Online/Proctored vs In-Person | LSAT 2025

bobby68bobby68 Live Member
in General 85 karma

Hi all! For those that have already taken the LSAT, what are your experiences in taking it online or in-person? 🥲
Which is better in your opinion (pros/cons)? Even if you haven't taken the other format, why did you prefer the format?

Context:
I am very new at all the LSAT test-taking experience. I planning to take my first LSAT in April and am very nervous. I want to register tomorrow (don't want to risk doing things last minute) and was considering doing it online, but am not sure if my choice on where to take the test impacts admissions in any way and such (e.g. online test takers are more at a disadvantage for admissions). I want to think taking it in-person is better but am not sure what testing facilities look like, procedures, etc. and if I would be distracted by other test takers. For online, I read there are camera requirements, and am not sure if I need to buy special equipment? My house is not the quietest place because of pets and busy family members, and was planning on taking it in a neighbor's home...hopefully that's allowed? If there was some unprecedented noise, such as siren noises, dogs barking, etc. would I be cited? I took the written driver's test online during COVID and my first account with the proctored system disqualified my test because there was a front door chime going off every time my parents were opening the door as they were bringing groceries inside and the test thought I had my phone with me. After this experience, I became more nervous on taking proctored tests especially when there is a cap on the number of LSATs one can take...

Thank you all ahead of time.
I may not reply to comments, and thought to leave this forum here also in case others have similar questions

Comments

  • tonylivtonyliv Core Member
    11 karma

    Curious of the response to this! I wish the exam were in written form... even if we take the test at a center, it is still on a computer right?

  • tbynum30tbynum30 Live Member
    95 karma

    I've taken it online for 3 administrations and I will say, the proctoring service they use is not good. I had two terrible experiences where the proctor didn't even show up after the timed break, and also didn't let me test in an approved area that I scanned. I've seen a lot of similar stories attesting to the bad proctoring. Now, if you can rebound from potential distractions and things not going to plan, then sure, online offers flexibility.

    I've chosen to test in person for my next test and that's mainly because of the proctoring issues. Testing in person feels more normal than the alternative and I've heard generally, it's without too many errors.

    All this is to say that at the end of the day, it's up to you. If you're planning to test online, I'd recommend testing in an environment just like the real one (alone, no windows, clean space, quiet, etc.) and if you choose in-person, maybe you can take it in a public library or something of the sort to simulate being around others to help prevent that distraction.

    Hope this can help. If anyone can add more to the in-person experience, I'm sure that would be a welcomed perspective

  • LawtinaaLawtinaa Core Member
    151 karma

    @tonyliv yes, even if you take it at a testing center, it will still be on a computer. I do not know the specifics of how the procedure is, but I do know that

  • LawtinaaLawtinaa Core Member
    151 karma

    I took it online in April of 2023. I did not have any problems with the proctoring system, but I would recommend taking it in person if you cannot guarantee that there will not be background noise. I would hate for them to cancel your score because of background noise, so I just wouldn't risk it. When I took mine online, I had to move EVERYTHING off of the desk in my room, and they had me remove whatever I had on the walls in front of me. Where you decide to take the exam will have no impact on your admissions when it comes time to apply in terms of advantage/disadvantage.

  • bobby68bobby68 Live Member
    85 karma

    Thanks to all those that commented so far. đź’™ I do get sad when I hear bad experiences from taking the test in a certain format since I feel that it shouldn't have a huge impact in future LSAT taker's decisions, but it does and I guess that's why I was nervous about choosing how I want to take it and wanted to ask my fellow 7Sagers. I appreciate all your comments and insights on your experiences and what you've also heard from others.

    I hope to hear from more for in-person experiences as well. And yes, I also heard that unless you have accommodations of some sort to have the test printed, the test will be on a computer...

  • DestinyGriffinDestinyGriffin Free Trial Member
    edited March 20 7 karma

    You're taking a great approach by thinking through all the details early! Both formats have pros and cons, but the best choice is the one that helps you feel most confident. As long as you have a quiet, distraction-free space, online can work well. Trust your prep, and you’ve got this—wishing you success on your LSAT journey! When my chemistry professor assigned a complex lab report, I had no idea where to start. That’s when I chose to buy lab report online from https://academized.com/buy-lab-report-online. The result was way beyond my expectations! The report was detailed, well-organized, and formatted according to my university’s guidelines. Plus, they included accurate citations and references. If you’re struggling with lab reports, I’d suggest giving Academized a try. It saved me so much stress!

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