Getting Ready for LSAT Argumentative Writing
What to know before you launch your test
LSAT Argumentative Writing® is a required part of the LSAT, but you don’t need to take LSAT Argumentative Writing on the same day you take the multiple-choice portion of the test. LSAT Argumentative Writing will become available through JD Services eight (8) days prior to your LSAT administration. You can complete your LSAT Argumentative Writing sample at home or in another quiet, well-lit, private space.
LSAT Argumentative Writing is administered online through LawHub™ and supervised by ProctorU. This portion of the LSAT can be taken on demand and is only administered online using secure proctoring software that you’ll install on your computer.
You must have a completed and approved writing sample in your file to see your LSAT score or have it released to schools.
If you’re registered for an upcoming LSAT, review the steps below to make sure your LSAT Argumentative Writing runs smoothly. If you have an LSAT Argumentative Writing or LSAT Writing sample from a previous administration, you don’t need to complete another sample.
Quick Links:
Step 2: Prepare Your Testing Space
Step 3: Start LSAT Argumentative Writing
Timeline: At your earliest convenience
To take LSAT Argumentative Writing, you’ll need:
A quiet, well-lit, private work area within a fully enclosed room (no transparent/glass walls or doors) where you can complete the test without interruption
A hard work surface, such as a desk or table, and a chair
A laptop or desktop computer with a Windows or Mac operating system
A webcam and microphone
A strong and stable internet connection
The latest version of the Google Chrome web browser
Administrative rights to the computer on which you’ll take the test (This is so you can download the required proctoring software.)
Review Complete LSAT Argumentative Writing System Requirements (opens in new browser window)
Please note: Other proctoring software applications may interfere or conflict with ProctorU’s remote-proctoring software. We highly recommend that other proctoring software and/or extensions be disabled. In particular, please remove the Proctorio extension if you have it installed, as a known issue exists between the ProctorU application and Proctorio.
For questions or issues related to system requirements, please contact ProctorU at 1.855.772.8678.
Timeline: Just before you launch LSAT Argumentative Writing
Before you begin LSAT Argumentative Writing, make sure to have the following:
Your work area should be a quiet and well-lit space where you can complete the test without interruption. Please note that transparent glass walls are not considered part of a private room and are prohibited. You may not test in a room where there are tablets, laptops, or additional computers not being used to take LSAT Argumentative Writing. A hard work surface and chair are required. Make sure your workspace is clean and clear of all prohibited items.
It’s important to have a strong and stable internet connection for a successful remote testing experience.
Items Allowed in Your Testing Space
Generally, your desktop must be clear of anything not test-related and should only have:
Physical valid ID (Digital images and photocopies of IDs are not accepted.)
Tissues, if needed
Water in a clear or transparent container with a lid or cap. All labels must be removed from the container.
Soft, non-electronic, non-corded/banded, generic foam earplugs
Each of these items must be held up and shown to the proctor during the security check-in procedure.
If you have a medical need for one or more of the following personal medical items during your test, you may have the item(s) with you: non-tinted eyeglasses, hearing aids, medication (e.g., pills, inhaler, insulin/glucose tablets, eye drops), heart monitor, arm or shoulder sling, cast, brace, cane, crutches, walker, wheelchair, insulin pump/glucometer/diabetic supplies (Note: Bluetooth-enabled medical devices must be preapproved as a testing accommodation), TENS unit, and/or service animal (not comfort animal). No prior authorization is required.
Bags and printed materials may be in the room but should not be located in your immediate workspace and may not be accessed or used during the test.
Items Prohibited From Your Testing Space
The following electronic prohibited items must be removed from the room:
Mobile phones and all other electronic devices (except the computer being used for the test). Tablets, laptops, and personal computers not being used to take LSAT Argumentative Writing are prohibited.
Timers of any kind, electronic cigarettes, fitness-tracking devices, watches of any kind, mobile phones, beepers, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), calculators, cameras, and recording devices
Listening devices (including, but not limited to headphones, earbuds, AirPods, other electronic listening devices and/or noise-canceling devices other than generic foam earplugs), headsets, and iPods and other media players
Large electronics that are difficult to move, such as TVs and radio/stereo systems, may remain in the room. However, they must be powered down and may not be accessed during the test.
The following nonelectronic prohibited items can remain in the room, but they must be put away and not accessed or referenced during the test:
Briefcases, handbags, or backpacks of any kind
Head coverings of any kind (e.g., hats, hoods, bonnets, durags, scarves, etc.) may not be worn, unless the head covering is a religious requirement.
Sunglasses or other eyewear with tinted lenses may not be worn.
Writing implements (e.g., pens, pencils, highlighters, erasers) and scratch paper, unless otherwise specified in an approved accommodation letter
Books, printed materials, and any reference materials (including, but not limited to, sticky notes, whiteboards, calendars, notebooks, guides, flyers, or other outside materials) prepared before starting your session can't be used.
These lists are not exhaustive. For a complete list of prohibited items, please review the LSAC Candidate Agreement (opens in new browser window).
Timeline: When you launch LSAT Argumentative Writing (as early as eight days before testing begins for your LSAT administration)
LSAT Argumentative Writing will become available through JD Services (opens in new browser window) eight (8) days prior to your LSAT administration. To start LSAT Argumentative Writing, click the Launch LSAT Argumentative Writing link provided at the bottom of the “LSAT Argumentative Writing” page of JD Services. (Once LSAT Argumentative Writing becomes available, this link will appear in the “LSAT Argumentative Writing Status and Launch” section at the bottom of the page.)
NOTE: When you click on the “Launch LSAT Argumentative Writing” button in JD Services, you will be directed to the ProctorU site to create an account or link to an existing account. If you have an existing account and can’t remember your password, please follow the “Forgot Password” steps on the ProctorU Support Page. Creating a duplicate account may cause delays in launching your test. If you have questions, please contact ProctorU at 855.772.8678.
IMPORTANT: Your entire face must be clearly visible throughout the test. Once you begin testing, don’t move out of view of the webcam or change working environments until the test is over.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Launching LSAT Argumentative Writing
Start by logging in to JD Services (opens in new browser window) using your LSAC username and password.
Once you have logged in, go to the “LSAT Argumentative Writing” page of your account. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the Launch LSAT Argumentative Writing link. (This link will become available eight days before testing begins for your LSAT administration.)
Following the on-screen prompts, you’ll complete the self-guided security check-in, which will include:
Agreeing to test rules, terms, and conditions.
Installing the ProctorU extension.
Performing the microphone and webcam check.
Taking a photo of your face with your webcam. This photo will be compared with your ID to confirm your identity. There will be a green outline on the screen to guide you in capturing an image of yourself.
Clearly displaying your valid ID to your webcam. There will be green boxes on the screen to help you line up your ID correctly. The first and last name on your ID must exactly match the legal first and last name associated with your JD Services profile. Images of IDs that are blurry, out of focus, or unrecognizable will not be accepted and will cause your writing sample to be canceled. Please review the image of your ID on your screen for clarity before submitting the image.
“Scanning” your room with the webcam. Complete a full 360-degree room scan. You’ll need to slowly scan the entire room, including the top of your work surface, all four walls, and the floor under your work surface.
Agree to LSAC’s Certifying Statement
Once you’ve completed the security check-in, you’re ready to begin your essay. Read the directions carefully and write your essay. Under standard testing conditions, you’ll have 50 minutes to complete your LSAT Argumentative Writing sample — 15 minutes for prewriting analysis and 35 minutes for essay writing.
If you complete your essay before the time limit, make sure to click Submit. (If time expires, your essay will be submitted automatically.)
On the “Test Completion” screen, select Return to LawHub to end your session.
IMPORTANT: It is strictly prohibited to take any pictures or screenshots of your completed writing sample, including the “Test Completion” screen. Violation of this policy may result in the cancellation of your LSAT Argumentative Writing session and a referral to the Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process.
24/7 Technical Support
If you encounter any problems during this startup process or while completing your LSAT Argumentative Writing sample, please contact the 24/7 technical support line at 1.855.772.8678. If any technical problems you experience prevent you from completing your writing sample, you’ll be given the opportunity to test again with a different writing prompt.
Unless there is a technical issue with your submission, we will not be able to reset your writing sample to let you retake it.
After the Test
Once your LSAT Argumentative Writing sample is submitted, it may take up to three weeks to be processed to your account. However, if anything in your video gets flagged for review, LSAC will need to take a closer look.
If you have any questions about your upcoming LSAT, please consult the LSAT Argumentative Writing FAQs (opens in new browser window) on our website, call us at 1.800.336.3982, or email us at LSACinfo@LSAC.org.
Good luck on your test, and we hope you to keep moving forward on your path to a legal education!