What (not) to Bring

The following information comes from LSAC.org:

“Items Allowed in the Test Room

Test takers may bring into the test room only a clear plastic ziplock bag, maximum size one gallon (3.79 liter), which must be stored under the chair and may be accessed only during the break. The ziplock bag may contain only the following items: LSAT Admission Ticket stub; valid ID; wallet; keys; analog (nondigital) wristwatch; medical or hygiene products; #2 or HB wooden pencils, highlighter, erasers, pencil sharpener (no mechanical pencils); tissues; and beverage in plastic container or juice box (20 oz./591 ml maximum size) and snack for break only.

Items Allowed on the Desktop

Test takers may only have tissues, ID, wooden pencils, erasers, a pencil sharpener, highlighter, and analog (nondigital) wristwatch. No electronic devices are permitted. Neither are timers of any kind except analog wristwatches.”

While the instructions above may seem obvious, countless students violate these rules every year. Many people brought cell phones to my LSAT administration to call for rides or text friends before and after the test. Do not bring any prohibited item to the testing center. If a proctor or other employee of LSAC catches you at the testing center with an electronic device, a piece of scratch paper, mechanical pencils, or even a digital wristwatch, you may be issued a misconduct/irregularities notice which will be sent with your score as an addendum to every school which you apply to. Even if you plan to retake the test, schools will continue to see the warning which may or may not reflect to them that you cheated on the LSAT. Be careful on test day not to be issued such a warning.

Students have also been given such warnings for making loud noises during the test and laughing or talking to neighbors. Anecdotal accounts have even pegged proctors to give warnings to students shortly before or after the test has begun. Additionally, if students look ahead in test books or attempt to rebubble or otherwise work on sections that have been completed, the section proctor has the authority to issue such a notice. Any such notices could seriously harm a student’s chances at getting admitted to any law school.

It is not necessary to bring all allowed items to the test. I do not recommend bringing highlighters to the test. Some test takers will bring many different colored highlighters to the test and use a color coding system to mark particular passages. This is a misguided waste of time. When portions of a passage need to be marked, a pencil will be much faster to use.

In terms of a watch to bring, make sure to have practiced with the watch which you bring to test day. You can only bring a non-digital analog wristwatch. It is best to reset the watch while the proctor reads the instructions to turn to the next section. This should be done in five seconds or less. I would simply reset the watch to 25 minutes after the hour each time.

Finally, be prepared. Bring any items which will make you comfortable while taking the test. Wear multiple layers in case the center is too cold. Bring food even if you don’t think you’ll be hungry. Having a snack or box of juice during the break is a good way to alleviate stress. Bring a pencil sharpener with you to the test, you’d be surprised how quickly you break pencils when you’re nervous.