LSAT will utilize Microsoft Surface Go tablets for exams starting July 2019

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the organization behind LSAT exams, today announced a partnership with Microsoft to make the law school admission process more effective and efficient. As part of this partnership, LSAC will use thousands of Microsoft Surface Go tablets for LSAT exam beginning with the July 2019 LSAT test. These Surface Go devices will be running custom software and locked down to ensure the integrity of the exam process and security of the exam results.

LSAC selected Surface Go over other competing devices due to several reasons. One of the key reason was its built-in kickstand that will allow test-takers to adjust the angle of the screen enabling them to have a comfortable and effective reading experience under a wide range of desk and lighting conditions at over 600 testing centers across the US and Canada. Other key reasons are Surface Go’s build quality and cheaper price tag.

“Legal education and the legal profession need to keep pace with technological advancements,” said Kellye Testy, president and CEO of LSAC. “With the breadth of their solutions and their commitment to privacy, security, accessibility, and inclusion, Microsoft will be a tremendous help to the legal education community as we navigate these accelerating changes.”

“There are clear and profound opportunities for the legal profession to use data and digital technology to support its timeless and important role in society,” said Brad Smith, president of Microsoft. “Microsoft is excited to partner with the LSAC on its digital transformation.”

“Microsoft’s leadership on accessibility was one of the reasons LSAC selected the Surface Go as the tablet for the Digital LSAT,” said Troy Lowry, senior vice president of technology products and chief information officer at LSAC. “Surface Go is a great device, and it includes Windows 10 capabilities like a built-in screen reader, text and icon magnifier, and many other accessibility features. LSAC and Microsoft are working together to ensure the Digital LSAT on Surface Go provides a wide range of accessibility features and functionality for test takers who need them.”