Self-study
I was planning on taking the June LSAT remotely, since I study in the same spot each day at my home, and was hoping the familiarity might help me perform better as opposed to in-person. However, after the announcement that June will be the last chance to take the remote LSAT, I have come across multiple horror stories of remote testing experiences (proctors, timing, etc.). I want to make sure this is accurate.
I would really appreciate hearing about anyone's experiences/knowledge about taking the remote test, and or in-person. I don't plan on re-taking, so it's super important to me that I have a good experience.
Thank you and have a great day!
3
17 comments
I've taken the test remotely twice, and I had good experiences both times! The first time was definitely a little stressful and confusing because I didn't know what to expect. I would recommend having spare towels and blankets on hand to cover any windows or furniture. The first time I also took it on a desktop computer, but the second time around I took it on a Mac. I found that there were far less complications with webcams and mics when I took it on a laptop. Sometimes it's hard to understand what the proctors are saying, but they will repeat the instructions and will try to make sure things run smoothly. I've heard of people having their proctors keep their mics on during the exam, but I have not had that experience so far fortunately.
I was able to have a cup of water, an energy drink, and a snack saved for the break. I could also wear all of my jewelry, and had no issues with showing my glasses. I kept an extra sweatshirt near me, and they just had me shake it out to make sure that nothing was hidden. I also had eyedrops and a big desk lamp, and had no issues with either of those.
I will also say I was taking it at home the second time around, and my parents were extra careful with being as quiet as possible. I asked my neighbors politely to be mindful of noise and used foam earplugs during the exam. My bathroom is right next to my room, and I didn't have to be concerned about standard wifi issues. If you have a level of control over your living situation, I think that testing remotely is a great option.
During the first exam, I was staying in a house with a bunch of roommates near my college. I also asked my roommates to keep things down for a couple hours and had no issues with noise. I was concerned because we shared a bathroom and was worried it would be occupied during the break, but I luckily had no issues. Wifi was also fortunately not an issue, but I scheduled the exam to be earlier in the morning on a weekend.
It really depends on each person's situation, and I can definitely see why so many people don't recommend the remote testing experience! But from my experience, it's been okay so far :-) hoping it stays like that for the next one!
I’ve tested both ways. Hands down the in person was the best. I tested remote and had technical difficulties for the first 45 mins. My anxiety went through the roof and as a result, I believe this impacted my score. My screen froze and I couldn’t see the chat box to alert the proctor. My time ran out and no one came to assist. I had to end up calling LSAC and then the online proctor tried to say it was an irregularity that I used my phone. A mess. I plan to take my test in person for the June date.
i thought it will be implemented starting august and so june is ok?
In my opinion, the possibility of technical difficulties when remote testing is not worth the comfort/familiarity.
Scored my highest in PT and actual when I took it in a testing center earlier this year, would definitely recommend to anyone!
I live in a pretty rural area far from major cities. I traveled 4.5 hours for both of my tests last year. For me, in-person was incredibly smooth and easy. I would do it again. It was very easy to stay focused and attentive. I appreciate working from home and the comfortability of it, but I scored higher on both of my real tests in a testing center than any test I ever took at home, including untimed. Good luck!
It's after June that it's in person.
Hello, I have taken it both ways once in person and once at home. My experience at a testing center was very smooth, comfortable, and such an easy process. As for my experience at home, I had technical difficulties for an hour. I would get to almost the end of the process and then something would go wrong, I'd have to exit and restart the process all over again. Once I finally got in, started my test an hour later than I was supposed too, I was already frustrated and my anxieties were through the roof. I was constantly loosing focus trying to make sure I was in the camera frame, etc. Unfortunately, I believe those events led to me scoring poorly, significantly lower than I did my first time in a test center.
It definitely differs per person, but I highly recommend taking it in a test center especially if you get easily spooked or worked up if things don't go smoothly and perfectly. I will be taking my LSAT this April one last time and have decided to take it in a center because of my experience. Good luck! :)
I was going to do the same thing for the same reason (take at home because I've been studying there), but ended up taking it in-person. I chose to because of the paranoia I had regarding the horror stories of the strict proctors that always assume any irregularity is impropriety. Whether or not those fears were based in reality, what I can tell you is the in-person test went quite well. They provide you with noise-cancelling headphones and you never really know anybody is there. Also, to prepare for taking the test in an unfamiliar location, I took my final prep test at my office instead of my room at home, and I got one of my best scores. I'd vote to take it at the testing center so long as you have one close (mine was about 40 minutes away). Best of luck.