The LSAT-flex

The LSAC Introduces LSAT-Flex

In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the LSAC has introduced a remotely-proctored online version of the LSAT called the LSAT-Flex. This first-ever online version of the LSAT will be administered in the second half of May, and will include the same standard sections as the traditional LSAT – Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning.

Since the LSAC’s first announcement on the introduction of the LSAT-Flex, many of our students have asked us what to expect with this new version of the test. Below, we discuss the two biggest changes made with the new LSAT-Flex and conclude with key take-aways for test takers in May.

1. The LSAT-Flex is remotely-proctored online.

Unlike the standard LSAT - administered live and in person at LSAC-designated locations - the LSAT-Flex may be accessed by test takers anywhere with a laptop or desktop computer with either a Windows or Mac operating system.

The test is administered using the ProctorU tool, through which all test takers will be monitored by live remote proctors via the camera and microphone in the test takers’ computers. The video and audio feed will be recorded, and further reviewed by human reviewers and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. To become better familiarized with the new format, test takers are encourage to practice using the free Official LSAT Prep practice tests available on LSAC’s LawHub.

The LSAT-Flex’s remote testing format carries several benefits, two of which we discuss here:

1. COVID-19 Exposure Risk Reduced – By taking the test remotely, test takers reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19 through close contact with other test takers or proctors. That means one less major concern on the minds of test takers on test day.

1. Test Takers Determine Their Testing Environment - Remote testing allows many test takers to set up their testing environment to best comfort. And, moreover, they need no longer be concerned about traffic, finding parking, and other non-LSAT matters that tend to add more stress on test day.

1. The LSAT-Flex is composed of only three 35-minute scored sections.

Unlike the standard LSAT - composed of four 35-minute scored sections plus an unscored (or experimental) section - the new LSAT-Flex is composed of three 35-minute scored sections and no unscored (or experimental) section.

This change under the new LSAT-Flex carries several benefits, two of which we discuss here:

1. Shorter Test – Under the LSAT-Flex, actual testing time has reduced substantially from a little under three hours (5 * 35 minutes) to a little over one and a half (3 * 35 minutes) . A shorter test means relief for students concerned about the standard LSAT’s call for more extensive mental endurance. Test takers need now only concentrate on three sections rather than five.

1. No Experimental Section – Under the LSAT-Flex there is no experimental section, meaning test takers are no longer required to waste 35 minutes of actual test time answering LSAT questions that won’t count. Moreover, test takers can have a sharper expectation of their performance immediately after the exam as they no longer have to wonder which sections counted and which didn’t.

Key Take-Aways

For many LSAT-Flex test takers, this moment is an opportunity! Remote testing with the LSAT-Flex means:

• COVID-19 exposure through contact with other test takers or proctors is substantially reduced;

• no more concern over traffic, parking, and other stressful non-LSAT matters;

• shorter test, calling for substantially less extensive test taker endurance;

• no experimental section, allowing test takers to avoid wasting time and mental energy on LSAT questions that won’t count.

There has been no better time than now to prepare and sit for the LSAT! And that is why everything you do between now and the May administration of the LSAT-Flex is so critical!

IBIS Prep is here to help you master the LSAT-Flex! Schedule a session today.