As you know, the Law School offers students the option of using a laptop computer to take in-class proctored Law School exams (essay-type only). In order to use a laptop to take your exam, you first will need to download a software product called SofTest from ExamSoft. This software blocks out all other applications on your computer while it is running.
The only difference between a laptop exam and a handwritten exam is the method by which the answers are recorded. Handwriters will be recording their answers on an exam book while laptop examinees will be using an exam file, which is a virtual exam book, to record their answers. The document in the exam file is blank and does not contain the exam questions. All students will receive a hard copy of the exam questions.
If you are planning to use your laptop for your exams, you will be downloading the exam file(s) and then uploading your answers via the Internet. Although you will not be connected to the Internet while you are writing your exam, you will need Internet connection to download the exam file (prior to arriving in the exam room) and to upload your answer file at the end of the exam in the exam room. In order to connect to the Internet in the exam room, you are required to register your Ethernet card through Lawnet.
NEW THIS SEMESTER:Mac OSX 10.7 (Lion) is now supported!Laptops running MAC OS X Snow Leopard (v. 10.6) or Mac OS X Leopard (v. 10.5.8) will continue to be supported. Please see below for more details.
LAPTOP EXAM POLICIES: Please read the instructions & follow them carefully
LAPTOP EXAMINEES ARE REQUIRED TO USE A SOFTWARE CALLED SOFTEST TO TAKE LAPTOP EXAMS. You may NOT use any other software for taking these exams.
Install the exam software (SofTest v 10).
We will be using version 10 of SofTest. This is the same version we used in the Fall 2011 term.
Please see the attached file for the recommended minimum system requirements as well as instructions for taking laptop exams. Please read these instructions before installing SofTest.
In order to download the software, you will need to log in to the ExamSoft website using the following student ID and password.
Student ID: your Law School Username
Password: the last 6 digits of your PID number
Note: If you don't remember your PID, you can find it by logging on to Student Services Online. Select any of the options and then select "Show my name and personal data" under "Viewing Options." Click on "Update View" to see your PID.
If you need assistance installing SofTest, please stop by the IT helpdesk during regular business hours.
You MUST download your exam file(s) BEFORE arriving in the exam room. The exam files for your exams are now available for download.Note: NO COMPENSATORY TIME will be given to those who download their exam files in the exam room. EXAMS WILL START ON TIME. In addition, if you have difficulty connecting to the internet while attempting to download your exam file in the exam room, you will have to handwrite your exam as the proctors will be unable to provide you with technical assistance.
We urge you to spend some time practicing with the software so that you are comfortable with it. Please make sure to take the Mock Exam to familiarize yourself with SofTest prior to your exam as there will be no opportunity to practice once you are in the examination room. EXAMS WILL START ON TIME, and students who are not prepared to take the exam on a laptop will have to handwrite their exam.
Laptop examinees are NOT required to sign up since we expect the majority of students to take exams on a laptop. Instead, we are asking students planning to handwrite their exams to notify Registration Services of their decision by e-mail (registrar@law.columbia.edu).
_________________ SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS
SofTest operates on any PC running English versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Apple Macintosh Users – Mac OSX 10.7 (Lion) is now supported!Laptops running MAC OS X Snow Leopard (v. 10.6) or Mac OS X Leopard (v. 10.5.8) will continue to be supported.
You may also run SofTest in Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 on an Intel-based Mac running Apple's Boot Camp on Mac OS X Leopard (v. 10.5.8), MAC OS X Snow Leopard (v. 10.6), or Mac OS X Lion (10.7).
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ON THE DAY OF THE EXAM:
You MUST provide your own laptop for the exam. The Law School does not provide laptop computers.
You MUST bring your power cable.
You MUST bring a network cable. If you have wireless connection, we urge you to bring your network cable in case you encounter any difficulty connecting to the internet in the exam room.
You MUST arrive at the exam room 30 minutes before the start of the exam to allow for pre-exam announcements and instructions.
REMINDER: On the day of your exam it will be assumed that you have already spent some time practicing with the software, and that you're totally comfortable with it. Please make sure to familiarize yourself with SofTest prior to your exam as there will be no opportunity to practice once you are in the examination room. EXAMS WILL START ON TIME, and students who are not prepared to take the exam on a laptop will have to handwrite their exam.
We wish you every success on your exam.
Registration Services
William and June Warren Hall
Room 500
(212) 854-2668
