Does it matter if you retake the LSAT?

Asked by: Dr. Cindy Fritsch  |  Last update: November 29, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (57 votes)

How likely is my LSAT score to improve if I retake the LSAT? The majority of test takers increase their score on the second test. However, some test takers' scores do not change, and some even experience a score decrease.

Is it worth retaking the LSAT?

If you're somewhere within the 25th to 75th percentile, then a retake may not even be necessary—especially when you consider the time and money it'll cost you. If you're one of the lucky few that scored a 170 or higher on the first try, then there's really no point in retaking it at all.

Does it look bad if you take the LSAT twice?

Due to the difficulty of the test, law schools generally understand that students may not receive their ideal score the first time around. As a rule, schools look for score improvements overall, and do not necessarily view multiple attempts at the LSAT as a negative factor on an application.

What happens if you retake the LSAT and get a lower score?

So your highest score is really all law schools care about. Meaning, a lower score on a LSAT retake should not hurt you.

What percentage of people retake 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 try to retake the LSAT?

39 related questions found

How many times is it bad to take LSAT?

Applicants with multiple LSAT scores with huge score disparities can be harder to review. Once applicants have taken the LSAT two or three times they often see scores start to cluster and plateau. All law schools are eager to admit applicants to their schools who possess solid aptitude scores on the LSAT.

What is the average LSAT score for first time takers?

Data Summary. 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.

Do law schools care if you retake 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.

Should I cancel my LSAT score if I did worse?

Should You Actually Cancel Your LSAT Score? In the final analysis, if you have strong reason to believe you've done poorly, and if you have time to take the test again (and to further your preparation), there's nothing wrong with canceling one LSAT score (but only one).

Does LSAT matter more 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!

Do law schools care if you take the LSAT three times?

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.

Do schools see how many times you take the LSAT?

Yes, when you apply to law school, all schools you apply to will be able to see every LSAT you've taken. This means they can see if you've canceled your scores as well as all existing scores that you've kept. But no, reporting multiple scores will not “look bad” to schools to which you've applied.

What to do if you bomb the LSAT?

  1. 1) Take the next available test. If you really think you bombed the test and you know your score will not reflect your ability, then I suggest taking the test again as soon as possible. ...
  2. 2) Up the Ante. Elevate your practice. ...
  3. 3) Get a Tutor! Obviously I'm going to say this because I'm a tutor and this is my sales pitch.

What is a poor LSAT score?

Typical LSAT score ranges include: 120-147 Low. 148-156 Mid. 157-164 High. 165-180 Exceptional.

Should I keep a low LSAT score?

It is not, however, a reason to cancel your LSAT score. If you seriously studied and committed to preparing for the exam in the months leading up to it, then you should be in a good position to keep the score. Even if you didn't get a 180, it's likely that this score reflects your aptitude and abilities.

Do most people only take the LSAT once?

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.

Should I cancel a 153 LSAT score?

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.

Can you go from a 145 to a 170 on LSAT?

I'm a current LSAT student. My diagnostic score was 146 and I hit 170 on the nose for the first time about two months ago. It is possible, even if it's time-consuming. I've been studying for a little over ten months, and took the second half of June off since I sat for the June LSAT and was a bit burnt out.

Do law schools see all LSAT scores?

All of your 12 most recent LSAT (or LSAT-Flex) results will be reported to the law schools to which you apply if earned in the current testing year or if earned in the prior five testing years. (Note that LSAT results include scores, cancellations, and absences.

What is the average LSAT score?

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. Compare your LSAT scores to the score ranges for admitted students at law schools on your list.

Can LSAT compensate for GPA?

The LSAT is essentially the law school equivalent of the ACT/SAT. If you manage to achieve a great score on the LSAT, this can help compensate considerably for your GPA. But this is easier said than done. Start studying early and often, and even consider hiring a test prep tutor to help you stay on course.

Is it bad to take the LSAT 4 times?

If you need a “gateway” score at or above the median of your dream school because you are a strong but not exceptional applicant (under their median GPA, etc.), keep taking the test as long as you don't think you have maxed out: even up to four or five times.

What is the lowest LSAT score accepted by Harvard?

So let's take a look at what it actually takes to have a chance of being admitted to the most prestigious and preeminent law school in the world. As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School.

Is 135 a bad LSAT score?

If your LSAT score is in the 140s or lower, you need to spend some time looking at the 25th percentile LSAT scores for the schools you were hoping to attend.

What is the highest LSAT score without studying?

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. LSAT is an exam based on the performance of the test takers, which directly means it is a scalar exam.