Date: April 16th, 2020 5:35 PM
Author: talking spectacular incel
this is a big one - the biggest change in LSAT administration in DECADES. here is the full 3-part update:
Part 1:
UPDATE: Coronavirus and the LSAT
Last Updated April 16, 2020
https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat
All of us at LSAC are saddened by the COVID-19 outbreaks affecting so many countries and communities around the world. Our hearts go out to all of the individuals, families, and communities that have been affected. We are working with global, national, and local officials to comply with local health directives and guidance, while striving to address the needs of test takers and schools.
The continued devastating impact of the COVID-19 virus on communities throughout North America, and the growing restrictions on travel and public gatherings led us to reluctantly conclude that we cannot administer the April 2020 LSAT, even in smaller groups with strict candidate separation and other health and safety measures.
In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we will be offering an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT — called the LSAT-Flex:
https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/lsat-flex
during the week of May 18 for test takers who were registered for the April test. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic closely and will make other LSAT-Flex test dates available this spring and summer if the situation warrants. We plan to resume the in-person LSAT once conditions allow, in strict accordance with public health authorities and using all necessary health and safety measures. In the meantime, the remotely proctored LSAT-Flex will provide candidates with the opportunity to earn an LSAT score even if the COVID-19 crisis makes it impossible to deliver the test in-person.
Candidates who were registered for the April 2020 LSAT will be automatically registered to take the LSAT-Flex that will be administered during the week of May 18 unless they choose to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. If you wish to proceed, please take a moment to review the technical requirements:
https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507
and fill out the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:
https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes
to let us know whether or not you think you will need assistance. We are committed to broad access and will work with all test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. We will also work with any candidates who may need our assistance with access to computer equipment or other necessary hardware.
April registrants who do not wish to take the May LSAT-Flex should use the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:
https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes
to indicate that they would prefer to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. This coupon will cover the full price of the test date it is used for. This form must be submitted no later than Friday, April 17, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
The May LSAT-Flex will be administered during the week of May 18, 2020. We expect that most test takers will test on either Monday, May 18, or Tuesday, May 19, with a small number of tests occurring later in the week based on specific remote proctoring requirements.
May LSAT-Flex scores will be released on the same day for all test takers, regardless of when they test during the week of May 18. Currently, we are targeting Friday, June 5, as the score release date, and we will update that as needed.
We know how important the LSAT is to candidates and schools, and also to fairness and integrity in law school admission, which advances access and equity in legal education. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we all work through this extraordinary situation together.
For more information about the online, remotely proctored LSAT called the LSAT-Flex, including technical requirements, see our LSAT-Flex page:
https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/lsat-flex
LSAC is committed to doing everything possible to provide candidates with the assessment and other services needed, while following public health guidance to ensure the safety of test takers and the broader community.
We will continue to provide regular updates as this situation unfolds. See below for more information and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Test Dates, Changes, and Cancellations
·What is the status of the April 25 LSAT in the United States and Canada?
In response to the growing COVID-19 public health crisis, LSAC has canceled the April LSAT in all locations.
To address the needs of candidates who want to test this spring, we will be providing an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT, called LSAT-Flex, during the week of May 18 for all test takers who were registered for the April 2020 LSAT.
Candidates currently registered for the April 2020 LSAT will be automatically registered to take the May LSAT-Flex unless they choose to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. If you wish to proceed, please take a moment to review the technical requirements:
https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507
and fill out the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:
https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes
to let us know whether or not you think you will need assistance. We are committed to broad access and will work with all test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. We will also work with any candidates who may need our assistance with access to computer equipment or other necessary hardware.
April registrants who do not wish to take the May LSAT-Flex should use the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:
https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes
to indicate that they would prefer to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. This coupon will cover the full price of the test date it is used for. This form must be submitted no later than April 17, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
·What is the status of the upcoming international LSAT administration, scheduled for June 27 or 28, depending on the region?
The June international LSAT administration is currently scheduled to proceed as planned. We will continue to monitor updates and guidance from national and local health officials and will provide additional information as soon as possible. Currently, based on direction from Chinese health officials, we have delayed the opening of registration for the June 28 LSAT in China until closer to the test date. Should it become necessary to close or move testing centers in certain countries related to the June test, we will communicate directly with all affected candidates and work to reschedule them to another test center or another date.
·I was registered for the March 2020 or April 2020 LSAT, and I have a previously canceled LSAT score. Can I restore my previously canceled score?
Due to the cancelation of the March 2020 and April 2020 LSAT administrations, LSAC is providing March 2020 and April 2020 registrants who had previously canceled an LSAT score the opportunity to review their previously canceled score and restore it if they choose.
March 2020 and April 2020 registrants who had previously canceled an LSAT score have received an email informing them of their previously canceled score and the process for reviewing and restoring it if they choose. Candidates who choose to restore a previously canceled score may not re-cancel it in the future; it will be a permanent part of their candidate record. Once a candidate chooses to restore their score, it may take up to 3 business days for the change to occur in their candidate record. Once the candidate record has been updated, the system will generate a new report to any school to which they have applied during this cycle, usually within 48 hours.
Eligible candidates with questions should contact the Candidate Services team at 215.968.1001 or LSACinfo@LSAC.org.
Test Day Experience and Instructions
·What steps are being taken to protect health and well-being at LSAT test sites in response to the Coronavirus outbreak?
In response to the growing COVID-19 public health crisis, LSAC made the difficult decision to cancel the March and April LSATs in all locations worldwide. LSAC will continue to operate in accordance with the guidance provided by the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other public health agencies. Canceling the March and April tests was a difficult step, but we believe it was the most responsible course of action to protect test takers, test center personnel, and the broader community.
To address the needs of candidates who want to test this spring, we will be providing an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT, called LSAT-Flex. We will only return to administering the standard LSAT when conditions allow, with rigorous adherence to the guidance and direction of public health authorities.
Please know that prior to each administration, all of LSAC’s testing equipment is sanitized. In addition, test takers are deliberately separated from one another while taking the test.
We have amended our test taker rules to allow students to wear masks that cover their nose and mouth if they wish, and to allow students to bring an appropriate-sized container of hand sanitizer to the test.
We will continue to work with public health authorities to explore additional recommendations on test administration.
·Can I wear a face mask at my LSAT test?
We recognize that in the current Coronavirus situation, some test takers may feel more comfortable wearing a mask while taking the LSAT in a public setting with other people.
Beginning with the April LSAT and until further notice, test takers who wish to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth to the test center are permitted to do so, with the following provisions:
1. Test takers may be asked to briefly remove their masks during the checking of government-issued photo IDs. This is necessary for testing staff to make a positive identification.
2. Test takers will be allowed to wear their masks while testing.
3. Test takers may also be asked to briefly remove their masks when their identification is checked following the break after test section 3 or after any restroom break.
Please note that test centers will not be responsible for providing masks or disposing of them for test takers.
·Can I bring hand sanitizer to my LSAT test?
Beginning with the April LSAT and until further notice, test takers will be allowed to have a small container of hand sanitizer (preferably travel size, but no larger than an 8 oz. container) on their desktops or in their ziplock bags (subject to inspection).
·Is it safe to take a standardized test in a large group setting, given concerns over the spread of the Coronavirus?
We are monitoring the COVID-19 virus situation carefully and paying close attention to the guidance of public health authorities. Throughout this process, our highest priority will be the health and well-being of test takers, test center personnel, and the public.
In response to the growing COVID-19 emergency, health officials are urging businesses, organizations, and individuals to limit travel or activities that could accelerate the spread of the disease and cause our health systems to become overwhelmed. Because of this, LSAC made the difficult decision to cancel the March and April tests to assist with the social distancing that public health authorities are urging in order to slow the spread of this disease; we believe this is the most responsible course of action to protect test takers, test center personnel, and the broader community.
To address the needs of candidates who want to test this spring, we will be providing an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT, called LSAT-Flex, during the week of May 18 for all test takers who were registered for the April 2020 LSAT.
We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation very closely and will follow the direction of public health authorities in determining whether the June LSAT must be canceled in some or all locations. We are making contingency plans so that no matter what the COVID-19 situation is in June, candidates will have the opportunity to test. If necessary, another remotely proctored LSAT-Flex could be a part of the solution.
We will only return to administering the standard LSAT when conditions allow, with rigorous adherence to the guidance and direction of public health authorities.
We will continuously monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
General Qs on the Admission Process
·Will schools extend their application/commitment deadlines?
This is up to each school, and you should check schools’ websites to see if they have announced any global extensions. You can also email the admissions offices to ask this question. An informal survey conducted in mid-March found that more than 60% of law schools who responded had extended deadlines or were planning to, either for all applicants or on a case-by-case basis, and that percentage has probably increased since the time the survey was conducted.
·How will schools view Pass/Fail grades?
Law schools are fully aware of and understand that virtually all students enrolled during the spring 2020 COVID-19 pandemic experienced significant disruption in their living and learning arrangements. Law schools are also aware that many undergraduate and graduate schools changed their grading systems to allow or require Pass/Fail grades in lieu of their traditional grading systems and will not penalize any applicant for presenting Pass/Fail grades. LSAC will place a letter in the CAS report of every applicant enrolled during spring 2020, reminding law schools of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the population and on higher education.
·What’s going to happen with the April test?
In response to the growing COVID-19 public health crisis, LSAC has canceled the April LSAT in all locations.
To address the needs of candidates who want to test this spring, we will be providing an online, remotely proctored version of the LSAT, called LSAT-Flex, during the week of May 18 for all test takers who were registered for the April 2020 LSAT. Candidates currently registered for the April 2020 LSAT will be automatically registered to take the May LSAT-Flex unless they choose to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. If you wish to proceed, please take a moment to review the technical requirements:
https://support.proctoru.com/hc/en-us/categories/115001818507
and fill out the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:
https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes
to let us know whether or not you think you will need assistance. We are committed to broad access and will work with all test takers with disabilities to see that their accommodation needs are met under the circumstances. We will also work with any candidates who may need our assistance with access to computer equipment or other necessary hardware.
April registrants who do not wish to take the May LSAT-Flex should use the April 2020 Rescheduling Options online form:
https://www.lsac.org/update-coronavirus-and-lsat/april-2020-test-date-changes
to indicate that they would prefer to receive a coupon to use for a different LSAT date. This coupon will cover the full price of the test date it is used for. This form must be submitted no later than April 17, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
·How will schools look at the fact that my summer internship was canceled?
Again, law schools understand that COVID-19 pandemic forced many changes that affect students’ summer plans. If your summer internship has been canceled, you should explain that when you apply to law school, and you should also discuss how you adjusted to the unexpected developments resulting from the pandemic.
(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=4511130&forum_id=1#40029544)