Is taking the LSAT 5 times bad?
Asked by: Maiya Wehner | Last update: February 6, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (27 votes)
Taking the LSAT 5 times isn't inherently "bad," but it's a lot, and schools focus on your highest score, though many attempts might raise questions, suggesting you should write a strong LSAT addendum explaining significant score jumps or issues, especially if scores don't consistently improve, and you must check LSAC's retake limits (currently 5 within a year, 7 total). Focus on demonstrating improvement, explaining any discrepancies, and strategizing for a better score, as repeated low scores might concern admissions, but a significant leap (like 150 to 180) shows dedication.
Can I take the LSAT more than 5 times?
You can take the LSAT no more than 5 times within a single five-year span (this is called the “reportable score period”—more on that below). You can take the LSAT no more than 7 times over your lifetime.
What was Barack Obama's LSAT score?
Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
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.
How many times is it acceptable 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.
Taking the LSAT Five Times | LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 87
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.
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, often requiring roughly 55-56 correct answers out of the scored sections, putting you in a competitive range for many law schools. This score shows strong performance above the national median (around 150-152) and is competitive for many regional and mid-tier law programs.
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 common experience even for successful lawyers. She initially failed the bar, which was devastating, but she persevered and passed, later working as a lawyer before becoming the First Lady.
Who has the highest LSAT score?
Sarah Boyle, a member of The University of Scranton's Class of 2024, scored a perfect 180 on her Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Does passing the baby bar make you a lawyer?
No, passing the California "Baby Bar" (First-Year Law Students' Examination or FYLSE) does not make you a lawyer; it's a hurdle for non-traditional law students to continue their studies, allowing them to sit for the actual California Bar Exam, which, along with character and fitness, is required to become a licensed attorney. You must pass the full California Bar Exam, which tests more subjects, and meet other requirements before you can practice law and call yourself a lawyer.
What did Ben Affleck get on his SAT?
Ben Affleck reportedly had a "near-perfect" or "almost perfect" SAT score, rumored to be 1600, on the old 1600-point scale, though the exact score isn't officially confirmed, with sources citing sources like the New York Times on his high aptitude despite poor high school attendance.
Did Michelle Obama finish law school?
Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Born in Chicago and raised on the South Side of the city, Obama is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. In her early legal career, she worked at the law firm Sidley Austin where she met her future husband.
What LSAT did Elle Woods get?
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.
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).
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.
How long should you study for the LSAT?
Most students need 2 to 4 months (150-300 hours) of focused study for the LSAT, balancing intensity with avoiding burnout, with longer timelines (4-6 months) or shorter boot camps (1 month) possible depending on your baseline score, target score, and personal commitments. Key factors are your starting point, goals, and consistent, high-quality practice, emphasizing review over just taking tests.
What's the hardest section on 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 LSAT score will get you a full ride?
To get a full law school scholarship, aim for an LSAT score in the mid-to-high 160s or 170s, especially above a school's median, though scores in the mid-160s can secure full rides at strong regional schools like Illinois or UMass, while top-tier schools often require 170+. A higher LSAT significantly boosts chances, often alongside a strong GPA (3.5+) and a holistic profile, with scores above 173-180 making you a prime candidate for many programs.
Which majors do best on LSAT?
Here are some of the results:
- Mathematics/Physics: 160.0.
- Economics/Philosophy/Theology: 157.4.
- International Relations: 156.5.
- Engineering: 156.2.
- Government/Service/Chemistry: 156.1.
- History: 155.9.
- Interdisciplinary Studies: 155.5.
- Foreign Languages: 155.3.
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.
What was Obama's LSAT score?
Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
Did Joe Biden pass a bar exam?
Yes, Joe Biden passed the bar exam and was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969 after earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968, despite graduating in the lower portion of his class. He practiced law before entering politics, serving as a lawyer and later becoming the 27th President of the United States, and the first President with a law degree from a non-"T-14" law school in a century, notes Law.com.
How many questions can I get wrong to get a 170 on the LSAT?
To get a 170 on the LSAT, you can typically miss around 7 to 10 questions, but this varies with each test's difficulty (the "curve"), meaning on tougher exams you might miss more (up to 14), while easier ones require fewer mistakes (closer to 8). The key is perfection in Logic Games (LG) and minimizing errors in Reading Comprehension (RC) and Logical Reasoning (LR) to reach about 90-91 correct answers out of the ~101 scored questions.