Hi all,
I'll be writing my LSAT remotely. Has anyone done this recently? I am nervous because I've read HORROR STORIES online about the proctor experience and clunky interruptions, and how it just makes one's anxiety even worse.
Program tech issues
Hour-late proctors
Proctors not turning off their mic in a call centre
Proctors switching up mid-exam
Continual security checks even with the initial one completed
General interruptions or proctor messing with your mouse control
However, those posts are a bit dated. Any insight would be great.
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14 comments
I was SO nervous about taking it remotely. Thank gosh, I had no real problems. I had some wifi problems but it only caused me to need to restart the check-in process. Before I started, I kindly asked the proctor to turn off their mic, not interrupt, and I would let them know if I needed anything and although I am sure they were readily aware, it helped ease my mind vocalizing it. They were all very kind and helpful. I hope this helps a little and good luck!
@Kihla333 Hi there, did you have to do a lot prior to testing? Like setup wise? I’m also planning on using earplugs and tissues and have meds in case I need them and I don’t think they’ve banned these but I’m still a bit scared they’ll yell at me 😭
I’m also terrified of using start-stop in case my saved cross outs get deleted
I’m planning on also increasing the size of the screen by using a shift plus key or like by the settings at the start and I’m wondering if this will cause any issues. Please lmk if you had any experience with any of these! Thanks!!
@ryumi Hey! Prior to testing, there were kind of two separate check-ins. They had one just confirming everything, then the real check-in where they’ll have you show them your outlet for your charger (it needs to be plugged into the wall), your chair, desk, arms, behind your ears, and all the random things. It took maybe 10 minutes max.
For the meds and other things, you should be good! I had my pills with me. I would just make sure your earplugs are foam, since those are the only ones allowed. For tissues, I would maybe take them out of any packaging with writing on it just in case!
I have no clue if you can zoom in/out. Since they have you download all the locked browsers and everything, I’m not sure if it allows that, but worst case, it just won’t let you if you try.
The start/stop was not a problem at all for me. Just make sure you don’t leave the camera view because you’ll need to restart the check-in. Good luck!!
@Kihla333 Could you tell me more about the second camera, please? What is it supposed to be pointing towards?
@mjfromcanada Hi, I'm not sure if I know what you're referring to by second camera. Are you talking about if you do not have a camera built into your computer you will be using? If so, in that case I think they just require you to connect one so they can see you in the frame.
@mjfromcanada Sorry, I’m just now realizing what you mean! I took it in April before this was a new requirement, so I’m not completely sure. But I think it’s supposed to show your computer to make sure you don’t have any test materials hidden that the camera inside your computer wouldnt be able to see.
@Kihla333 Thank you!
welp I just ended up with a horror story lmao, the timer did not show up at all during my exam nor did my start stop accomodations
@ryumi Sorry to hear! I am crossing my fingers for you, friend. While there were those challenges, do you feel that they impacted your performance?
@CarmelaS I didn't even get to take the exam (I only saw two questions total) as my proctor advised me to close the app and go to tech support, and I'm hoping to reschedule :/
I hope my story doesn't scare people. I wanted it to be an example that if something does indeed go wrong, the LSAC team is helpful in acknowledging the issue and working to reset your exam.
I took the writing portion a few days ago and had a horrible experience. Upon getting past the lobby, I had some technical issues that weren't caught during the system check. I reset and everything appeared fine. I started the exam and next thing I know my test was getting put back into a lobby after 20 seconds of no activity and my test would scroll back to the top while I was typing. I then spent 15 minutes working through three different technical support technicians using the mandatory downloaded Guardian extension before the issue was fixed. Ultimately, it was something on their end with either their system or the proctor, as they ultimately reset me to the beginning and assigned me a new proctor. While this fixed the issue, I lost fifteen minutes of time. Luckily, I was able to call LSAC Support immediately after the test, file an official complaint via phone, and get my test reset.
Recommended tips to help others in the future:
-The second you start to experience issues, whether in the lobby, the pre-test portal page, or the test itself. Immediately use the ProctorU Guardian Extension and state the issue in customer support. Don't proceed until the issue is fixed. Once fixed, you can copy and paste the logs after the exam and save them for an official record of the issue.
-If you started the exam, whether they fixed it or not, the exam clock will still go to zero until complete. I rushed through the writing portion in 35 minutes. Don't despair, LSAC customer support was phenomenal, the wait took over 30 minutes, but they understood the issue and reset the writing portion in less than 10 minutes.
-It is important to ensure to record logs of the issue. This is your conversation with technical support. While on the line with LSAC, they stated they reached out to ProctorU to validate the issue, i.e. the logs. I copied and pasted the logs into Docs prior to calling LSAC just in case ProctorU didn't have any record.
-While the situation was extremely stressful, I kept telling myself to breathe to help ease the sudden increase in stress. I knew I had a valid case to make with LSAC.
Took the August lsat remotely and it was a breeze and no stress or issues.
@futurelawstudent This is reassuring!
I'm also very nervous! I write remotely in October. As an anxiety-ridden person, I am very very nervous about things going wrong.