Everything You Need to Know About the LSAT-Flex

COVID-19 has been changing the norms of our everyday lives, including the law school admissions process. Trying to grab a spot to take the LSAT or other examinations may be tedious due to the constant last-minute cancellations for testing centers. In order to accommodate the stay-at-home orders and avoid the inevitable cancellations, the Law School Admissions Council has released the LSAT-Flex, an online version of the LSAT taken at the comfort of your own home! In case you’re just starting to familiarize yourself with the LSAT-Flex, we’ve put together this quick guide with everything you need to know.

Technical Requirements

The LSAT-Flex must be taken on a laptop or computer. The testing software is not available on phones, tablets, or Google Chromebooks. To make sure your laptop or computer meets all of the technical requirements, go here: https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/articles/115011772748-Equipment-Requirements. The LSAT-Flex is administered via a program called ProctorU, which has been previously known to run the GMAT, GRE, and some AP tests. You will be timed and monitored during the exam. Your device must have a webcam and microphone.

Same Content, just Shortened

Unlike the original LSAT with five sections, the LSAT-Flex has been shortened to three, making the time needed to take the test up to two hours. The three sections of the test are:

• Logical Reasoning (35 mins)
• Reading Comprehension (35 mins)
• Logic Games (35 mins)

All sections are graded equally

Each section makes up one-third of your cumulative score. The test is still scored on a 120-180 scale. Make sure you take practice exams in the format above with three sections instead of doing 5 sections so that you can accurately gauge your pacing and score.

Law Schools will accept the LSAT-Flex in lieu of the traditional LSAT

Have no fear, law schools have stated they recognize the LSAT-Flex as any other LSAT exam. However, since it is equally recognized as a real test, treat it as a real test. Only take the LSAT-Flex if you feel ready and have studied enough to confidently take it.

Scratch paper is allowed on the LSAT-Flex

Test-takers are limited to 5 sheets of scratch paper. It is recommended to use the standard 8.5x11 inches in order to avoid any restrictions (this is typically the regular notebook and printer paper). Lined, unlined, or graphing paper are all accepted for the test. Sticking to a legal pad is also is a good option for scratch paper on the test. To learn more about what you are allowed to have with you during the test, check the list here: https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/lsat-flex.   

Accommodations can be made for students with disabilities or those who don’t have access to a computer or laptop

LSAC offers a number of accommodations for students with disabilities. The full list of possible accommodations is listed here: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsac-policy-accommodations-test-takers-disabilities. To request accommodations, you must be already registered for the LSAT. If it is your first time taking the test and requesting accommodations, you will be required to provide documentation. For information on what documentation you need to submit, go here: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsac-policy-accommodations-test-takers-disabilities/documentation-requirements. 

If you don’t have the proper device to take the LSAT-Flex, notify the LSAC so they can loan one to you. In the events of an unsuitable environment or internet, you may request to take it outside of your home at a university or comfortable administration center with a small group of other test-takers. To request equipment or accommodations, you can log into your LSAC account and go to https://os.lsac.org/LSAT/accommodations/AccomInfo.aspx or email LSAC at [email protected]. You can also call LSAC at (215) 966-6625 or (855) 384-2253 (toll-free).

There is a score preview option

LSAC offers a score preview option for LSAT-Flex test-takers interested in previewing their score to decide on keeping or canceling it. However, Score Preview is only allowed for students taking the LSAT for the first time and it is only available if you pay $45 to sign-up before the test and $75 if you sign-up for it after the test. 

There are still testing limits

Although this is a newly administered test, it is still recognized as an actual LSAT exam. Currently, the LSAC allows students to take the test up to three times annually, and seven times within a lifetime. 

Conclusion

In light of the pandemic passing and the world being able to return to normal, the LSAC hopes to begin administering paper-written LSAT exams once it is safe to do so. For now, the LSAT-Flex is predominantly the next best option, with far more advantages as well in terms of at-home convenience and being less time-consuming. This also leaves a major question as to whether this new testing format is a better option for the future of LSAT testing, but there is plenty of time to experiment with this idea. You can stay up-to-date with announcements from LSAC by checking: 

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

#leguplegal #lawschooladmissions #lsat-flex #lsat #lsac