Sitting for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) can be daunting. With months of rigorous LSAT preparation and stress management, the LSAT testing day is typically filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
On such a tense day, you don’t want to be left panic-stricken, wondering whether you are following all the test rules. It is better to read up on some LSAT tips from past test takers and go through all the rules and regulations beforehand, so that you aren’t penalized for inadvertently engaging in prohibited behavior or having a forbidden item on you during your Law School Admission Test.
The most common question that pops into students’ minds is “can you use scratch paper during the LSAT?” Where else are you supposed to jot down your rough notes during the exam, right?
Is Scratch Paper Allowed on the LSAT?
Good news! You can use scratch paper on the LSAT! According to the Law School Admission Council’s policy, students testing at a test center will be provided with three (3) scratch paper booklets by the proctor. You will also be provided with two pencils.
Remote LSAT students are allowed 6 blank sheets of scratch paper, a pencil, and an eraser. The paper can be lined, unlined, or graphed. However, they must be 8.5”x11” in size, which is your basic, everyday notebook or printer paper size. You will need to hold each of these items to your webcam during the security check-in procedure. The proctor will verify they are unmarked and check both sides of each sheet of paper. Each sheet must be destroyed in front of the camera upon test completion.
Sign up to get expert tips and exclusive invites to free LSAT classes and law school admissions workshops!
What Sections Will I Need LSAT Scratch Paper For?
You will probably need scratch paper for both the Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections of the LSAT. For Logical Reasoning, you might want to diagram statements before you pick your answer. For Reading Comprehension, you could use scratch paper to keep track of your tags.
Remember, use your scratch sheets conservatively. You will not be allowed to ask for more scratch paper.
Further Reading
Will I Be Allowed To Use Scratch Paper for the LSAT Writing Section?
The same rules, however, do not apply when completing the writing section of the LSAT. Scratch paper and writing utensils are not permitted during the LSAT Argumentative Writing exam. They do, however, provide you with a digital note-taking section available within the LSAT Writing module. You can use this to digitally type rough notes and an outline during the pre-writing time.
Further Reading
📝 Step-By-Step Guide To Completing the New LSAT Writing Section
LSAT Argumentative Writing exam is also proctored and monitored to ensure that test takers do not cheat or use prohibited items. This is done via secure proctoring software installed on each candidate’s computer.
Make sure not to write too much on your digital scratch pad before writing your essay. Unnecessary revisions and rephrasings can be a massive waste of time. Have confidence in your knowledge and don’t spend too much time perfecting your writing skills on the digital scratch paper first. Just go for it!
How Can I Find Out More?
Frequently asked questions about the LSAT exam can be found here.
If you need additional explanations before, during, or after your exam, you can contact a Candidate Services representative via the chat feature located on the bottom right-hand corner of LSAC.org. You can also email LSAC at LSACinfo@LSAC.org or call them at 215.968.1001.
How Can I Best Prepare for the LSAT?
If you’re looking for the best way to prepare for the LSAT, you’re in the right place. Blueprint LSAT courses can help you boost your LSAT score by 15 points on average. Our courses are taught and designed by real LSAT experts with years of teaching experience. Whether you want the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, prefer to navigate the LSAT with instructors in a Live Course or 170+ Course, or even private LSAT tutoring, we have the study method that fits your learning style.
Get access to tons of LSAT prep resources when you create a free Blueprint LSAT account!
