Should I cancel my LSAT score if I did worse?

Asked by: Noemie Hamill  |  Last update: October 26, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (9 votes)

If you feel that you performed poorly on your LSAT, it may be a good idea to cancel your score. However, keep in mind that you do not get a refund if you cancel your score. Once a request to cancel an LSAT score is approved, the cancellation cannot be reversed.

What happens if you retake the LSAT and do worse?

No, law schools don't really care if you retake the LSAT. However, if you have multiple LSAT scores (four or more) it may raise a few eyebrows and make the admissions committees question your time management, dedication, and academic potential a little more.

Should I cancel a lower LSAT score on Reddit?

There's no reason to cancel a 160s score that's only two points lower than your previous score. Two points is within the margin of error, so a school would likely see those two scores and think they're roughly equivalent.

Should I cancel a 143 LSAT score?

Vast majority of law schools take your highest score. Not a lot of benefit, if any, from cancelling. They'll see a canceled score notification. So if you are going to bring it up, I'd keep the score.

What to do if you get a bad LSAT score?

How To Maximize Your Chances of Acceptance With a Low LSAT Score
  1. Understand Admissions Stats. ...
  2. Apply Strategically. ...
  3. Strengthen Your GPA. ...
  4. Write a Standout Personal Statement. ...
  5. Build a Solid Resume. ...
  6. Highlight Your Diversity. ...
  7. Explain Your LSAT Score.

Should I Cancel My LSAT Score? | How To Cancel LSAT Score | Will Law Schools See Canceled LSAT?

33 related questions found

Is it better to cancel a bad LSAT score?

If you feel that you performed poorly on your LSAT, it may be a good idea to cancel your score. However, keep in mind that you do not get a refund if you cancel your score.

Should I cancel a 153 LSAT score?

If you don't have strong reason to believe you've done poorly, and retaking will delay your applications, you probably shouldn't cancel. Don't forget that rolling admissions rewards earlier applications.

Does a bad LSAT score hurt you?

Meaning, a lower score on a LSAT retake should not hurt you. Now admissions officers are still humans, and there is most certainly some psychological negative impact of having multiple lower LSAT scores and then a high LSAT score when compared to someone who just scored high the first time.

Can I get into law school with a 143 LSAT score?

Appalachian School of Law, Virginia

With an acceptance rate of 63 percent, this school is slightly more competitive than some of the easiest on our list, but your chances of getting in are good if you have at least an LSAT score of 143 and a GPA of 2.80.

What if I think my LSAT score is wrong?

You may request a score audit after you have received your LSAT score. If the score audit results in a score that is different from the original score — higher or lower — the result will be emailed to you and will be reflected in the CAS reports that are transmitted to the law schools to which you apply.

Can schools see cancelled LSAT scores?

Can the colleges I apply to see the scores I've canceled? No, neither you nor the colleges to which you have applied will be able to see the scores you canceled.

Does withdrawing from LSAT look bad?

LSAT Withdrawals, Absences and Cancellations

A withdrawal does not appear on your LSAT score report. It does not count against the limits on how many times you can take the test.

Does it look bad if you take the LSAT twice?

Fortunately, there is no longer a penalty for taking the LSAT more than once. Law schools typically take an applicant's highest score. Still, there are downsides to retaking the test, like lost time and the risk of a lower score that could make your highest score look like a fluke.

Should I retake the LSAT if I got a 165?

Improve your Scores

Some people would say “yes”, and that is fine. But if you have an above-average score, say, between 165-170, retaking the LSAT seems like overkill at that point.

Is a 163 a good LSAT score?

A good LSAT score is anything above 160.

What is a poor LSAT score?

The LSAT score range is 120 to 180, with the average score being around 150. Above the 75th percentile (155 or higher) in all three sections is considered “good”; while below the 25th percentile (135 or lower) in one or more sections is considered “bad.”

Will a 180 LSAT get you in anywhere?

Here is a breakdown of what counts as a good enough score for law schools based on the school's rank: Top-five law schools: 170 to 180. Schools like Harvard and Yale, which are the top two, rarely accept applicants with less than 172 on the LSAT. Law schools ranked between 5 and 10: 165 to 170.

What score did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?

Elle Woods, a fictional character portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the movie Legally Blonde, is known for her remarkable LSAT score—179 out of 180. Portrayed as a stereotypical "valley girl," she embarks on a journey to Harvard Law School in the movie that has since become a cult favorite.

What score is 12 wrong on LSAT?

Every LSAT throughout the year is different, but on a typical LSAT, can still get around 18–19 questions wrong and still end up in the 160s—or about 12 wrong and get a 166, a 90th percentile score. Even a perfect score of 180 often allows for a question or two to be missed.

What is a good 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.

Is 172 a bad LSAT score?

On the other end of the spectrum we can consider an LSAT score of 172. An LSAT score of 172 means the student scored better than about 99% of applicants.

What LSAT score is worth cancelling?

If your score is 157 or lower (3 points below the median of your least selective school), there's no value in the score, and you should cancel it. If your score is at least 164 (above the median of multiple schools on your list), it's a useful score and you should keep it. The tricky area is in the middle.

Should I keep a 155 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.

Does LSAT outweigh GPA?

Yes, many schools with holistic admissions prioritize LSAT scores and other qualities over strictly GPA. Check individual schools for their approach.