Does taking the LSAT 3 times look bad?
Asked by: Zackery Mraz III | Last update: April 20, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (66 votes)
Taking the LSAT three times usually does not look bad, especially if scores improve, showing perseverance; however, large score drops or no improvement across multiple attempts can raise concerns, so it's best if the third score is significantly higher or shows a positive trend, with the highest score typically being what matters most for admissions, though explanations for wild variations might be needed.
Is it normal to take the LSAT three times?
(You probably shouldn't. But you could.) The Law School Admissions Council used to limit students to taking the LSAT no more than three times within a single testing year. However, in 2023, they lifted that rule, but left the rule that you can only take it 5 times in a reportable score period.
How many times do most people take the LSAT?
Although the majority of prospective law students take the LSAT only once, retakes are common, as is improved performance the second time around.
How many times should I retake the LSAT?
Take it the first time only when you're ready to get a score you'd be happy with, and then retake if you're confident you can do even better. A third take in one year is something to save just in case you're on a waitlist and you want to get some movement.
Can colleges see how many times you take the LSAT?
All of your 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.
Do Multiple Attempts Look Bad? | LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 429
What was 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.
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.
Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?
Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.
What LSAT score is a 70%?
A 70th percentile on the LSAT means you scored better than 70% of test-takers, which typically translates to a scaled score around 157-159, depending on the specific test's difficulty, often requiring around 55-56 correct answers out of the total questions. This is a strong score, placing you above average and in a good range for many mid-tier law schools, though top schools often look for scores in the 160s and above, notes Kaplan Test Prep and Grad Prep.
Is 172 a bad LSAT score?
No, a 172 is an excellent LSAT score, placing you in the top 2-3% of test-takers, but it's not a guaranteed ticket to every elite law school, as top-tier schools often see medians around 170-174, meaning many successful applicants score slightly higher. A 172 is fantastic and highly competitive, but it's essential to pair it with a strong GPA and application for schools like Harvard or Yale, where a 172 might be below their median, while it's exceptional for most other top programs.
Is the LSAT graded on a curve?
The LSAT is graded on a “curve” so that even if a test was relatively easy or difficult, a 160 on any given test is equivalent to a 160 on any other test. This means that not all tests are exactly the same level of difficulty.
Is there a max number of times you can take the LSAT?
Test takers are permitted to take the LSAT: Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2020). A total of seven times over a lifetime.
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.
Do law schools see cancelled LSAT scores?
If you did not purchase LSAT Score Preview, you can cancel your LSAT score within six calendar days after your test date. The cancellation will still be visible to any schools you apply to, but your score will never be released (not even to you).
What is the average LSAT score for top law schools?
Applicants to these schools commonly have LSAT scores in the mid-160s or even higher. For example, the best law schools in the United States, Yale and Stanford, both have scores in the 170s—174 and 173, respectively. Mid-tier law schools have average scores ranging from 155 to 165.
Does retaking LSAT look bad?
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.
What did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?
Elle Woods scored a 179 on the LSAT, just one point shy of a perfect 180, after going from a 143 on a practice test to achieving this near-perfect score by studying intensely for Harvard Law School. Her remarkable score, combined with a 4.0 GPA, secured her admission to Harvard Law.
What is the hardest section of the LSAT?
The hardest LSAT sections vary by student, but commonly cited challenges include Logical Reasoning (LR) for its abstract language and nuanced question types (like Parallel Reasoning/Flaw), and Reading Comprehension (RC) due to ingrained reading habits, especially with complex science or legal passages (e.g., Waterbugs, Dworkin). While often feared, Logic Games (LG) (Analytical Reasoning) is generally considered the most learnable and perfectible section, despite tough hybrid or new rule questions.
What is a mediocre LSAT score?
For example, to get into a top-ranking law school, you'll probably need an LSAT score of at least 160 or above, while a score in the mid-150s is often acceptable at many excellent law schools. A top 10 law school typically requires a 170 or above.
How many times did Michelle Obama take the bar exam?
Michelle Obama took the Illinois bar exam twice, failing the first time but passing on her second attempt, a fact she openly discussed in her memoir, Becoming, noting it as a humbling but ultimately insignificant setback. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1991 after this success.
How did Kim lose 16lbs in 3 weeks?
She lost 16 pounds in 3 weeks to fit into her vintage Met Gala gown. How did Kardashian lose weight? She says she cut carbs and ate “just the cleanest veggies and protein.” She also ran on a treadmill and wore a sauna suit twice a day. Kardashian's 3-week weight loss sparked concern over the impact on mental health.
Did Kim ever pass the bar?
No, Kim Kardashian has not yet passed the full California Bar Exam; she failed the July 2025 exam and publicly shared her results in November 2025, vowing to keep studying, though she previously passed the First-Year Law Students' Examination (Baby Bar) in 2021. She's said she came "so close" and is determined to pass, viewing the setback as motivation for future attempts.
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.
Can you get into Harvard with a 173 LSAT?
To give yourself a realistic chance of acceptance into Harvard Law School, students should aim to score 171 or above on the LSAT, with the most competitive applicants scoring 174 or higher. The median LSAT score for admitted students is 174.