Issue link: http://digital.corporatepress.com/i/1220718
4 The Reporter — Issue #1, 2020 By Jon Denning (PowerScore Test Preparation Vice President) Some see the 2019 implementation of the digital LSAT as innovation, some see it as an annoyance. For better or worse, it's certainly here to stay! One of the major changes to the test that isn't talked about as frequently is how the Writing Sample portion is now self- administered by students at home. We've gathered info here for all students to know what's expected of you on the new Writing Sample, how it's administered, and how it factors into the rest of the test. LSAT Writing is a 35-minute assignment that students previously had to complete on test day at the end of the test. Now students can take it on their own at home at any time. It requires you to write a persuasive essay in favor of a particular choice among two possible options. Here's a bit more about the new digital interface itself: You'll need access to a computer running Windows or Mac OS, not Chrome OS. It has to have a webcam, a microphone, a single connected monitor, and an internet connection. You'll definitely want to run the proctoring software in advance and get some experience via the practice environment on the LSAC site. You will receive a link to the "Get Aquainted with LSAT Writing" proctoring software in your LSAC.org account. at interface will offer common word-processing functions, including a spell- check function and the ability to cut, copy, and paste. ere are also accessibility features such as a font magnifier, line reader, and speech-to-text compatibility. e proctoring platform will use input from your keyboard, webcam, microphone, and computer screen to ensure you're not getting outside assistance. You'll have a video check- in process where you show a government-issued ID as well as your workspace to the camera. e platform will close any outside messaging or web-browsing applications and your actions will be recorded and reviewed by proctors. THREE KEY POINTS 1. It is mandatory. Your file is not complete until you have submitted at least one writing sample. LSAC is serious about this! Your Law School Report (the compilation of your school records, test scores, writing sample, letters of recommendation, etc.) will not be sent to any law school you've applied to until it's done. You officially have one year from your test date to complete a writing sample. Our advice is to get it over with sooner rather than later. You don't want to drop the ball and miss your application deadlines! Keep in mind that LSAC claims that it may take 3-4 weeks to process your sample and update your file. 2. It only needs to be done once. Candidates now only have to have a single writing sample on file, even if it's from a past, paper-based test. Re-takers do not have to complete additional LSAT Writing unless they want to. Maybe you want to submit more than one! Perhaps you'd rather have a typed sample on file rather than a handwritten essay. Or maybe you feel after reading this article that you could do a better job. If you already have a writing sample on file and really want to submit another one, you'll have to pay a small fee. Schools will receive the 3 most recent writing samples as part of your Law School Report. 3. It is unscored. Yep, you read that right: your essay will not receive a number or value. Unlike the multiple-choice questions you recently tackled on the LSAT, the difference between "great" effort and something inarguably mediocre is more qualitative than quantitative. Photo by Damian Zaleski on Unsplash Continued on next page.