When the Law School Admission Council questions an LSAT score or a candidate’s conduct, the matter can move along two different tracks. One concerns the score itself: LSAC can decline to score a test or cancel a score. The other is a formal proceeding before LSAC’s Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process, which can produce findings that are reported to law schools. Knowing which track a matter is on is the first step in understanding what’s at stake, because the second track can follow a candidate into the law school admission process itself.
A note on rules: LSAC updates its Candidate Agreement and policies over time, and the rules that govern a particular matter are the ones in effect for that matter. This article describes LSAC’s process as LSAC has published it. LSAC’s current rules and the notice a candidate receives are the controlling sources.
When Can LSAC Cancel an LSAT Score?
LSAC’s published policies describe several grounds, including suspicious behavior observed during testing, possession of prohibited items, failure to follow testing instructions, and compromises in the registration, testing, scoring, or reporting processes. When LSAC questions a score’s validity, it states that it will notify the test taker of the reasons and provide options appropriate to the circumstances. According to LSAC, a cancellation resulting from an irregularity report is recorded and reported to law schools that use its Credential Assembly Service.
LSAC’s Candidate Agreement also provides that if a score is canceled as the result of a Test Security Investigation, LSAC may notify score recipients of the cancellation and the reason. Such investigations can also lead to restrictions on future testing.
What Is the Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities?
LSAC has established a Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process. Its scope is broad: LSAC’s rules define the admission process to include registering for and taking the LSAT, submitting information to the Credential Assembly Service, score reporting, and more. LSAC member law schools are also expected to have procedures for reporting suspected applicant misconduct to the Subcommittee.
Under LSAC’s rules, a candidate who is the subject of a misconduct or irregularity report receives notice and may respond in writing and request a hearing. The rules describe the hearing’s purpose as determining whether misconduct or an irregularity occurred, and they provide that the candidate and LSAC may each be represented. Findings are reported to law schools.
Common Misconceptions
“A canceled score just disappears.” According to LSAC, cancellations resulting from irregularity reports are recorded and reported to schools that use its Credential Assembly Service.
“This is only about test day.” LSAC’s rules define the admission process to include application materials and score reporting, not just the test itself.
“There’s no chance to be heard.” LSAC’s rules provide for written responses and a hearing on request in Subcommittee proceedings.
“Representation isn’t allowed.” LSAC’s rules provide that the candidate and LSAC may be represented at a Subcommittee hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LSAC cancel my LSAT score?
Yes. LSAC’s policies describe grounds including suspicious behavior, prohibited items, failure to follow instructions, and testing or reporting compromises.
Will law schools find out?
According to LSAC, cancellations resulting from irregularity reports are reported to schools using its Credential Assembly Service, and Subcommittee findings are reported to law schools.
Is there a hearing?
In Subcommittee proceedings, LSAC’s rules allow the candidate to respond in writing and request a hearing.
Can I have a lawyer at an LSAC hearing?
LSAC’s rules provide that the candidate and LSAC may be represented at a Subcommittee hearing.
Representation in LSAT and LSAC Matters
Every matter turns on its specific facts and on the rules in effect at the time, and LSAC’s rules can change. Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents test takers in standardized testing disputes nationwide, including ACT score invalidations. Call 855-338-5299.