I thought about doing the same thing but I was able to convince my husband to take the kids somewhere overnight instead. I was worried about dealing with checkout times and such since I had heard some people weren't starting their test until hours later due to technical and proctor issues. So if you do go the airbnb/hotel route, just make sure you give yourself plenty of time so that you don't have to worry about checking out on the same day as the test. Also, we use AirBnB a lot and I have never had any issues with WiFi connection if it was something advertised. Definitely check the reviews first to make sure it is not something other people had issues with there. The other thing to think about with AirBnB is they might not have a good set-up for taking a test (desk, chair, pencil sharpener?) or you might get other distractions that you weren't expecting... Good luck!

For the August LSAT, you can complete the writing sample starting 8 days prior to the test if you want to. You can also take it any time after. From what I understand, you can take it two months later if you want to. But they will not release your score until you take it. (see excerpt from LSAC email below). As for advice on when to take it: I am a first-time test taker and also a busy mom of four kids. So any extra time I have will be spent studying for the LSAT. I honestly haven't even thought about the writing portion yet which I have no idea if this is recommended or not. But I just can't add another thing to my plate. I'm planning to do the writing portion the following week after the test (before I have to start homeschooling my kids) but if after looking into it I realize I need more time to prepare, then I'll take it later in the month. As for you? I think you need to consider what would cause you the least amount of stress. If completing the writing sample beforehand would give you one less thing to think about before the test and therefore help you to focus better during the actual test, it could be a good option--especially if you are already prepared for the writing sample. Otherwise I would just wait to do it after. I don't know that anyone can give you experienced advice on this decision though since I believe this is the first time taking the writing portion before the test is even an option. Hope that helps.

Email excerpt: "To help candidates complete the writing portion of their test, we will now open LSAT Writing eight (8) days prior to every test administration. Candidates may complete their LSAT Writing at the time and date that is most convenient to them but must have a completed writing sample in their file in order to see their score or have their score released to law schools."

I would love an update on this topic---are there live commentaries using the digital tester?

The format is similar but not exact. I recommend taking one or two FREE PT's through LSAC because it matches the format exactly

Where do you find these FREE PTs? I have looked all over the website and can't seem to find it. I have found the regular PTs, just not the flex version...