If you are a listener of our podcast, you may have heard us talk in depth about the changes to LSAT question licensing and the impact they would have. In that episode we explained that LSAC, the people who make the LSAT and own all LSAT questions, has changed the terms of the licensing for LSAT questions for all companies, and that has far-reaching consequences on how we are able to deliver PowerScore LSAT content to students. Our licensing changed Tuesday, June 30th at 1 PM Eastern, and these are the following effects:
If You Are Considering Buying Our Books
Good news: Nothing has changed! The licensing switch does not affect books you already own or purchase.
If You Are Considering Courses or Tutoring From Us Going Forward
The primary consequence of the new license is that for any company that wants to show LSAT questions on a digital screen, each student must have an active LSAC LawHub Advantage subscription. This means that if you want to take a digital test, watch an online class with real LSAT questions, or just see a video explanation of a single question, then you must have an active subscription to Prep Plus. So, with the new license switchover, every student will have to purchase a subscription from us during their checkout process, or purchase from LSAC and follow the directions to connect the accounts. The ultimate price will be the same. More good news though: once you have a subscription you can use it with any prep program, and having a subscription with us will allow you to access even more official LSATs than you could get otherwise.
Thus, because every new student needs a LawHub Advantage subscription, you will see references to it when enrolling in any of our courses or tutoring packages.
Hopefully the above explains the changes that are occurring, and why. But if you have questions, please feel free to contact us immediately! We’re happy to explain what is happening and what your best options are as you continue to prepare.
Note: we have launched a new Testing and Analytics Package using LawHub Advantage! Details are also on our blog.
WILLIAMS KAARA says
I need your advice. I have noted all the information.
Dave Killoran says
Sure, how can we help? What advice do you need?
Kenya Hagans says
Hello. I bought digital tests. Do they include 4 or 5 sections? I searched but couldnt find the answer. TIA
Dave Killoran says
If you bought regular tests, those are 4 sections tests because that’s how they are released by LSAC, and as such would be based on specific LSAT PrepTests. If you bought Flex tests then those are three sections. Call our office–they can help you re-log into your account 🙂
Paige says
I know it isn’t your fault or your choice but this is such a nightmare for those of us taking the July Flex. I don’t want to pay $99 when I am testing in 11 days and only have time for a few more tests. Taking them in the flex form has been so much more helpful. LSAC is awful.
Dave Killoran says
Hi Paige,
I completely understand! I wish they had extended it through the July test dates but that’s not the path they took.
In the meantime, use the tests you bought previously to keep familiar with the interface, and if you have any paper tests, pull a section out and take it as a three-section Flex simulation. That’s the best solution I can think of for students who hope to be done after July!
Thanks,
Grace says
Hello!
I am in the same situation as the students who have already posted on here. I am preparing to take the July LSAT Flex and similarly had been purchasing the the Flex format as I took the tests and found that they have been helping immensely in my preparation. I understand you are working on a new package, but do you have an idea of a timeline for this package? As I am scheduled to take my LSAT in just 11 days I feel this time is crucial to keep the pace that I have with my testing. If I purchase the Prep Plus subscription would I then be able to have access to the LSAT Flex format?
I am grateful that you all are working on accommodating your students as I know this is not convenient for you either!
Thanks in advance!
Dave Killoran says
Hi Grace,
Thanks for the message! Yes, this is not what we wanted–we preferred the old system. But we must conform to their rules or lose the ability to use LSAT questions.
I’ve hesitated to put a date on this because we are racing to make it available. However, it will be released by July 8th, and available prior to the July exam. And yes, it would require LSAC Prep Plus because all online use of LSAT questions now requires that. I’ll post any details and updates I receive here immediately, and everyone has it as top priority 🙂
Thanks!
Andrea Ryan says
“…discussing it on our podcast, to posting it on our company and personal social media accounts, and posting notices on our Forum and blog.” Did you posted it ON YOUR WEBSITE. I don’t follow you on social media, I don’t listen to your podcast. I purchased your books though and was purchasing flex tests, do I not matter? I visited your website many times and purchase an LSAT Flex LAST WEEK. You could have had a warning THERE to tell me, “hey, as of next week the policy on your ability to do this will change.” This is a horrible failure of communication. I am taking the July Flex test and am now completely stuck in my study plan! I purchased your books but the ability to take live tests is critical. How could you not JUST POST IT ON YOUR WEBSITE?
Dave Killoran says
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for the message. We did indeed post it on our website as well 🙂 The list I provided was not comprehensive but intended to show the scope of initiative we took to reach outward. I’m terribly sorry you missed that message!
As I mentioned elsewhere, we are working on a Testing and Analytics package to conform to LSAC license rules and also make tests and Flex tests available to students. There will be more details on that very soon, and I hope that when that appears it may be a solution for you.
Again, I’m sorry this caught you unawares, but please be advised this was NOT our choice–we were forced to make this change by LSAC, and it was out of our control.
Richard Han says
Hi, I was not aware that this change was going to occur and I’ve been caught in a horrible position. I have previously purchased two flex tests through Powerscore and was planning on purchasing all of the available exams as I completed them, but can no longer do so. Is there any chance I can still purchase those previous flex exams or any recommendations for how I can acquire practice tests in flex format? Truthfully, I feel very unlucky in this position as I had every intention of purchasing all the available tests, but I was unaware they would disappear today. Thank you, and I look forward to a response.
Dave Killoran says
Hi Richard,
Thanks for the message. I’m terribly sorry that you didn’t get this information beforehand. We did our best to transmit what was happening over the last month, from discussing it on our podcast, to posting it on our company and personal social media accounts, and posting notices on our Forum and blog. We knew this was a Rubicon of sorts, and so we did our best to warn everyone, and I saw other companies attempting to do the same since we are all affected.
Unfortunately, the changeover is final. We are now operating under an entirely new license, and our ability to sell certain items in individual form is gone. So I regret it deeply, but we can’t sell you those exams you did not obtain in time.
There is one possible positive here, and that is that we are working on a Testing and Analytics package to conform to LSAC license rules and also make tests and Flex tests available to students. There will be more details on that very soon, and I hope that when that appears it will fulfill your needs here.
So, keep an eye on our blog and social media accounts (I’m at https:/www.twitter.com/DaveKilloran) for that announcement, which I hope will be within a week or so.
Thanks, and again, sorry that this caught you off-guard.