NYC Test Center: NYU Law vs. Columbia Forum

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law2007

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NYC Test Center: NYU Law vs. Columbia

Post by law2007 » Mon May 16, 2011 12:12 am

Hi,

I've read and heard mixed reviews about NYU Law and Columbia test center conditions. I'm only talking about the physical test center (e.g., building, desks, chairs), not the proctors as it appears that we can't really control that.

Some people thought NYU Law was great because of big tables and seating. But, some thought the lighting was a bit dim.

Some people thought Columbia was great when they took the test at the business school (not sure if it's still offered at the b-school building). But, some people felt that Columbia gets too crowded.

Would appreciate any comment on the difference between the two sites and suggestion on which one to go with.

Thanks!

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Dany

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Re: NYC Test Center: NYU Law vs. Columbia

Post by Dany » Mon May 16, 2011 4:11 am

Here are comments from the LSAT Test Center Wiki (LinkRemoved):


Columbia University

Rating: 5
Comments: Seemed there were too many LSAT test takers or we were moved because of the SAT II test takers, but were placed in an auditorium with pretty cramped seating. Proctors were quick/efficient. Desktop pulled up from arm rest, slightly smaller than the LSAT booklet.

Rating: 7
Comments:The exam took place in the business school. We were in a small lecture hall with long tables to work on. However, some people had to sit next to each other, which meant some elbow-bumping. Proctors were efficient and knew what they were doing. While the clock wasn't visible (it was located behind us), the proctor gave a 5 minute warning.

Rating: 7
Comments: I took the October 2010 exam in the business school. We were in a lecture hall with long tables. People were seated next to each other, but there was still a good amount of room and the chairs were comfortable. However, clock was in the back of the room, so not visible unless you want to crane your neck around and look like you're cheating. Proctors were not great - timer went off 10 minutes into section two. In section four, no five-minute warning given. Also, check-in took forever and the woman who apparently was in charge was screaming at everybody, including our two proctors, which was not great for the test-takers' already shattered nerves. The room itself was quiet, clean and comfortable and there were even vending machines for those who wanted soda or better snacks. If we had better proctors, it probably would have been a 10.

NYU Law School

Rating: 2
Comments: Due to proctor incompetence we were drained before exam started. It took over 2.5 hours to alphabetically sign in and seat a group of 200+ people into one concert hall. The proctors sat on the stage and were inaudible. The room was very dark, with high ceilings and low level recessed lighting (Great if I was there to see a show/play but devastating for a reading intensive exam). Tired by the time the test actually rolled out as most of us had been sitting in a dark room for hours and had already eaten our snacks/lunch. Frustrated that most test takers had to look to the person next to them to confirm directions as nobody could hear proctors properly. Only good point was planty of work space. Sincerely do NOT recommend this testing site.

Rating: 7
Comments: I was happy with my experience once the exam started, but everything leading up to it was irritating. We were divided into 3 classrooms, but my room had long tables to work on and everyone was separated by at least one other seat, which was great and comfortable. But before the exam... ugh! We were allowed in at 8:30, waited a half hour for the proctors to get there because they had trouble distributing the materials to the proctors. And then the proctors could not agree on how to seat us for almost an hour. They also insisted on thumb printing us in close-to-alphabetical order, which I'm certain is not a policy and is something they did because they thought it would make it feel more efficient. So seating took forever and then they have that rule that you can't go to the bathroom when you've been seated until after the start of the first section. So I ended up losing some time on my first section running to the bathroom, which I can own as bad planning on my part, but if the exam started in a more timely manner I don't think it would have been as bad for me. Luckily, section one was my weakest section anyway so I don't think it's the end of the world for my score. Some students complained of a buzzing noise on the other side of the room, which the proctors addressed initially but quickly dismissed when they could not fix the problem. So I would not be surprised if a number of people were unhappy. I don't think we started the exam until just before 11. I didn't get out of the building until 3. But frankly I was just relieved the desks were a decent size. I would honestly take the exam here again if I had to.

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dpk711

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Re: NYC Test Center: NYU Law vs. Columbia

Post by dpk711 » Mon May 16, 2011 4:14 am

Take your LSAT at Columbia -- it's more prestigious and an Ivy League school for that matter.

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TheKingintheNorth

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Re: NYC Test Center: NYU Law vs. Columbia

Post by TheKingintheNorth » Mon May 16, 2011 11:38 pm

dpk711 wrote:Take your LSAT at Columbia -- it's more prestigious and an Ivy League school for that matter.
This.

law2007

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Re: NYC Test Center: NYU Law vs. Columbia

Post by law2007 » Tue May 17, 2011 9:48 am

Thanks for forwarding the Wiki reviews, and sharing your thoughts.

Has anyone taken the test at either test center?

Would appreciate learning more about the actual testing experience.

Thanks!

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somewhatwayward

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Re: NYC Test Center: NYU Law vs. Columbia

Post by somewhatwayward » Tue May 17, 2011 9:58 am

i took mine at CUNY Queens. now i go to CLS. that should answer your question.

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elibrarian

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Re: NYC Test Center: NYU Law vs. Columbia

Post by elibrarian » Tue May 17, 2011 1:50 pm

I took it at NYU and thought it was very good. Not at all too crowded, lighting was fine, lots of room. Was also a very quiet atmosphere considering its location. Proctor was an idiot but that is besides the point.

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