When to Take the LSAT: Key Dates & Tips

Timing your LSAT isn’t just about picking a date, it’s about setting yourself up for success. With the LSAT offered nearly year-round, you’ve got options.

The 2023-24 testing year saw the third-highest number of test takers in the Law School Admission Council’s (LSAC) data set since 2001, with 155,070 LSATs administered. That’s a massive 17.7% increase over the previous year! This shows just how many aspiring lawyers are out there, making strategic planning even more important.

I’m here to help you understand all the ins and outs of LSAT test dates, how they fit into the law school admissions process, and how to make the best decision for your unique situation.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Timing Matters: Your LSAT test date should align with your law school application timeline, ideally allowing for early submission.
• Plan for Retakes: You can take the LSAT up to 3 times per testing year, 5 times in 5 years, and 7 times total. Don’t be afraid to retake if your first score isn’t your best.
• Law Schools Prioritize Highest Score: While LSAC sends all your reportable scores, most law schools consider your highest LSAT score for admissions and ABA reporting.
• LSAT Scores Are Valid for Five Years: Your scores remain reportable for five testing years, giving you flexibility, but older scores (pre-June 2019) aren’t valid.
• Thorough Prep is Essential: Dedicate 3 to 6 months for consistent LSAT prep, using official materials and simulating test conditions to achieve your best possible score.

Understanding the LSAT and the Application Process

The LSAT is more than just a standardized test; it is a fundamental part of the law school admission process. It is specifically designed to measure skills critical for success in legal studies, such as reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking.

Unlike many academic exams that test memorized knowledge, the LSAT assesses how an individual processes and evaluates information. The test typically consists of four sections, lasting approximately three hours, in addition to a separate writing section.

Why the LSAT Score Matters So Much

Your LSAT score plays a major role in law school admissions. In many cases, it carries as much weight as your GPA. Schools also use LSAT scores to determine scholarship eligibility, so a higher score can directly impact how much you pay for law school.

If your GPA isn’t where you want it to be, or if your background doesn’t stand out on paper, the LSAT is your chance to show what you’re really capable of. A strong score highlights your reasoning skills, focus, and potential to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. It’s one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your law school application.

This means that a high LSAT score can effectively compensate for other areas of an application that might be less robust. Furthermore, a competitive LSAT score can lead to serious scholarship money. It is even possible for you to secure more financial aid with a strong LSAT score than they might save by taking a year off to work between undergraduate studies and law school.

How Law Schools Look at Multiple LSAT Scores

A common question among prospective law students concerns the impact of taking the LSAT more than once. It is important to know that if an individual takes the LSAT multiple times, law schools will see all of their scores. However, there is encouraging news: the American Bar Association (ABA) now mandates that law schools report only the highest LSAT score for their entering classes.

This shift has been a major win for test takers. In the past, some law schools averaged multiple scores, so a low performance could drag your numbers down. Today, there’s no statistical penalty for a lower score on a retake—only the chance to boost your chances with a better result.

And many applicants are taking advantage of this. In the 2022–2023 cycle, 48.3% of LSAT test takers sat for the exam more than once. Why? Because it pays off. On average, second-time test takers improved their scores by 2.6 points, and even a small bump like that can make a real difference in the admissions process.

So if your first LSAT doesn’t go as planned, don’t stress. A retake is not only common but often a smart move.

Understanding LSAT Dates and Registration

The LSAT is offered multiple times a year, giving you plenty of chances to take the LSAT. These LSAT dates are set by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the folks who create and administer the test. They try to offer a variety of test date options to fit different schedules.

It’s super important to keep an eye on the registration deadlines for each test date. Missing a deadline means you’ll have to wait for the next LSAT testing opportunity, which could delay your law school application. I always recommend marking these dates on your calendar as soon as possible!

Here’s a general idea of the upcoming LSAT test dates and their associated deadlines. Remember, these can change, so always double-check the official LSAC website.

Note: This table provides typical dates. Always check the official LSAC website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

When you register, you’ll also pay a fee, around $200. There are also fees for other services, like the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which is essential for your law school application. If you qualify, fee waivers are available through LSAC, so be sure to look into that if needed.

When to Take the LSAT: Strategic Timing for Your Application

Deciding when to take the LSAT is a big part of your law school journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but I can tell you about the most common strategies and what to consider. The goal is to maximize your LSAT scores and submit a strong law school application when most law schools are still reviewing applicants.

Taking the LSAT During College (Junior or Senior Year)

Many students decide to take the LSAT while they’re still in college. This often happens during their junior year or senior year.

Pros of Junior Year: If you take the test in your junior year (think June LSAT or August LSAT), you’ll have your LSAT scores well before the law school admissions process really kicks into gear. This gives you time to retake if you need to, or to focus on other parts of your law school application, like your personal statement during senior year. It also means you’re done with the LSAT prep before your heaviest senior year coursework.

Pros of Senior Year: Taking it in the fall of senior year (like the September test or October test) means the material might be fresher in your mind from your college courses. You can also dedicate your summer before senior year purely to LSAT prep. This is still a good time to get your application in early.

Cons for Both: Juggling test preparation with college coursework can be tough. You’ll need to be disciplined to stick to your LSAT prep schedule. It’s also harder to fully dedicate yourself to studying if you have a demanding academic load.

Taking the LSAT After College Graduation

For many professionals, taking the LSAT after graduation is a smart move. This is especially true if you’ve been out of school for a bit or if your senior year was super busy.

Pros

Dedicated Study Time: You can focus solely on LSAT prep without worrying about college classes or final exams. This often leads to better test scores.
Work Experience: If you’ve been working, you might have more funds to invest in test preparation resources like LSAT prep courses or tutors. Plus, your professional experience can make your law school application stand out.
Maturity: You might approach the test with a different level of focus and maturity.

Cons

Increased Pressure: Being out of school and ready to take the next step can add extra pressure to perform well on your first try. You might feel like there’s more riding on your score since you’re eager to move forward with your law school plans.
Risk of Missing Deadlines: If you’re planning to go straight from college to law school and delay the LSAT until after graduation, you might miss early application deadlines due to rolling admissions. This can limit your chances of getting into top programs or securing scholarships.

Law School Application Timeline: Lining Up Your LSAT

The law school admissions process generally runs from early fall to early spring. Most schools operate on a rolling admissions basis. This means they review applications as they come in, rather than waiting for all applications to be submitted.

Here’s how the general timeline works and why your LSAT test date matters:

Fall (September – November)

This is when applications open for the following academic year. Submitting your law school application and LSAT scores in the fall is often seen as ideal. Why? Because many spots are still available, you might have a better chance of being accepted to your dream schools. This is especially true if you’re aiming for early decision programs. Taking the August LSAT, September LSAT, or October LSAT allows you to submit your application early in the cycle.

Winter (December – February)

Applications are still being reviewed, but some spots might start to fill up. If you’re taking a November test or January test, you’ll still be in a good position, but perhaps not as early as a fall applicant.

Spring (March – May)

This is late in the cycle. While applications are still accepted, there are fewer spots remaining, and competition can be much tougher. Taking a February test or an April test means your scores will arrive late in the cycle.

My advice: Aim to take the LSAT no later than November of the year you plan to apply. This gives you time for potential retakes and allows you to submit your application when it’s most advantageous.

LSAT Scores: Validity and Retakes

Your LSAT scores are a huge part of your law school admission. It’s helpful to know how they work, especially if you’re thinking about a retake.

How Long Are LSAT Scores Valid?

Your LSAT scores are valid for five testing years after the date you earned them. For example, if you took the test in June 2025, those scores are good for five years from that date. However, scores earned before June 2020 are no longer reportable. This means you have a good window of time, but you can’t rely on a score from a decade ago!

Taking the LSAT Multiple Times

You might be wondering if it’s okay to take the LSAT more than once. The answer is yes! You can take the test up to:

• 3 times in a single test year (June 1 – May 31)
• 5 times within the current and five past testing years
• 7 times in your lifetime

So, if your first test doesn’t go as planned, don’t panic. Many test takers improve their LSAT scores on a retake.

Preparing for the LSAT: Your First Step to Success

Regardless of when you take the LSAT, solid test preparation is key. This isn’t a test you can just wing. I always tell aspiring lawyers that investing time in LSAT prep is one of the best investments you can make in your law school journey.

Here are some best practices for your LSAT prep:

• Start Early: Give yourself ample time. Most experts recommend 3 to 6 months of consistent study. That’s not just cramming, but dedicated practice.
• Take a Diagnostic Test: This is your first step. Before you even start studying, take the test to see where you stand. It’ll show you your strengths and weaknesses.
• Use Official Materials: The LSAC offers a ton of official LSAT practice tests and materials through LawHub. These are invaluable because they are real, past LSATs.
• Consistent Practice: Try to study for at least an hour a day, five to six days a week. Regularity beats long, infrequent cramming sessions.
• Review Your Mistakes: Don’t just take the test and move on. Go back and understand why you got questions wrong. This is where real learning happens.
• Consider Prep Courses or Tutors: If you feel stuck, LSAT prep courses or private tutors can provide structured learning and personalized feedback. Many students find them incredibly helpful for boosting their test scores.
• Simulate Test Day: As your test date approaches, do timed practice tests under real test day conditions. This helps you build stamina and manage nerves.

Final Thoughts

Deciding when to take the LSAT is a big piece of the law school admissions process. You’ve got options, whether it’s during junior year, senior year, or after graduation. The most important thing is to choose a test date that allows you enough time for thorough test preparation so you can achieve your highest score.

Remember, while the LSAT scores are incredibly important, they’re just one part of your law school application. Your personal statement, undergraduate grades, letters of recommendation, and any professional experience all play a role in helping most law schools make their decisions.

So, plan smart, study hard, and pick the test date that sets you up for success. I’m confident you’ll make the right choice for your dream schools and your exciting law school journey!

Need help getting started? Check out our curated list of top-rated LSAT prep courses to boost your confidence and maximize your score.

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