If you’re dreaming of a legal career, then you already know just how impactful your LSAT results will be on your education, your job prospects, and everything else....
For decades, the LSAT has been one of the stablest and most consistent institutions in the landscape of higher education. The test’s structure, subject matter, and format have remained largely the same over that time. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced even the LSAT to adapt.
Starting in 2020, LSAC—the organization that creates the LSAT—began offering the LSAT-Flex, which provided a remote testing option for students seeking admission to law school. This option was intended to be temporary, but it proved popular enough that, in 2021, LSAC decided to offer the Remote LSAT as an ongoing option.
How the Remote LSAT Is Structured
The Remote LSAT is structured exactly like the normal LSAT has been for years. The Remote LSAT consists of three scored sections: Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. Just like the in-person LSAT, the Remote LSAT also includes a fourth, unscored section, which consists of new test questions that are being considered for future LSAT exams.
It’s important to note that the Remote LSAT is overseen by a live proctor, just like the in-person LSAT. The Remote LSAT’s time constraints are identical to the in-person LSAT and are enforced just as rigorously.
One change to the structure from the pre-2021 LSAT is that the new LSAT includes a 10-minute intermission between the second and third sections of the test.
Remote LSAT Requirements
The Remote LSAT requires you to have a working computer with a reliable high-speed internet connection, as well as a microphone and camera. You should also have a quiet room available for taking the test, where you won’t be interrupted or disturbed.
Remote LSAT Accommodations
Generally speaking, the Remote LSAT offers the same testing accommodations as the in-person LSAT. This includes alternate testing formats, such as a paper-and-pencil test, or a braille test. These alternate formats of the Remote LSAT still require users to have a working computer with a camera and microphone, however.
The software for the Remote LSAT includes several user-adjustable accessibility tools, including the ability to change the text size and to implement extra line-spacing for legibility. The Remote LSAT is also designed to be compatible with screen reader accessibility software.
Whether or not you’ll need special accommodations, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the format and software by taking a free online practice test, available here.
Further accommodations may be available, however they typically require advance approval from LSAC, as well as supporting documents demonstrating your legitimate need for the accommodations you’re seeking. More information on the accommodations available for the Remote LSAT can be found here.
Is the Remote LSAT Right For You?
Given that the original motivation for the LSAC to begin offering the Remote LSAT was the COVID-19 pandemic, you should take that into account when making your decision. If you or anyone in your life is especially vulnerable (perhaps due to preexisting conditions), the remote option may be right for you.
Next, consider your history with test-taking and what kind of environment works best for you to achieve the best possible results. Do you get extra motivation, focus, and energy by being in a room full of other people working hard at the same task? Or does the pressure make you freeze up? Further, if you require special accommodations, consider whether you’ll be best served by taking the test remotely or by taking it in-person, where a proctor can provide assistance and guidance should any unforeseen issues arise.
You should also think clearly about whether your home or office (or some other space where you might take the Remote LSAT) will actually offer ideal conditions for focusing through the entire duration of the test. The LSAT is a very challenging and demanding test, and it requires you to focus intently for a long period of time. It’s essential that you have an environment as free from distractions and interruptions as possible. For some of us, our home is our sanctuary, and the place where we can do our best work. For others, our home offers endless distractions and interruptions.
How to Prepare for the Remote LSAT
The first thing you should do to prepare for the Remote LSAT is to assess your testing environment. Identify the most ideal place for you to work without distractions or interruptions for several hours. Make sure that space is clean and quiet.
Next, make sure your computer and internet are working reliably. You can perform an internet speed test here.
Once you’ve prepared your testing environment, gather all the materials you’ll be required and allowed to keep with you on test day. Finally, take a full-length online practice test. Note: you should be taking several full-length practice tests regardless of whether you plan to take the LSAT remotely or in-person, since this is the best way to prepare for the actual test and to gauge your progress. But taking a full-length practice test is especially important if you’re planning to take the Remote LSAT. Only a full-length practice test will ensure that your testing environment and equipment will work for you on the date of your actual test.
Conclusion
Now you have all the information you need to determine whether the Remote LSAT is the best option for you. Your next step is prepping for the actual subject matter of the exam. Whether you’re taking the LSAT remotely or in-person, MyGuru’s world-class LSAT tutors will be able to help you supercharge your test-prep so you can maximize your score on test day.