Exams

BC Law School students take exams on their personal supported Windows and macOS computers with the aid of Examplify by ExamSoft. This software creates a separate exam “space” on your computer that disallows access to local and internet files and ensures your work is not lost as you proceed through the test. You must check that your device meets the Minimum System Requirements.

• Get ExamSoft: http://www.examsoft.com/bclaw

Students who need help with installation of Examplify software should contact ATR for assistance.

Every year, each student receives a new four-digit exam number. This number is used to identify the student on exams and on papers to allow for anonymous grading.

Policies & Procedures:

• A new exam number is emailed to each student in the fall of every academic year.
• The same number should be used for both the fall and spring semesters of any given academic year.
• By using the exam number, a student certifies that he or she has read the Academic Policies and Procedures guidelines (found on the Forms & Policies page).
• Students are responsible for using the correct exam number. Failure to do so may jeopardize grade entry.

In order to accommodate students with overscheduled exam periods, BC Law designates one day at the end of each exam period as a make-up day. A student may move one scheduled exam to the make-up day if the criteria below are met (including non-LAWS courses).

CRITERIA TO RESCHEDULE:

• 2 exams in 1 day
• 3 exams in 3 consecutive days
• 4 exams in 5 consecutive days

HOW TO RESCHEDULE:

• Student & Academic Services will communicate instructions on how to request a rescheduled exam

Beyond the defined conflict policy, exams may only be rescheduled in these limited circumstances: student health; family emergency; the birth of a child; a conflict with a religious holiday that the student observes; military obligations for active or reserve service members; and extraordinary and compelling circumstances as determined by the Assistant Dean of Student & Academic Services. 

​Individual vacation travel plans or outside work commitments do not constitute extraordinary circumstances.

Students who seek to have an exam rescheduled for one of the above stated reasons should contact Student & Academic Services  (bclaw.sas@bc.edu) as soon as possible.

Faculty do not have the authority to reschedule exams or otherwise administer exams.

Students are responsible for reviewing and understanding the exam schedule and the consequences before the Add/Drop period ends. Any changes to the exam schedule before the end of the Add/Drop period will not constitute a reason for rescheduling exams.

In the case of a serious personal or family illness or crisis, exam rescheduling is permitted. Please contact Student & Academic Services as soon as possible at (617) 552-2527 or bclaw.sas@bc.edu.

If you are ill on the day of your exam, do not go to the exam room. Instead, contact Student & Academic Services.

If you become ill during an exam, notify the proctor immediately and hand in your exam booklet. Note that accommodations cannot be made if the illness is reported after the exam has concluded.

BC Law School offers a number of resources to help students get the most out of their exam preparation time:

• The Law Library maintains a list of past exams.
• The library’s Exam Tips and Resources LibGuide contains a wealth of useful information.
• The Academic Success Program offers help with exam preparation to first year students.

Professors may elect to give self-scheduled take-home exams on Examplify instead of in-person exams. Students have the option to pick up a physical copy of the exam from Student & Academic Services (Stuart M308) between 9:30-10:00 AM or 3:00-5:00 PM.

Policies:

• For 7-hour take-home exams, ExamSoft will remain open for the precise allotted time. Once that time has elapsed, the exam will automatically submit.
• 24-hour exams may not be picked up on a Friday.
• All physical take-home exams must be returned to Student & Academic Services in Stuart 308 before your allotted time is up.

Boston College Law School will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Please visit the Accessibility page or contact Student & Academic Services (lawadaservices@bc.edu) for more information.

Students are responsible for writing legibly on exams; illegible answers are subject to the professor's discretion.

Each exam must be downloaded prior to the scheduled time and uploaded by the designated end time.

You will receive an email prior to your exam (usually about 24 hours beforehand) notifying you that it is available for download. You must download your exam before you enter the exam room. The start time will not be delayed and no extended time will be given if you are not ready.

A password is required in order to begin your exams in Examplify.

• Proctored Exams: The password will be provided by the proctor.
• Self-Scheduled Take-Home Exams: The password will be emailed to you at 9:00am on the first day of the exam period.
• Scheduled Take-Home Exams: The password will be emailed to you by 9:00am on the day of the scheduled exam.