If you’re getting ready to take the LSAT, you are likely also wondering if it’s possible to retake it. After all, this test is notorious for its difficult questions and long preparation process, and if you don’t get the same score you received the first time, it’s nice to be reassured that you can try again in the future.
Our article gives you all the information you need to know about potentially retaking the LSAT, test-taking limits, and how your LSAT scores might be reviewed by the law schools you apply to.
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Considering Your LSAT Score
LSAT scores range from 120 (the lowest possible score) to 180 (the highest possible score). Most law schools require a certain score minimum to gain admittance into their school, and the higher your LSAT score is, the higher your chances are of acceptance into top-ranked law schools and of being awarded merit scholarships to help with tuition costs.
As such, many individuals preparing for the LSAT study exhaustively to achieve the highest score possible. Sometimes, this takes a few tries, but fortunately, it is possible to retake the LSAT.
How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT?
In accordance with LSAT test-taking policies, prospective law students can take this test up to 3 times in a single testing year (testing years typically run from July of one year to June of the next) and up to 5 times over the most recent five years, including the current testing year. You can take the LSAT a total of 7 times over one lifetime.
You should remember that canceled LSAT scores count towards the total administrations of LSATs that you have completed and your lifetime total, but withdrawals and absences will not count toward this total. More detailed information on test-taking limits can be found on the Law School Admission Council’s (LSAC) website.
There is an appeals process if you believe you should be granted another administration of the LSAT outside of these limits and lifetime totals. This can be done by sending an email with a detailed explanation of your appeal and the reasoning behind your request.
What About the LSAT Flex?
The LSAT Flex was a special administration of the LSAT given during the COVID pandemic that allowed test takers to comfortably take the LSAT from their home and earn a score throughout this time period. Recently, the LSAC made the determination that the May, June, July, and August 2020 administrations of the LSAT Flex will not count toward the total score totals or lifetime totals for LSAT test takers.
Should You Consider an LSAT Retake?
LSAT retakes are often debated, as many individuals worry that they will do worse on their retake, that law schools will look negatively at a set of scores with a wide range, or that they may accidentally cause a notable downtrend in their scores.
However, you should consider an LSAT retake if you feel like it’s right for you. Many factors can affect your LSAT score, including the studying preparations you undertook, how you felt on test day, testing anxiety, and outside circumstances beyond your control, such as issues with the testing center or exam proctor.
If you feel like you could raise your score or want another chance at the LSAT, there is nothing wrong with giving it another shot. After all, most law schools will consider the highest score, and a high LSAT score is a major factor for scholarships and acceptance into top law school programs.
Will Law Schools Look at All of Your LSAT Scores?
According to LSAT scoring policies, all of the LSAT scores you have received in the previous five years are reported to law programs you apply to as part of your application. While some law schools will look at the average score result you have received, most others will only consider your highest LSAT score, regardless of whether you earned it during your first take of the LSAT, the last, or somewhere in between.
It’s important to keep in mind that some law schools may review your general scoring trend if you have taken the LSAT many times. So factors such as a general downward trend in scores or even a sudden rise might be notable enough for law schools to ask you questions about it during the application process. While this is generally nothing to worry about, you should be prepared with a cohesive explanation of your LSAT score trends if they seem particularly notable.
Achieving Your Best LSAT Score
When it comes to achieving your best LSAT score, a comprehensive LSAT prep course is just the thing to get you started. After you’ve fully prepared for the LSAT and received your score, you can determine if you want a retake based on the factors we discussed in our article. If you choose to complete a retake, remember to keep in mind the total limit on LSAT retakes and how many administrations of the test you have already completed. Then, buckle down, study some more, and prepare to achieve your best LSAT score yet.