Do law schools care if you take the LSAT twice?

Asked by: Hunter Eichmann  |  Last update: March 19, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (41 votes)

No, law schools generally don't mind if you take the LSAT twice, especially if your score improves or stays consistent, as they focus on your highest score and an upward trend; however, large score drops or excessive attempts (over 3-4 times) can raise concerns, potentially warranting a personal statement addendum to explain any significant circumstances.

Do law schools care about multiple LSAT scores?

Law schools do not average the scores for admission, but we always look at performance if you've taken the test more than once. Ideally, it would be best if every applicant could secure their ideal LSAT score on the first attempt, but that is often not the case. Law schools will report the highest LSAT score.

Do law schools see how many times you take the LSAT?

Your overall LSAT record may be useful to law schools when making admissions decisions. 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.

Can law schools see if you get extra time on the LSAT?

LSAC does not annotate the score reports of individuals with disabilities who take the LSAT with testing accommodations, including the accommodation of extended testing time. All scores are reported in the same manner (accommodated scores are reported in the same manner as non-accommodated scores).

What was Barack Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed to have been very high, likely in the 170-175 range, to gain admission to Harvard Law School with a relatively low undergraduate GPA. Analysts suggest he needed a score in the top percentiles (perhaps 94th-98th) to overcome his lower GPA and secure a spot at the prestigious institution, indicating a strong performance near the perfect 180 score. 

The LSAT Has Changed—Here’s What You Need to Know (2026)

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Did Kim Kardashian pass the LSAT?

That said, the question about what the “Kim Kardashian LSAT score” was, or if she even took the LSAT ends in a resounding no. This unconventional choice has sparked conversations about making legal education more accessible and exploring diverse paths in the legal profession.

Did Michelle Obama ever pass a bar exam?

Yes, Michelle Obama did pass the Illinois bar exam, but she failed it on her first attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School before passing it on her second try, later becoming a licensed attorney in Illinois and having a successful legal career before becoming First Lady. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989 and went on to work in intellectual property law at a firm where she met her husband, Barack Obama.
 

Do people with ADHD get extra time on LSAT?

Don't be shy about applying for and using LSAT ADHD accommodations. Accommodations can include extended testing time, permission to sit/stand during testing, and/or permission to read/speak aloud. Make sure to submit your request and all required documentation well in advance of LSAT registration deadlines.

How rare is a 172 on the LSAT?

A 172 LSAT score is extremely rare and elite, placing you in roughly the top 3% (97th percentile) of test-takers, meaning you scored better than over 97 out of 100 people, making it a very strong score for even the most competitive T14 law schools. While common on law school forums, it's statistically exceptional, outperforming most applicants for top programs, though some extremely selective schools have medians even higher. 

Is a 157 a bad LSAT score?

A 157 LSAT score isn't "bad"—it's solid and above average, placing you in the 70th percentile, allowing entry to many ranked law schools, especially regional ones, though it might be below the median for highly selective T14 schools, so researching specific school medians and considering retaking if aiming for top-tier programs is key. 

What percent of people retake LSAT?

According to an LSAC report covering 2018-19 through 2022-23, the average annual percentage of first-time LSAT test takers was 56%. It was 29% for second-timers and 10% for third-timers.

Do law schools care if you cancel your LSAT score?

Again, the law schools will still see that you took the LSAT and canceled, and if you have a previous strong GRE score they will probably surmise that your LSAT didn't go as well.

How long is law school after passing LSAT?

As a law student, you can expect to spend at least three years in law school. Full-time students typically complete their studies within three years, while part-time students take up to five years. Graduating from law school is an impressive achievement for many aspiring lawyers.

What score did Elle Woods need on her LSAT?

Elle Woods needed to score a 179 on the LSAT, just one point shy of a perfect 180, to get into Harvard Law School in the movie Legally Blonde, a remarkable jump from her initial practice score of 143. This near-perfect score placed her in an extremely high percentile, proving her dedication and intelligence despite initial underestimation.
 

How rare is a 160 on the LSAT?

A 160 LSAT score is considered strong and respectable, placing you around the 75th to 80th percentile, meaning you scored better than most test-takers (around 73-80%). While not an "elite" score for top-tier law schools (T-14), it's competitive for many good regional and top-100 programs and significantly above the average score (around 151-152). It's not "rare," but it does demonstrate solid skill, especially as the pool of test-takers often includes many college graduates.
 

Is a 156 LSAT bad?

A 156 LSAT score isn't "bad" but is average, placing you in a competitive spot for many regional or Tier 2/3 law schools, though it's below the median for highly-ranked T14 schools (which often see medians 170+). It's a solid baseline (around the 60th percentile, minimal risk for bar failure) that can get you into law school, especially if paired with a strong GPA, but raising it to the mid-160s significantly improves scholarship chances and access to more selective programs. 

Can I get into Harvard law with a 171 LSAT?

Based on recent class data, the median LSAT score for admitted students is 174, with the middle 50% ranging from 171 (25th percentile) to 176 (75th percentile). While a score below 171 is possible with a standout application, aiming for 174 or higher maximizes your chances.

What did Elle Woods get a 179 on?

A perfect score on the LSAT exam is 180, therefore Elle's score of 179 puts her in the top 0.1 percent. As agreed in her contract, Reese Witherspoon kept all of her costumes after filming. A perfect score on the LSAT exam is 180, therefore Elle's score of 179 puts her in the top 0.1 percent.

What's a failing LSAT score?

If you are wondering what a good LSAT Score is, there is no failing or passing score on the LSAT.

What is the 30% rule in ADHD?

The "ADHD 30% Rule" refers to the concept that executive function skills (like planning, self-control, time management) in people with ADHD often develop about 30% slower than in neurotypical individuals, meaning a 30-year-old might function with the skills of a 21-year-old, making life harder. This rule helps set realistic expectations, suggesting parents/adults work with an "adjusted" age and use strategies like adding 30% more time to tasks or taking 30-second pauses to manage impulsivity, though the exact delay varies. 

Is anxiety a disability for the LSAT?

If you've struggled with anxiety, ADHD, or other learning differences, you might have wondered whether you're eligible for extra time or other accommodations on high-stakes exams like the LSAT or MCAT. The short answer is: yes, it's possible—but only with thorough documentation.

What is the 20 minute rule for ADHD?

The 20-minute rule for ADHD is a productivity hack to overcome task initiation by committing to work on a task for just 20 minutes, leveraging momentum to continue or allowing a break if needed, reducing overwhelm from large tasks by breaking them into small, manageable chunks. It's a modified Pomodoro Technique, focusing on starting and sustaining focus through short bursts of work (like 20 mins) followed by short breaks (5-10 mins), making daunting chores or studying feel less intimidating and building productive habits.
 

Did Joe Biden pass his bar exam?

Yes, Joe Biden earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968 and was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969, indicating he passed the bar exam required for practice, despite graduating in the lower half of his class. 

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam to be a lawyer?

No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in July 2025, a result she publicly shared in November 2025, vowing to keep studying despite the setback, but she has previously passed the "Baby Bar" exam after multiple attempts and plans to retake the main bar exam. She revealed her failed attempt on her show The Kardashians, showing emotional moments from her preparation and disappointment, and emphasized her determination to pass.
 

Did JFK ever pass the bar exam?

Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor degree from the New York University School of Law in 1989. He then failed the New York bar exam twice before passing on his third try in July 1990. After failing the exam for a second time, Kennedy vowed that he would continue to take it until he was 95 years old or passed.