How early should I start studying for LSAT?

Asked by: Dr. Rodger Lueilwitz IV  |  Last update: December 11, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (68 votes)

So when you're ready to study, give yourself about two to three months and plan to dive in head first. If you have only a month, consider the pros and cons of skipping the upcoming LSAT to take the next one. Otherwise, dive in and get working.

How early is too early to study for LSAT?

My recommendation would be to start six months prior to your test, and just get an idea of what you are getting yourself into. I wish I had started practicing a little bit here and there during the five to six months before my test and then gotten more serious with it at the three to four month benchmark.

What year of college should I start studying for the LSAT?

Junior year is a good time to start preparing for the LSAT. Start early to leave plenty of leeway to take the LSAT multiple times if necessary. Many test-takers prepare for the LSAT the summer before senior year, since it can be hard to juggle schoolwork and LSAT prep.

How far in advance do you need to take the LSAT?

You should take the LSAT no later than the summer or fall of the year in which you intend to apply, a full year (or more) before you intend to begin law school.

Should I start studying for LSAT freshman year?

I recommend beginning light studying for the LSAT the first semester of your 3rd year, working towards studying full time by the end of your first semester, if you can, and studying full time your second semester of your 3rd year.

How early should you start preparing for the LSAT?

34 related questions found

How much in advance should you study for the LSAT?

Most LSAT experts recommend around 3 months of full times study, or around 150 to 300 hours; this breaks down to approximately 12 to 25 hours a week of studying every week. This is the study plan that suits most people and is the most customizable depending on your individual obligations.

What is the average first LSAT score without studying?

Average LSAT Score Without Studying

You can expect to score between 145 and 153 when taking the LSAT without studying. This would generally fall within the 26th to 53rd percentile. Your individual score will vary depending on your familiarity with aptitude, logical, and reading comprehension tests.

Which LSAT month is the hardest?

There isn't one specific month that is the easiest or hardest to write the LSAT, and if there was, it would change each year since the students writing the LSAT change each year! The hardest test will be the one you haven't fully prepared for, regardless of the month!

Can I get a 170 on the LSAT in 2 months?

A 170 will be difficult to obtain. It will require quality resources and substantial preparation. You should dedicate at least four months to reach this target. For the best LSAT support, consider teaming up with a 99th percentile tutor who can help you increase your score by 12 points!

Is the LSAT no longer required in 2025?

The ABA's House of Delegates will vote on the Council's proposed change in February 2023. If the House votes to nix Standard 503, the standardized-test requirement won't go away until 2025. So, the LSAT isn't definitely going away, and it's definitely not going away until 2025.

What month do most people take LSAT?

How to Choose Your LSAT Date
  • Schedule your LSAT test early enough that your scores will be available by your first law school application deadline. ...
  • Typically, students applying for regular fall admission take the test during June or September/October of the previous calendar year.

How expensive is the LSAT?

What fees are associated with the LSAT? It costs $222 to take the LSAT and receive one free score report. In addition, subscription to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is required for application for most law schools. This subscription costs $200 and includes on score report for $45.

When to start prepping for law school?

In an ideal world, you would start your law school admissions process about two years before you intend to enroll, giving yourself ample time to research and apply to schools. So if you wanted to enter law school the fall after you graduate from college, you'd start planning around the fall of your junior year.

Should I start studying for LSAT sophomore year?

Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal circumstances and how much time you can allocate for effective preparation. Taking the LSAT during your sophomore year has some advantages. Firstly, you will have more time to retake the exam if your initial score is not satisfactory.

What is the average LSAT score?

The LSAT is scored on a 120–180 scale. The average LSAT score is about 153. This relatively small range of scores means that small improvements in performance can increase your score quite a bit.

How many times can you take the LSAT before it looks bad?

How many times may I take the LSAT? Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2019). A total of seven times over a lifetime.

What LSAT score did Elle Woods get?

When she applied to this school, she had a 4.0 GPA with a 179 on the LSAT, the two most important things when applying to law school. The average LSAT score for students applying to Harvard is 174, meaning she got above the average.

Should I retake the LSAT if I got a 157?

An LSAT score of 157 is a decent score (approximately at the 74th percentile) and will not make a law school applicant unwanted and retaking the LSAT is certainly a viable option.

What is the best LSAT study timeline?

Most people prep for the LSAT for about three months. You can prep for longer or shorter periods, but any longer than a year might not be quite as advantageous as you might think. If you prefer to space things out, consider studying for a full year or six months.

What is the lowest LSAT score ever?

This is the score you receive in your score report. The LSAT scale ranges from 120 to 180, with 120 being the lowest possible score and 180 being the highest possible score.

What is the most difficult part of LSAT?

Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games)

This may not seem like a lot, but with a 35-minute time limit, students will only have about eight and a half minutes to complete each individual “logic game.” These “logic games” are one of if not the most notorious sections of the LSAT because they are meant to trick the test-taker.

Do law schools only see your highest LSAT score?

If you have taken the LSAT multiple times, law schools will generally consider your highest LSAT score. Each law school combines your cumulative GPA with your LSAT score to come up with an index score.

What is a mediocre LSAT score?

The LSAT percentile score range demonstrates your score relative to other test-takers over the past three years. According to the Law School Admission Council, which administers the test, the median score for the 2021-24 testing years was 153, meaning 50% of test-takers scored below and 50% scored above that number.

Does LSAT require memorization?

The LSAT is a test of ability rather than knowledge so it is impossible to memorize the information required to perform well on the exam. Practice is essential for success.