Students occasionally find themselves in the position of wanting to know where they can or should retake the LSAT for various reasons. Perhaps you simply had a horrible test day, or perhaps you simply don’t like your grade and believe you can perform better. Whatever the situation, be aware that you have the option to retake the exam. Below, we go into the specifics of how many times can you take the LSAT and whether you should.
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Table of Contents
How many Times can you Take the LSAT?
You are permitted to take the LSAT up to three times in one testing year, with a new testing year starting each August, according to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Up to seven attempts at the LSAT are permitted in a lifetime.
You should only take the LSAT once, and when you do, you should give it your all. Students who believe they will have another chance if they fail the first test tend to score worse than those who believe this is the only test that matters, in addition to the retake factors stated below. (This assertion is supported only by anecdotal evidence and common sense; no statistics can be found to support it.)
If you take the test just once and it doesn’t go nearly as well as you’d hoped, should you retake it? It’s critical to first accurately evaluate what transpired during the initial test administration before you can answer the question of whether you should retake the exam:
- Given all the other time restrictions, did you study as hard as you could have — memorizing every word on the test, rehearsing each part, taking a number of full-length practice exams? Or have you slacked off or neglected your preparation over the past few weeks? Can you reasonably anticipate that your preparation will alter significantly in the months or weeks before the next test?
- Did anything happen in the weeks leading up to the exam that might have had a negative impact on your performance—a breakup, a sickness, a family emergency, a severe lack of sleep, or a major hangover?
- Did you feel unusually high levels of test anxiety that were unlike anything you had ever felt before? Shaking hands, difficulty concentrating, or crippling anxiety?
You are unlikely to improve your score by more than the 2-3 points that represent the LSAC average for retakers in the absence of plainly insufficient preparation, an unforeseen catastrophe, or unexpectedly severe test anxiety. It’s even more alarming to note that historically, 25–30% of test-takers who retook the exam after scoring 140–159 on the first try ended up with the same or a lower score.
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You should also consider any additional obligations you may have in the weeks leading up to the next exam date. Can you realistically maintain your test preparation focus despite everything else that may be going on at that time?
Do Multiple LSAT scores “look bad”? Will Law Schools View all of your LSAT Results?
Yes, every law school you apply to will be able to view every LSAT you’ve taken when you apply. This implies that they can see both whether you’ve canceled your scores and every score you’ve previously kept.
But no, it won’t “look bad” to the schools you’ve applied to if you submit several scores. It will be good for you if your score report shows that you have improved since your last exam. It demonstrates your dedication to getting better and hard effort. However, if there is a significant jump in your reported LSAT results (say, by 10 points or more), you can decide to explain it in an addendum for your law school applications.
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Why should you Purchase Score Preview?
LSAT test takers can get Score Preview but you can only use it once. You can view your LSAT score using Score Preview before deciding whether to keep or discard it. You’ll receive your LSAT results along with everyone else, and you’ll have a limited amount of time to decide whether to save or throw away that result.
Score Preview is available for $45 until the day before your LSAT. You will be required to pay $75 if you wait until after you’ve taken the test. You can obtain Score Preview for nothing if you have an LSAC LSAT Fee Waiver.
We strongly advise purchasing Score Preview if you’re in a position to pay the $45 price or if you’re eligible for a fee waiver. You might think of it as an insurance policy: even if you decide not to cancel your score, knowing that you have the choice will give you some comfort on test day.
Should you Cancel your Score if you are Unhappy with it?
The sole possible response to this query is it depends. You should cancel if you’re positive you can raise your score and you have no intention of letting law schools see your first score on your record. Though it might not be exactly what you expected, if you are relatively satisfied with your score, you might choose to keep it. Cancelling might not be the best option for you if there’s a chance that you’ll want the colleges you apply to to see that score. You are not required to use Score Preview just because you paid for it.
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How can Canceled Scores Appear on Transcript for Law Schools?
All of the law schools to which you apply will be able to see that you took the LSAT and that you canceled your score, but they won’t know when or why. They won’t be aware of whether you canceled utilizing Score Preview or if you did so prior to receiving your score. People frequently postpone or cancel tests because of system issues, test-day anxiety, or other issues. Schools won’t know when or why you cancelled, and you won’t be required to provide them a justification.
When should I Retake the LSAT and should I?
Once more, only you may respond to the question. But a lot of this choice comes down to some elementary calculus: Effort Outcome. This essentially implies that the time and effort you invest in retaking the LSAT exam should be balanced by the improvement you anticipate in your average LSAT score, for those of you who shudder at equations. Therefore, it can be worthwhile if you believe that a little more studying will only result in a small rise in your test score.
It might also be effective if you believe that studying again would require a lot of time and effort but that your test score would significantly improve. Everything depends on how you feel and what you think you can accomplish with your additional study time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good LSAT result?
The median test score is 150, and around half of test takers achieve that mark. However, to get into their top-choice colleges, competitive applicants frequently require a higher score in the 160s or 170s. Scores for the LSAT range from 120 to 180.
Are LSAT results permanent?
If you haven't purchased LSAT Score Preview, you won't be able to change your score once it has been disclosed because it will then be a permanent part of your record.
Can you pass the LSAT without doing any prep work?
The LSAT is a highly difficult test. To be sure, there are numerous confirmed instances of people who have scored above 165 on the test without studying over the past ten years, but those cases are rare and far between.
Is the LSAT entirely multiple-choice?
The LSAT consists of a 30-minute writing sample after a five-section, multiple-choice "aptitude" test with standard scores.
Conclusion
When you take the LSAT again depends on your schedule if you wish to do so. You already know that preparing for the LSAT is time-consuming, so you must set aside time for it, especially if you work a full-time job.
To raise your LSAT score, decide to retake at a time that works best for your employment and/or school schedule. Also keep in mind that you will probably need more review when you start studying again the greater the gap between tests. This is not a terrible thing, but you should take it into account while planning your schedule.
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FAQs
Is taking the LSAT 3 times too many? ›
Students who take the LSAT just once with a high score may have a slight edge over those who take it multiple times. However, it does not hurt your chances of getting into law school if you take the LSAT more than once.
Can schools see how many times you took the LSAT? ›Law schools will know if you retake the LSAT, but they are unlikely to care. There are more than enough reasons to stress out about your law school applications. Retaking the LSAT is not one of them.
Is it OK to take the LSAT more than once? ›Fortunately, the LSAT can be taken multiple times, which provides students with some sense of relief. When considering taking the LSAT multiple times, an important thing to know is that the assessment can only be taken three times within a year and seven times total over a lifetime.
What LSAT score do I need to get a full ride scholarship? ›What LSAT score will get me a scholarship? 90% of students with LSAT scores higher than 166 receive merit scholarships as law school students. While it is easier to get a scholarship with a high LSAT score, those with an LSAT score lower than 140 still have a 16% chance of receiving a merit scholarship.
What is the average LSAT score for first-time takers? ›The average LSAT score for first-time takers was 151, according to scores tracked from 2006-2013. During this period, second-time test takers had the highest LSAT average score of about 152. The average national LSAT score for full-time, first-year JD enrollees for fall 2022 was about 159.
How many questions can you miss on the LSAT to get a 161? ›So, you don't have to be perfect to do well. Every LSAT throughout the year is different, but on a typical LSAT, you can still get 25 wrong and end up in the 160s— or about 20 wrong and get a 164, a 90th percentile score.
How many questions can you miss on the LSAT to get a 175? ›Scoring a 175 means you missed 5 questions on the test, which can be the equivalent of an entire logic game. Scoring a 170 means you missed 10 or 11 questions, which is nearly half of an entire section.
How many times is it bad to take LSAT? ›You should plan to take the LSAT just once, and to do your best on it that one time. In addition to the retake considerations outlined below, students who assume they'll have a second chance if they blow the first test tend not to perform as well as those who assume that this is the only test that matters.
How many questions can you get wrong to get a 170 on the LSAT? ›To achieve a score of 170 requires a test taker to correctly answer 90 out of 101 questions.
What is the average LSAT score without studying? ›The LSAT is scored on a 120-180 scale.
From our independent research, we've found that students who take the LSAT without studying achieve scores between 145 and 153.
Do law schools care if you cancel LSAT score? ›
Do Law Schools See if You Cancel Your LSAT Score? Yes. While law schools can't see your LSAT score, admissions officers will see that you took the test and canceled your score.
What was Elle Woods LSAT score? ›Conversation. The least realistic part of Legally Blonde is how Elle Woods went from scoring a 143 on her practice LSAT to a 179 on the real thing.
Can I get a scholarship with a 170 LSAT score? ›Students with an LSAT score close to 170 have a great chance of earning a scholarship for law school. Some other ways to increase the odds of getting a scholarship for law school are listed below. We also recommend applying to more than one scholarship program to increase your odds.
Can you get a 150 on the LSAT without studying? ›How Much On An Average Can I Score In LSAT Without Studying? A crystal clear and precise answer to this query is 150. The LSAT ( law school admission test) exam is scored between 120-180; on average, students sitting in the exam can score 145-153 without studying based on various statistics.
Is 140 a low LSAT score? ›This shows that the lowest acceptable LSAT score is 139. Typically, a good rule of thumb is that you want to at least break 140 to make taking on the cost of law school economically feasible. You can get into a law school with a 140 LSAT score.
What is a good LSAT score 2023? ›If you achieve a 160 on the exam, you'll have performed better than approximately 80% of test takers. A score of 160 is perhaps the most agreed upon number for a “good” LSAT score and could be compared to achieving above an 1800 on the SAT (or 25 on the ACT).
What is the lowest LSAT score accepted at Harvard? ›Law schools generally require that you have specified minimum collegiate GPA and LSAT scores to qualify for admission. Harvard, Yale, and the other top five-ranked law schools require that you have a GPA of at least 3.50 and an LSAT score of 170.
What is a good LSAT score first try? ›According to U.S. News, law school admissions experts recommend striving for at least a 150; however, for a top-ranking law school, you should aim for a 160 or better. For a Top 10 law school, a 170 or more is desired.
How many LSAT questions can I miss and get a 180? ›Though 180 is the perfect LSAT score, you can often miss one or two questions and still achieve the perfect 180. Comparing the score conversion charts for LSAT exams since 2005 shows that on some tests, you can miss as many as three questions and still achieve a 180.
How bad is a 154 on the LSAT? ›From your raw scores, the test is graded on an LSAT score scale from 120-180. The average LSAT score is about 150. To get into a top 14 law school, you need to score above 162, and to get into a top 50 law school, you need 154 or above.
How long does it take to study for the LSAT? ›
For most students, a three-month period of preparation (of approximately 20 hours per week) is a great goal. This is, of course, an estimate; most students are not all students. To find out how much LSAT prep time you're likely to need, we recommend taking a practice LSAT to get a baseline score.
How hard is a 155 on the LSAT? ›First off, if you're in this score range, you're already officially above the mean (and above median, though we can't speak to mode – sorry stats fans). Within this score range, you're besting 64-78 percent of your peers, putting you solidly within the top half of test takers!
Does 175 LSAT guarantee admission? ›To be in the 75th percentile, you need to score at least 175. Scoring 170 puts you in the 25th percentile of Harvard applicants. Even if your score is very high, there is still a high chance they won't admit you. This brings us to an important point: a high score does not guarantee you'll get into the school you want.
Should I retake a 158 LSAT? ›If you get your official LSAT score back and it is significantly lower than your practice test average, you should retake. For example, if your last 3 practice test scores were a 165, 167, and 166, but on test day you scored a 158, you should definitely retake the LSAT.
How many times does the average student take the LSAT? ›Around two-thirds of the test-takers are first-time LSAT takers, one-third make up those taking the LSAT twice, and only a small number of test-takers take the LSAT the third time in a testing cycle. These numbers show you that on average, most students take the LSAT only once.
What happens if you retake the LSAT and get a lower score? ›Meaning, a lower score on a LSAT retake should not hurt you. Now admissions officers are still humans, and there is most certainly some psychological negative impact of having multiple lower LSAT scores and then a high LSAT score when compared to someone who just scored high the first time.
What if I do worse on my second LSAT? ›Even if you retake the exam again and knock it out of the park, you should write an addendum to explain why the most recent score is the best representation of your abilities. If there were extenuating circumstances when you got a low score, you should cite that situation.
Can you get into Harvard with a 170 LSAT? ›Assuming the rest of your application is perfectly “average” for Harvard Law, if your LSAT score is below 174, your chances of getting in are below average. If it's above 174, your chances are above average.
Is 148 a good LSAT score? ›Typical LSAT score ranges include: 120-147 Low. 148-156 Mid. 157-164 High.
Is 170 LSAT enough for Harvard? ›A score of over 175 or better almost guarantees acceptance at some of the most elite universities: Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, and with a great GPA, even Yale. While stellar, achieving a 173 is not in itself enough to guarantee acceptance at the country's most elite universities.
What is the lowest LSAT score ever? ›
The LSAT scores range from 120-180, with 120 being the lowest possible score.
What LSAT score is too low for law school? ›An LSAT score below 160 is not competitive for admission to the top law schools, and it's not competitive for scholarships to law schools with decent employment prospects.”
Do law schools look at every LSAT score? ›You will find that most law schools look at the higher or highest LSAT test score for applicants with multiple scores. However, applicants should keep in mind that Admissions Committee members will see all scores and may be negatively influenced by a large number of tests or a downward trend in scores.
Should I cancel my LSAT score if I did worse? ›First we should state that, in general, we do not recommend canceling your LSAT score. Canceling has very few benefits—the test still counts toward your allotted 3 takes per cycle (and 5 takes per 5-year period, and 7 takes total), and it doesn't remove the test administration from your record.
Are colleges getting rid of the LSAT? ›The ABA's Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar overwhelmingly voted to resubmit a controversial proposal to end by 2025 the longstanding requirement that schools use the Law School Admission Test or other standardized test when admitting new students.
Do law schools care about GPA or LSAT? ›Most law schools tend to give LSAT scores a bit more weight, but some schools care more about grades. The admissions process is inevitably subjective, and some admissions officers might be more forgiving of a gap than others.
What LSAT score did Obama get? ›Unraveling the secret behind Obama's LSAT Score
Only two of them scored over the 63% mark; and in fact scored between 94-98%, which would be equivalent to a score of 166 – 171 in today's grading system.
In a clip from the show, Kim revealed to sisters Khloé and Kourtney that she failed the important test. In order to pass, Kim needed a score of 560. She scored 474.
What GPA did Elle Woods have? ›After months of studying, Elle scores a 179 on the Law School Admission Test and, combined with her 4.0 GPA, is accepted to Harvard Law School.
How to negotiate scholarships for law school? ›Only discuss scholarships with schools you really want to attend. For example, pick the two schools you really would attend and compare those real costs. Don't ask schools to enter into a bidding war for the sake of getting more money, and don't include schools where it is unlikely you would attend.
Does LSAT outweigh GPA? ›
A strong LSAT score can compensate for a low GPA, so it is well worth the investment of time and effort it takes to do well. Many competitive law schools screen applicants using a weighted index of their grades and LSAT scores, so extra points on the LSAT may effectively boost your GPA.
Can I get into law school with a 152 LSAT? ›Your LSAT score is the most important factor for admission to law school. The highest LSAT score is a 180. The average LSAT score is about a 152. A "good" LSAT score depends on the law schools you are considering.
Is 153 a bad LSAT score? ›The LSAT is scored on a 120-180 scale. The average LSAT score is about a 151. This relatively small range of scores means that small improvements in performance can increase your score quite a bit.
Are some people naturally good at LSAT? ›There is no escaping it — natural ability pays off on the LSAT, a lot. I'm not sure that “LSAT smarts” equate very well to general intelligence (whatever that is), but to do truly well on the LSAT, like around 99th percentile or better, you have to have some pretty serious natural LSAT brilliance.
Is LSAT more important than GPA? ›Just how important the LSAT relative to other elements of your overall application package varies a little from school to school. However, generally, your LSAT score alone is thought to be anywhere from twice as important as your GPA to four to five times as important!
How many times did Michelle Obama take the LSAT? ›I think I took the ACT four times, the LSAT three times. And I had to take yet another test in order to be a licensed attorney: the bar exam. Sometimes life is all about perseverance.
What score is 20 wrong on LSAT? ›Every LSAT throughout the year is different, but on a typical LSAT, you can still get 25 wrong and end up in the 160s— or about 20 wrong and get a 164, a 90th percentile score. Even a perfect score of 180 often allows for a question or two to be missed.
Do law schools care if you take the LSAT twice? ›Law schools will know if you retake the LSAT, but they are unlikely to care. There are more than enough reasons to stress out about your law school applications. Retaking the LSAT is not one of them. Misinformation about this topic is widespread, because policies have changed.
Is it bad to take LSAT 4 times? ›Additionally, if you take the LSAT more than three times, or if you have a significant difference in scores (typically more than five points), an admissions committee will want to see an addendum explaining why you kept taking the exam, or explaining the reason for the higher score—essentially, to explain why the high ...
Can you only take the LSAT 3 times? ›How many times may I take the LSAT? Three times in a single testing year (the next testing cycle begins with the August 2022 test). Five times within the current and five past testing years (the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools). A total of seven times over a lifetime.
How many times do most people take the LSAT? ›
Thus, when you go to the test center for the first time, the majority of people around you are also there for the first time. What about people repeating the test? The average percentage of second-time test takers is 26%, and the average percentage of third-time test takers is 5% (percentages rounded).
Should I keep a 150 LSAT score? ›According to U.S. News, law school admissions experts recommend striving for at least a 150; however, for a top-ranking law school, you should aim for a 160 or better. For a Top 10 law school, a 170 or more is desired.
What percentile is a 162 on the LSAT? ›We've already developed a general sense of LSAT score percentiles from some of the common score thresholds above (160: 80th percentile; 165: 90th percentile; 170: 97-98th percentile, and 174: 99th percentile). Next, we need to determine our goal score range based on the law schools we're interested in attending.
Does the LSAT get harder every year? ›Short answer: No. The only difference across practice tests over time is that early Logic Games are harder, so if anything, the LSAT has gotten easier. Don't worry about subtle changes based on a few data points. Focus on understanding the test, one question at a time.
Do law schools see all your LSAT scores? ›You will find that most law schools look at the higher or highest LSAT test score for applicants with multiple scores. However, applicants should keep in mind that Admissions Committee members will see all scores and may be negatively influenced by a large number of tests or a downward trend in scores.
How common is a 180 on the LSAT? ›Remember, the LSAT is one component of the application, and the definition of a good LSAT score depends upon your specific goals. While only 0.1% of test-takers get a 180, many more get accepted into law school each year.
What's the average LSAT score at Harvard? ›| Law School | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Yale | 171 | 177 |
| Stanford | 170 | 175 |
| Harvard | 170 | 176 |
| Columbia | 172 | 176 |
A 180 is a perfect LSAT score. But of the nearly 60,000 tests taken in 2022, only 119 test-takers scored 180, according to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). And around 1 in 3 test-takers scored within 5 points of the average LSAT score. You don't need a perfect score to get into law school.