LSAT can expect to receive additional details and information directly from LSAC regarding their approved accommodations in the context of LSAT-Flex.

·Test takers will receive a score on the standard 120-180 LSAT range, as well as a percentile ranking. Because all LSAT-Flex questions are actual LSAT questions that have gone through a multi-year process of development and pre-testing, LSAT-Flex results enable LSAC to accurately predict standard LSAT scores. Scores for the LSAT-Flex will have an annotation that the test was administered in the online, remotely proctored format.

·We anticipate LSAT-Flex scores will be released approximately two weeks after testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

·Who is eligible for the LSAT-Flex?

For the first administration of the LSAT-Flex, which will occur in the second half of May 2020, anyone who was registered for the April 2020 LSAT as of April 7 is eligible, including March registrants who were moved to the April test when March was canceled. Depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, it is possible we may administer one or more additional LSAT-Flex exams, but it is too soon to tell.

·What kind of equipment do I need in order to take the LSAT-Flex?

To provide broad availability to test takers, LSAT-Flex can be accessed by test takers with a laptop or desktop computer with either a Windows or Mac operating system. Learn more about the computer and testing environment requirements:

https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507

We encourage test takers to test their machine well in advance using ProctorU's convenient tool, and we encourage candidates to familiarize themselves with the online format and user interface by trying our free practice tests on LawHub:

https://www.lsac.org/node/2531

·What will the LSAT-Flex be like?

The LSAT-Flex will be very much like the standard LSAT. It will be composed of genuine LSAT questions that have been developed and tested in accordance with our rigorous standards and processes. To meet the anticipated demand and the needs of the remote testing solution, LSAT-Flex will be composed of three 35-minute scored sections (compared to the four 35-minute scored sections plus an unscored section in the traditional test). Every LSAT-Flex will include one section each of Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning. Test takers will continue to take LSAT Writing separately from the multiple-choice portion of the test.

·How long is the LSAT-Flex?

To meet the anticipated demand and the needs of the remote testing solution, LSAT-Flex will be composed of three 35-minute scored sections (compared to the four 35-minute scored sections plus an unscored section in the traditional test). The test will take approximately 2 hours for standard test takers.

·When will I get my score from the LSAT-Flex?

We anticipate LSAT-Flex scores will be released approximately two weeks after testing.

·Will my score be comparable to a score from the standard LSAT?

Yes. Test takers will receive a score on the standard 120-180 LSAT range as well as a percentile ranking. Because all LSAT-Flex questions are actual LSAT questions that have gone through a multi-year process of development and pre-testing, LSAT-Flex results enable LSAC to accurately predict standard LSAT scores. Scores for the LSAT-Flex will have an annotation that the test was administered in the online, remotely proctored format.

·What if I was approved for testing accommodations for the April LSAT? Will I still have my accommodations with LSAT-Flex?

Yes. LSAC is committed to working with LSAT-Flex test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. All test takers who were approved to receive accommodations for the April 2020 LSAT test date will receive the same or equivalent accommodations for the LSAT-Flex test being administered in the second half of May 2020. In the coming weeks, LSAC will communicate directly with each of the April registrants with approved accommodations who decide to take the May LSAT-Flex, regarding their approved accommodations in the context of LSAT-Flex.

·How can I prepare for the LSAT-Flex?

LSAT-Flex will be delivered in the same format as the free Official LSAT Prep practice tests available on LSAC’s LawHub, so you can familiarize yourself with the format now:

https://www.lsac.org/lsat/prep

·Do I still need to take LSAT Writing? When can I do that, and how?

Yes, LSAT Writing is a part of the LSAT, and if you have not already have a writing sample from a previous LSAT, you should complete LSAT Writing as soon as possible after you take LSAT-Flex. Most law schools will not consider your file complete until you have completed LSAT Writing. LSAT Writing is included with your test registration fee and will be available in your online account beginning on the day of your LSAT-Flex administration.

·How will LSAC ensure the test is secure?

We know that the security, integrity, and validity of the LSAT are important to candidates and schools, so we are taking many steps to ensure the security of the LSAT-Flex. All LSAT-Flex test takers will be monitored by live remote proctors via the camera and microphone in the test takers’ computers. The video and audio feed will be recorded, and further reviewed by human reviewers and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques.

·Can ProctorU get personal information from my computer?

No, ProctorU cannot access your computer files without your knowledge.

·What if I don't have all the equipment that I need to use the remote proctoring option (i.e., a webcam, etc.)?

LSAC is committed to ensuring that every test taker has the equipment and other resources they need to take the LSAT-Flex. For candidates who do not have the necessary computer equipment or other necessary hardware, we will work with them to try to provide loaner devices or other solutions if appropriate.

·What if I don’t have a private and/or quiet room in which to take the test due to my personal living situation during the COVID-19 emergency?

We understand that some candidates may not have access to a quiet or private room in which to take a remotely proctored test, particularly during this time of disruption and social distancing due to the COVID-19 emergency. If you do not have an appropriate place to test in your home, please contact Candidate Services at LSACinfo@LSAC.org or 215.968.1001 to discuss your situation and see if we can help identify potential solutions in your area.

·What happens if I lose my internet connection, or have other technical difficulties?

In most cases, the remote proctoring system will save your progress and pause the test while the technical issue is resolved, then restart the test and allow the student to resume where they left off.

·What will LSAT-Flex cost?

The LSAT-Flex test will have the same price as the standard LSAT.

·Will there be a break during the test?

The LSAT-Flex will not include breaks for standard test takers.

·When exactly will the test be administered?

The first administration of the LSAT-Flex will occur in the second half of May for test takers who were registered for the April test. We are finalizing the scheduling and other details and will announce the exact date and instructions for the May LSAT-Flex no later than Friday, April 17. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we all work through this extraordinary situation together.

·Will I be able to choose my testing time?

Yes, test takers will be able to view available testing times online and choose the available time that works best for them. We will be sending out instructions and finalized dates on or before April 17.

·Can I schedule for another time that is not LSAT-Flex?

Yes, April registrants who do not wish to take the LSAT-Flex in May can choose any one of the other published LSAT test dates until April 2021, without having to pay a test date change fee.

·Can I take the May LSAT-Flex if I wasn’t registered for the March or April test?'

Unfortunately, only individuals who were registered for the April 2020 LSAT as of April 7 are eligible to take this first administration of the LSAT-Flex in the second half of May, in order to provide those candidates a way to test since their tests had to be canceled due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, it is possible we may administer one or more additional LSAT-Flex exams in the months ahead, but it is too soon to tell.

·I was originally scheduled for March or April, but I proactively switched to a later test due to the COVID-19 emergency. Can I take the May LSAT-Flex, given that I was originally registered for the March or April test?

Please contact Candidate Services at LSACinfo@LSAC.org or 215.968.1001 for assistance.

·Will this test format be offered over the long term even when things get better?

It is too soon to speculate on whether the LSAT-Flex format will continue to be offered after the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a threat to public health and safety. Right now, we are focused on trying to ensure that everyone who wants to take the LSAT to pursue their legal education goals has the opportunity to test, even during this unprecedented time of disruption due to the COVID-19 emergency.

to let us know whether or not you think you will need assistance. We are committed to broad access and will work with all test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. We will also work with any candidates who may need our assistance with access to computer equipment or other necessary hardware.

April registrants who do not wish to take the LSAT-Flex in May should use the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes

to indicate that they would prefer to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. This coupon will cover the full price of the test date it is used for. This form must be submitted no later than April 15, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

We will announce the exact date and instructions for the May LSAT-Flex no later than Friday, April 17. We are working hard amid this crisis to create new ways for you to take the LSAT and get your score in a timely manner because we know how important it is to you and to fairness and integrity in law school admission, which advances access and equity in legal education. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we all work through this extraordinary situation together.

For more information about the online, remotely proctored LSAT called the LSAT-Flex, including technical requirements, see our LSAT-Flex page:

https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/lsat-flex

Additionally, LSAC is continuing to work with our member law schools that are still accepting applications for fall 2020 enrollment, to help expand flexibility on deadlines for their candidates. Our member law schools work hard to support candidates, and we are confident that our admission community will continue to respond to this extraordinary crisis with compassion and agility.

LSAC is committed to doing everything possible to provide candidates with the assessment and other services needed, while following public health guidance to ensure the safety of test takers and the broader community.

We will continue to provide regular updates as this situation unfolds. See below for more information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4502015&forum_id=1#39966109)