Here are upcoming LSAT test and release dates to help you plan when to take the LSAT and start creating your ideal LSAT study schedule! The LSAT is an important part of applying and getting into law school, so it’s important to choose the LSAT test dates that are right for your law school application timeline. In this blog, we’ve included the upcoming LSAT test dates, how to register for the LSAT, how to reschedule your LSAT, and tips for preparing for test day!
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LSAT Test and Release Dates
All dates are listed in Eastern Time (ET), and all receipt deadlines are by 11:59 p.m. ET.
How to Book and Reschedule an LSAT Date
To book your LSAT test date, you first need to create an account through LSAC and browse the LSAT dates available in your testing region. From there, you can register and pay the registration fee of $215.
The LSAT testing year officially begins on July 1, with available test dates starting in August and continuing into the following spring and summer. Finalized LSAT test dates become available in mid-May when registration for all test dates opens.
Rescheduling Your LSAT Test Date
To reschedule your LSAT test date, you need to put in a request through your online LSAC account.
The registration deadline is the last day you can reschedule your LSAT test for free, or request a full refund of your registration fee. Note that this is also the last date for you to request accommodations for your LSAT due to disability.
The test date change deadline is the final day to request a partial refund of your registration fee or reschedule your LSAT test date.
If you need to reschedule your LSAT date and the registration date and test date change deadline have both passed, you’ll need to repay your registration fee and request another test date through your LSAC account. Your request MUST be made before 11:59 p.m. the day before your scheduled test.
If you are not able to take the LSAT on your registered date and do not want to reschedule, log in to your LSAC account and withdraw your registration. This prevents an absent notation from appearing on your file.
LSAT Scores Release
LSAT scores are released around 2-3 weeks after you’ve written your LSAT test. You can view your scores through your online LSAC account.
Your raw LSAT score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly, and all questions are weighted the same. You do not lose points for wrong answers. Your raw LSAT score is converted to a scaled score between 120-180. Once your scores are released, you are given a scaled score, your percentile rank and score band. You can also see any cancellations, rescheduled test dates and previous attempts.
Your LSAT scores are submitted to law schools automatically if you use the LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which is a law school application service used by many law schools in North America.
Number of Attempts Allowed
You can take the LSAT a total of 3 times in any testing cycle (typically June 1-July 30 of the following year) and a total of 7 times over a lifetime period.
LSAT Writing Section
The LSAT writing section is a mandatory part of the exam, and it becomes available to your up to 8 days before your registered test date. It’s a good idea to get this section done early and submit it before your test date. This section of the LSAT is not scored, but it is sent to all law schools you apply to. Skipping this section of the LSAT will result in an incomplete test and you’ll need to retake the LSAT.
The LSAT writing section gives you 35 minutes to write an essay in response to a prompt. This is meant to be an evaluation of your persuasive writing ability and communication skills, so it is an integral part of your law school application, even though it isn’t scored and doesn’t affect your LSAT score.
If you need help preparing to write the LSAT essay, you can look into a law essay writing service or ask a law school advisor for help improving your writing skills.
Want tips on preparing for the LSAT? Watch this video:
When to Take the LSAT
Deciding when to schedule your LSAT test date is an important decision, and your choice will largely be influenced by when you plan to apply to law school and how much time you will need to study for the LSAT. and create an LSAT study schedule.
For instance, most test-takers choose an LSAT test date in June, July or August, since rolling admissions for most law schools start in September and they want to apply as early as possible. This way, your LSAT is also out of the way early on, leaving you more time to finalize your law school application materials.
Some test-takers may choose a test date in December, January, or February. This means you will likely be planning to apply to law school the following year, but it allows you more time to retake the test if you decide to.
How long to study for the LSAT? Typically, you should give yourself 2 or 3 months to study for the LSAT, adjusting for each individual student’s study needs. When choosing your LSAT test date, start by taking an LSAT diagnostic practice test to determine how much studying time you will need. Then, take a look at law school application deadlines and decide when you are applying. With this information in mind, you can choose the best LSAT date for your application timeline.
Do I Need to Take the LSAT?
Believe it or not, there are law schools that do not require the LSAT, including institutions at the very top of law school rankings! In lieu of writing the LSAT, some law schools allow you to submit GRE scores or invite you to attend a law school interview instead of submitting LSAT scores.
If you do decide to take the LSAT or are required to for admission to your chosen law schools, remember that law school acceptance rates can be very competitive, even at the easiest law schools to get into, so check if your school has a minimum required LSAT score. Even if there is no minimum required score, you should aim to score above the average accepted LSAT score at your target school for the best chance of admissions success.
What to Do on Test Day
Once your LSAT test date comes around, there are a number of requirements you’ll need to meet. The test is live, remote-proctored through ProctorU and administered by the LSAC LawHub.
You will need a valid piece of government-issued photo ID with you to present during the test.
How to Prepare for LSAT Test Day
FAQs
1. When is the best time to take the LSAT?
The most popular time for test-takers to write the LSAT is in the summer or fall of the year before applying to law school. Since law schools use rolling admissions which open in the fall, this means you can apply as early as possible and submit your LSAT scores.
2. Is 3 months enough time to study for the LSAT?
Test-takers generally need 2 to 3 months to study for the LSAT, depending on each student’s studying habits and schedule.
3. Do you have to complete the writing part of the LSAT?
Yes, the writing section of the LSAT is mandatory, even if it is unscored. Not completing the writing section will result in an incomplete test.
4. How many times can you retake the LSAT?
You can take the LSAT up to 3 times in any testing cycle year, or up to 7 times in a lifetime period.
5. How much does the LSAT cost?
The registration fee for the LSAT is $215.
6. Can I reschedule my LSAT test date?
Yes, you can reschedule your LSAT test date before the registration deadline for free. For a partial fee, you can reschedule your LSAT test date before the test date change deadline. Once these deadlines have passed, you’ll need to repay the full registration fee to rebook your test or withdraw your registration.
7. Is the LSAT hard?
The LSAT is a very challenging exam, but it can be aced with the right preparation and enough practice. If you’re not sure how to start studying for the LSAT, you can talk to a law school admissions consulting service to get expert help preparing for this test!
8. Where can I take the LSAT?
The LSAT can be taken online through the LSAC LawHub and is live remote-proctored via ProctorU. There are also some test dates which have the option of taking the LSAT in-person at a designated testing center.
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