LSAC To Begin Testing Online Writing Sample

[DKilloranPowerScore]

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday 8/8, LSAC is going to send out invitations to recent test takers for a trial run of an Online Writing Sample format. The goal is to eventually transition from an in-person, hand-written essay at the end of each LSAT administration, to a system where you can complete a single Writing Sample online (at home or elsewhere) at some point after the test, and that sole essay would opt you out of having to do the Sample ever again during subsequent tests.

The benefits here are obvious and significant:

- You can leave the test center following the completion of Section 5
- You can type the essay rather than being forced to use a pencil
- And above you have the convenience of doing it only once and from the comfort of home (or wherever else you choose)

The trial period will begin on August 20th and run through September 4th, and invitees will have until 8/15 (next Wednesday) to sign up. For your participation, including the completion of a short survey, you'll receive a credit for one free Law School Report (a $45 value).

Note: This is NOT the real thing (yet)! This is just an early trial run to get some feedback and see how it goes. The incentive here, aside from satisfying some curiosity and giving you a bit of essay practice, is the $45 school report waiver.

[Platopus]

Just out of curiosity, do you think the schools will start to take the writing sample more seriously if this change were to be implemented? I honestly don't see how this format makes the writing sample any more relevant than it is currently. Also, any word on how LSAC plans to combat fraud/cheating on the writing portion if they were to use this system?

[DKilloranPowerScore]

Funny, we've been debating that since we first received word of the announcement. I do think it will bump it up incrementally, since now it will be a nicely typed statement that wasn't done after a grueling 4 hour test. It will be easier to read, and hence more likely to be read. So, more important overall but still not a big part of the process. The big question is if LSAC's next step will be to have the writing section scored, like the GRE and GMAT. This definitely allows them to make that move if they wish.

They haven't spoken about anti-fraud measures, but a lot of universities use online proctors so there are many different system choices for them to make. I'd expect that they'll want to take a picture of the examinee in order to correlate it with the account and have a reference point in case there are any fraud suspicions. Whatever they decide it will be interesting!

[ChaimtheGreat]

Got the invite! Will be interested to see how it works. I have never thought about them grading the writing sample- do you think they would incorporate into the 120-180 system or give it as a separate score (as I believe most standardized tests do)?

[DKilloranPowerScore]

I'm pretty sure that if they graded it, they'd make it a separate score. that's how it works on the GRE/GMAT, and I can't see LSAC messing with the meaning of the 120-180 scale in order to add a writing component.