Digital LSAT and Essay

Selene Steelman

From conversations with LSAC representatives at the recent NAPLA conference--

About the Digital LSAT test:
• Test takers will have a little time to practice using the provided LSAC tablet and stylus/pen on test day before the start of the actual test on test day.
• Test takers have the option to bring pencils. They will be given scratch paper to work through problems.
• The digital LSAT has a spellcheck function but it will not provide suggestions for correct spelling like a typical spellchecker.

About the typed LSAT essay:
• The retake limit for the LSAT essay section is same as the LSAT multiple choice section but law schools will only receive the last three (3) essay exams. Candidates cannot choose which essays go to the law schools.
• The LSAT essay section is not scored. Law schools receive it assess the candidate’s analytical and persuasive writing skills in a timed controlled environment. Typed essay submissions will likely receive more scrutiny from admissions committees as compared to handwritten essays in the past.
• LSAC will consider an LSAT exam "complete" when it has results from both the multiple choice and essay sections, and the results will be sent to the law schools. If, at that point, the candidate intends to retake either section of the test and wants the law school to delay their review of his file, the candidate has to inform the school directly.
• If a candidate has taken the multiple choice section of the test but not the essay section, LSAC will not send any results information to the law school.

Ntehjemeh

Many thanks for this info, but does this mean there's flexibility on whether one can take the essay section on that day or not?

Selene Steelman

There is flexibility on whether you take the essay on the day of the multiple choice test or later. If you take it on a later, LSAC will remind you after you have taken the multiple choice test that you still need to complete the essay section.

Selene Steelman

For more details about the LSAT Writing exam, like what browser is necessary for the proctoring software, and how long you have to take the exam once you register, check out https://www.lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat/lsat-writing-faqs. If you still have questions, definitely call the help desk at 215.968.1001. They are very responsive and helpful.