Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will be able to explain the role of the LSAT digital writing platform, identify the main features and functions of the system, recognise best practices for secure essay composition and submission, and understand how your writing sample is handled as part of the LSAT assessment process. You will also be able to avoid common digital pitfalls and approach the writing sample confidently.
LSAT Syllabus
For LSAT, you are required to understand the use of the official digital writing platform for the LSAT Writing section. In your preparation, focus on:
- the overall structure and requirements of the digital writing platform
- secure login, verification, and set-up for remote LSAT Writing
- available editing, formatting, and submission tools
- rules on draft saving, time management, and final submission of essays
- assessment policies including review and transmission of the writing sample
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
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Which feature of the LSAT digital writing platform helps ensure your essay is original and secure?
- Autosave
- Proctoring and ID verification
- Spellcheck
- Downloading as a PDF
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True or false? You may submit multiple drafts for the LSAT Writing sample once your timer has started.
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Which of the following is NOT allowed during the LSAT Writing exam?
- Accessing personal notes
- Using the platform's copy/paste function
- Checking word count
- Formatting text with bold or italics
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When does the LSAT Writing sample become available to law schools?
- As soon as you submit the essay
- After review for potential violations and authentication
- Only if you request transmission
- After admission offers are sent
Introduction
The digital writing platform is the exclusive system for completion and submission of the LSAT Writing sample. This article explains the essential requirements for digital writing, platform navigation, and submission integrity. You must be able to handle every stage of the process—from secure login to final submission—using the official tools and settings prescribed by LSAC.
Digital Platform Overview
The LSAT Writing sample is now completed on a secure online platform provided by LSAC. The system is accessed by logging in through your LSAC account, where you schedule or immediately begin the Writing section. Your environment, identity, and computer are verified before the timer begins.
Key Term: digital writing platform
The LSAC-provided online environment for typing, reviewing, and submitting the LSAT Writing sample under secure, timed, and proctored conditions.Key Term: proctoring
Oversight of the LSAT Writing session via secure software, camera, and identity check to ensure compliance with exam rules.Key Term: submission
The official process of transmitting your writing sample from the digital platform to LSAC for review and onward transmission to law schools.
Session Start, Security, and Technical Checks
Before starting LSAT Writing, you must complete the platform's identification checks and run a short technical system test. AI and/or human proctoring monitors your writing environment via webcam and screen monitoring to prevent cheating and verify compliance.
Main Platform Features and Functions
The text editor for LSAT Writing includes basic controls:
- Timer: Displays time remaining (standard is 35 minutes).
- Typing area: Where you compose your essay response.
- Basic formatting: Usually includes bold, italics, underline, and bulleted/numbered lists.
- Word/character count: Allows you to monitor length.
- Undo/redo and cut/copy/paste: Standard text editing tools.
- Spellcheck: Automated checks for spelling mistakes.
- Autosave: Work is backed up at intervals, but you should never rely solely on autosave—submit your work before time expires.
All editing is done within the browser editor. No import/export from external documents is permitted.
Key Term: autosave
The platform feature that automatically preserves typed content at short intervals to prevent accidental loss, though manual submission is still required.
Worked Example 1.1
A student logs in and starts the LSAT Writing section. Twenty minutes in, the browser crashes. What happens if the student reopens the browser and logs back in within the allowable time frame?
Answer:
The platform's autosave function should restore the bulk of the draft when the session is resumed. However, exam time lost may not be recoverable. The student must submit their essay before 35 minutes have passed. It's important to act quickly and communicate with the online proctor if problems persist.
Time Management and Drafting
Once the exam timer starts, it cannot be paused. You must draft your entire essay within the timed session. You can review, edit, and reformat until the end. Only one essay may be submitted per test sitting. Multiple drafts outside the platform, or re-submissions after submission, are not permitted.
Key Term: timer
The countdown clock; indicates the remaining duration of your writing session. When it reaches zero, submission is automatic.
Worked Example 1.2
Can you compose your essay in Microsoft Word, then paste it into the LSAT Writing platform?
Answer:
No. The platform disables external copy-paste and document uploads. All work must be composed and edited within the official browser window, using only the integrated features.
Formatting Tools and Restrictions
You may use the digital writing platform's allowed formatting (such as bold, italics, or underlining) if provided. Inserting images, hyperlinks, or special symbols beyond standard text is not possible. Structure your response using paragraphs and headings as prompted.
Exam Warning
Do not attempt to access or use personal software, devices, or notes during your writing session. Any detected violation is considered misconduct and may result in exam invalidation.
Saving and Submitting Your Work
You must submit your essay for review within the allowed time. If you fail to submit before the clock expires, the system will auto-submit your last saved draft. Make sure you allow time to check your writing and submit with a few minutes remaining, as technical problems are not grounds for appeal if you miss submission due to running out of time.
Worked Example 1.3
A candidate finishes their essay with 5 minutes remaining but forgets to click 'Submit.' The timer reaches zero and the platform auto-submits. Is this a problem?
Answer:
This is not normally an issue; the last saved draft is submitted. However, you may lose changes typed in the final seconds. You should submit manually as early as possible to ensure your final version is recorded.
Review, Transmission, and Assessment
After submission, your writing sample is reviewed by LSAC for proper completion and possible violations. Provided there are no issues, it is then transmitted automatically to all law schools to which you apply. Law schools see your writing sample as part of your official record.
Revision Tip
Avoid distractions by preparing your exam space before starting your writing session. Tidy the area, silence devices, and post 'Exam in Progress' signs if needed to avoid interruptions.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- The digital writing platform is mandatory for completion of the LSAT Writing sample.
- All essay drafting, formatting, and submission must occur within the official platform.
- The session is monitored for security and originality, with proctoring and ID checks required.
- Only one essay draft can be submitted per session; external editing or multiple draft uploads are not allowed.
- Platform features include a timer, basic formatting, word count, and autosave; manual submission is strongly advised.
- Completed writing samples are reviewed for compliance and securely transmitted to law schools as part of your record.
Key Terms and Concepts
- digital writing platform
- proctoring
- submission
- autosave
- timer