How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT? Study Tips + Insights

The walls of law school will teach you to think critically in pursuit of justice, but first, you must conquer the LSAT. If you’re gearing up to take the LSAT, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. You might also be wondering, “How many times can I actually take this test?”

You can take the LSAT up to three times in a testing year and a total of seven times in your lifetime. It’s important, however, to consider factors like preparation, as the average score for first-time takers from 2006-2013 was 151, and ideally, you’ll aim to take it once and pass.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the test, including study tips, how many times you can take the LSAT, and how to improve your LSAT score. We will help you navigate this important step toward your legal career.

• What Is the LSAT?
• How Long Should You Study for the LSAT?
• How to Improve Your LSAT Score
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

  

What Is the LSAT?

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized exam that measures key skills essential for law school success, including reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and critical thinking. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and a writing sample. Law schools consider your LSAT score, along with your GPA and personal statement, as a major factor in their admissions decisions.

Law schools typically require a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, along with a satisfactory undergraduate grade point average (GPA), and a comp

etitive score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for admission. As you focus on maintaining a strong GPA and completing your bachelor’s degree, don’t overlook achieving a solid LSAT score, as each law school has its own requirements and standards.

Different law schools have varying acceptance rates. In 2023, Columbia Law School reported an acceptance rate of 12.2%, while the University of Chicago Law School had a rate of 14.2%. Meanwhile, Duke Law School‘s acceptance rate stood at 10.5%.

Now why is the LSAT so important? Think of it as a gatekeeper. It helps law schools determine whether you have the foundational skills to tackle rigorous coursework. A good score can open doors, while a lower score might require a little extra effort in other areas of your application.

Can you retake the LSAT?

Absolutely! Many students wonder how many times they can take the LSAT. Well, according to the Law School Admission Council, since June 2019, you’re allowed a total of five attempts within the reportable score period and up to seven attempts over your lifetime. The LSAT can be taken up to three times in a single testing year and a maximum of five times over a five-year period. 

This means if you feel you didn’t perform your best the first time around, you have options. Remember that law schools will see all of your scores, but they often consider your highest score in their evaluations.

For example, if you take the LSAT three times and achieve scores of 150, 155, and 160, many schools will look at that 160 as your most representative score. However, it’s always a good idea to check specific law school policies, as they can vary in how they handle multiple scores.

LSAT coverage

Here’s an overview of the LSAT coverage along with college courses that can give you a competitive edge in acing the test.

• Reading comprehension. This section assesses your ability to read and understand complex texts, evaluate arguments, and identify main ideas. You’ll encounter passages from law-related materials, humanities, and social sciences. You might read a dense legal opinion or a scholarly article and be asked questions about the author’s main point, the implications of a particular argument, or how different parts of the passage relate to each other.
• Logical reasoning. This part evaluates your ability to analyze and critique arguments. You’ll encounter short arguments that require you to identify flaws, assumptions, and logical connections. You might see a statement like, “All cats are mammals, so my cat must be a dog,” and you’ll need to determine what’s wrong with the reasoning or identify which conclusion can be drawn from the premises provided.
• Analytical reasoning (logic games). This section tests your ability to understand and apply rules to solve problems. You’ll encounter games that require you to make inferences based on given conditions, often presented in diagrammatic form. You might be presented with a scenario involving a group of friends seating themselves at a table according to specific rules, and you’ll need to determine all possible seating arrangements based on those rules.
• Writing sample. Although this section is not scored, you can demonstrate your writing ability and argumentative skills. You’ll be presented with a scenario and asked to argue for one of two positions. You might be asked to choose between two proposals for a community project and write a persuasive essay defending your choice, citing relevant reasoning and examples.

College courses that help you prepare

While you have many times to take the LSAT, it’s important not to miss the chance to prepare during your undergraduate studies by selecting helpful courses. Here are the courses that can help you prepare for the test.

• Critical thinking and logic. Courses in logic, philosophy, or debate enhance your analytical skills to help you develop a structured approach to reasoning. A philosophy class that covers logical fallacies teaches you to identify flaws in arguments, a skill for the logical reasoning section.
• Reading and writing. Advanced English or literature courses improve your comprehension and writing abilities. An English class focused on analyzing classic literature helps you practice drawing connections between themes and arguments, sharpening your analytical reading skills.
• Mathematics. While the LSAT doesn’t test math directly, mathematical reasoning can enhance your logical reasoning skills. A course in statistics teaches you how to evaluate data and recognize patterns, which can be beneficial for dissecting logical arguments.
• Social sciences. Subjects like psychology, sociology, or political science help you understand human behavior and social dynamics, enriching your analytical framework. A psychology course that explores cognitive biases can help you recognize how these biases affect reasoning, aiding your performance in logical reasoning tasks.
• Test prep courses. Of course, there will be specialized LSAT prep courses that help you focus on test-taking strategies, practice questions, and timed simulations to prepare you effectively. Enrolling in a test prep course at your university provides access to practice tests, feedback from instructors, and peer discussions, all of which can significantly boost your readiness for the exam.

The best preparation for the test starts long before the test date itself. It’s built during your undergraduate courses. It’s a long journey, and cramming at the last minute isn’t the best thing you should do.

How Long Should You Study for the LSAT?

Now, let’s talk about study time. The amount of time you should dedicate to preparing for the LSAT can vary widely depending on your current skills and familiarity with the material. However, a common recommendation is to spend about 2-3 months studying for the test.

For most students, 150-300 hours of study time is a good target. Below is a breakdown of how you can structure your study plan:

1. Diagnostic test. Start by taking a full-length practice LSAT to gauge your current skills to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Daily study schedule. Aim for 1-2 hours of study each day. If you have a busy schedule, consider longer study sessions on weekends.
3. Focused practice. Concentrate on one section at a time. Spend a week or two working on logical reasoning, then move on to reading comprehension, and so on.
4. Full-length practice tests. Take at least 2-3 practice exams under timed conditions. This will help you build endurance and familiarize yourself with the test format.
5. Review. After each practice test, spend time reviewing your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Understanding your mistakes helps you improve.

It’s easier said than done, and you may have other commitments in life. However, remember that if you truly want it, you’ll find the time to make it happen. Having the chance of taking the LSAT many times is never an excuse to neglect thorough preparation. Here are more practical tips that you don’t want to overlook:  

• Prioritize your health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important during your LSAT preparation. Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. Regular exercise can also help reduce stress and improve your focus. Remember, a healthy body supports a sharp mind.
• Practice mindfulness techniques. Include mindfulness or meditation into your daily routine. Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or even short meditation sessions can help calm your nerves and improve concentration, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed by studying.
• Use official LSAT prep materials. When practicing, always use official LSAT prep materials from the Law School Admission Council. These resources provide the most accurate representation of the test format and question types. Familiarity with the actual test structure can significantly boost your confidence and performance on exam day.

How to Improve Your LSAT Score

To maximize your chances of success, you might just focus on how many times you can take the LSAT before applying to law school. But improving your LSAT score is really the key, and it takes dedication and the right strategy. Here are some effective methods to help you raise your score.

1. Targeted practice

Focus on the specific types of questions that challenge you the most. By identifying your weak spots, you can allocate your study time more effectively.

If you find that you struggle with “must be true” questions in the logical reasoning section, dedicate additional practice sessions specifically to those types of questions. Use LSAT prep books or online resources that categorize questions by type. Set a goal to complete a certain number of these questions each week, analyzing your mistakes to understand the reasoning behind the correct answers.

2. Study groups

Forming a study group with fellow LSAT takers can provide a supportive environment where you can discuss concepts, share resources, and motivate each other.

Gather a group of 3-5 peers who are also preparing for the LSAT. Meet once a week to review challenging questions together. You might take turns presenting questions that stumped you, explaining your reasoning and hearing others’ perspectives. This collaboration can lead to new insights and reinforce your understanding of different question types.

3. Professional prep courses

As you have more chances to take the LSAT many times, a lot of prep courses are available. If you feel you need more structured guidance, enrolling in a prep course is a big help. These courses give expert instruction and targeted resources to enhance your study efforts.

Consider signing up for a course that includes live online classes, practice exams, and personalized feedback. For example, a course from a well-known prep company might provide access to a large bank of practice questions and allow you to take diagnostic tests to track your progress. Instructors can offer strategies specific to your strengths and weaknesses to make your study more effective.

4. Mindset and test-taking strategies

Developing a strong test-taking strategy is important for managing anxiety and improving performance. This includes time management techniques and approaches to answer questions efficiently.

Create a timed practice plan that mimics the actual LSAT format. For example, during practice tests, allocate a specific amount of time for each section and practice sticking to it. Develop methods for narrowing down answer choices, such as eliminating obviously incorrect answers first or looking for keywords in the question that can guide you toward the right option. This can help you make quicker, more confident decisions on test day.

5. Practice under real conditions

Simulating the actual testing environment can help you build confidence and endurance for the LSAT. This practice will make you feel more prepared and reduce anxiety on exam day.

Set up a quiet space that resembles a testing environment, free from distractions. Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions, following all the rules of the actual exam (including breaks).

For instance, if the LSAT allows for a 10-minute break after the first two sections, practice adhering to this schedule. This will help you manage your time and energy during the real test to make it feel more familiar and less daunting.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I cancel my LSAT score?

Yes, you can choose to cancel your score if you feel you didn’t perform well, as you have many times to take the LSAT. However, you must do this before the scores are released.

2. Will law schools see all my LSAT scores?

Yes, most law schools will see all of your scores, but they typically consider your highest score for admissions.

3. How should I handle a low LSAT score?

If your score isn’t what you hoped for, focus on strengthening other aspects of your application, such as your personal statement and letters of recommendation.

4. Is there a limit on how many times I can take the LSAT?

Yes, you can take the LSAT a maximum of three times in a single testing year and five times in a five-year period.

5. What if I have special circumstances?

If you have extenuating circumstances, contact LSAC to discuss potential accommodations or exceptions.

Takeaways

• Dedicate 2-3 months to your LSAT preparation, aiming for a total of 150-300 hours of focused study. Break this time into manageable daily sessions to ensure consistent progress and avoid burnout, allowing you to cover all necessary topics thoroughly.
• You have many times to take the LSAT, so don’t hesitate to retake it if you feel you can improve your LSAT score. Many successful law students have taken the test more than once, using their previous experiences to refine their approach and boost their confidence.
• Utilize practice tests to identify specific weaknesses in your understanding and question types. By analyzing your performance, you can develop targeted strategies to address these areas, enhancing your overall test readiness.
• Remember that the LSAT is just one component of your law school application, and it doesn’t define your entire potential. Emphasize your strengths, experiences, and unique qualities to present a well-rounded application that showcases the best version of yourself to law schools.
• If you want to learn more about the specifics of the LSAT, consider reaching out to a college admissions counselor who can guide you on your journey. They can provide insights and support based on your needs.