The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has recently released information about the new digital version of the LSAT that is set to launch in July 2019. While the structure and format of the test is completely unchanged, many potential test-takers have reservations about taking the test in an electronic format. If you’re looking to take the LSAT soon and would rather do so with the traditional paper-and-pencil format, plan to take the test this June!

Can I still choose to take the test under the paper-and-pencil format?

No. The last guaranteed opportunity to take the test under the traditional paper-and-pencil format is June 2019. The July 2019 test administration will randomly split test-takers into two groups, digital and paper-and-pencil, to ensure a proper transition to the digital format. However, test-takers will have no prior knowledge of which group they’ll be assigned to. After the July administration, all future LSAT tests will be administered under the digital format.

Can I use scratch paper to take notes and work through problems?

Yes. Scratch paper and a pen will be provided to all test-takers. Also, the LSAC will provide test-takers with a stylus pen that can be used to highlight and underline text on the tablet.

What is the orientation of the tablets? Will they be flat or upright?

The tablets will have a stand built into them that will allow them to be tilted slightly upward or kept flat.

Will I be able to mark questions to come back to?

Yes. The tablet will have a navigation bar at the bottom of the screen that displays all of the question numbers for a section. Test-takers can “flag” a question and a flag will appear above that question’s number in the navigation bar. Test-takers can click on a flag at any time and it will take them back to that question.

How will I take the Writing Sample?

The Writing Sample will be separate from the LSAT and administered on a secure online platform (meaning that the Writing Sample will now be typed). Test-takers will be able to schedule and take the Writing Sample at a time and place of their choosing.

How should I prepare to take the test digitally?

On www.lsac.org, test-takers can find a tutorial designed to get them acquainted with how the tablet test works. While test-takers can access the tutorial on a laptop, desktop, tablet, or even smartphone, it’s best for test takers to do so on a tablet if they have access to one, since that will best approximate the experience of taking the digital LSAT.

It’s important to reiterate that all current LSAT prep materials will continue to be useful in preparing for the digital version of the test. The format and structure of the test will be unchanged.

Upcoming LSAT Dates (2019-2020):

• Monday, June 3, 2019 (last pencil-and-paper administration) Registration deadline 4/24
• Monday, July 15, 2019 (transition to digital format: test takers will be randomly assigned either a digital or paper-and-pencil version of the exam) Registration deadline 6/4
• Saturday, September 21, 2019
• Monday, October 28, 2019
• Monday, November 25, 2019
• Monday, January 13, 2020
• Saturday, February 22, 2019
• Monday, March 30, 2020
• Saturday, April 25, 2020

If you have any questions about the LSAT or the law school admissions process in general, please contact Maki Gorchynsky at (303) 396-3676 or via email at maki@mosereducaitonal.com.