What if I score lower on my second LSAT?

Asked by: Fannie Schaden  |  Last update: October 21, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (52 votes)

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.

Is it bad if your LSAT score goes down?

Basically, an interval of 1-2 points up or down is pretty standard, for a number of reasons; there may be a few more longer questions on your most recent test than on the ones before, or you misread a question. This applies no matter how well you know your stuff.

Do most people do better on their second LSAT?

From a scoring standpoint, test takers who repeat the LSAT increase their scores by an average of 2.6 points the second time they take the test, and increase by another 2.3 points the third time they take the test (as compared to the second time).

How much does your LSAT score improve from first to second?

Taking the LSAT for the first time typically requires 2-4 months of preparation, sometimes longer. Most students, on average, improve two to three points statistically from one test to the next. Personally, I am in favor of an LSAT retake that could really help boost a score and improve your application.

Should I cancel my second LSAT score?

Remember, just because you feel you did poorly on the test does not necessarily mean you did. Some people may come out of the test feeling nervous or unhappy with how they did but end up scoring very well. You should only seriously consider canceling an LSAT score if you feel like you completely flunked the exam.

LSAT Expert | Why you *will score LOWER on test day.. and what to do!

44 related questions found

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.

Is it worth taking the LSAT twice?

Most students who take the LSAT more than once will typically only score one to two points better on their retake. Because of this, it might not be worth all the extra work that goes into the LSAT.

Can you raise your LSAT score 20 points in a month?

The Short Answer Is

Ultimately, most people improve by 10-20 points or more, but there are outliers who will improve by a lot more (and also, unfortunately, by a lot less). This is not to say that a target score that is 30+ points higher than your current range is utterly unrealistic: it's just exceptionally ambitious.

Do law schools look at both LSAT scores?

You will find that most law schools look at the higher or highest LSAT test score for applicants with multiple scores. However, applicants should keep in mind that Admissions Committee members will see all scores and may be negatively influenced by a large number of tests or a downward trend in scores.

What is the average LSAT score without studying?

The average LSAT score without studying ranges from 135 to 145, well below the median at 151 in the 50th percentile. Preparing with practice tests and learning the skills you need for each exam section is the key to boosting your LSAT scores.

What is the hardest section to improve on LSAT?

Typically test takers find Analytical Reasoning to be the most difficult section of the LSAT.

Do law schools care if you cancel LSAT score?

Again, the law schools will still see that you took the LSAT and canceled, and if you have a previous strong GRE score they will probably surmise that your LSAT didn't go as well.

Is the LSAT harder now than it used to be?

Short answer: No. The only difference across practice tests over time is that early Logic Games are harder, so if anything, the LSAT has gotten easier. Don't worry about subtle changes based on a few data points. Focus on understanding the test, one question at a time.

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).

Do law schools care about your lowest LSAT?

While you may be able to apply and even be accepted into a law school with a lower LSAT score, there is a cut-off for acceptable application scores. If you are consistently scoring lower than 145, you may need to consider significant studying and a retake before applying to law schools.

Why is my LSAT score decreasing?

When you start studying LSAT methods and techniques, however, your natural process is initially disrupted and consequently you slow down. This is completely normal but it can be upsetting because when you slow down, you often see your score drop a bit.

How many times do people usually take the LSAT?

How many times may I take the LSAT? Three times in a single testing year (the next testing cycle begins with the August 2022 test). Five times within the current and five past testing years (the period in which LSAC reports scores to law schools). A total of seven times over a lifetime.

Does LSAT predict success as lawyer?

It's worth noting that the LSAT does NOT necessarily predict your chances of passing the bar exam or your chances of being a successful attorney! It also does not necessarily predict “success” in law school—it only predicts GPA. “Success” in law school can be defined much more broadly than GPA alone.

What matters more GPA or LSAT score?

Most law schools tend to give LSAT scores a bit more weight, but some schools care more about grades. The admissions process is inevitably subjective, and some admissions officers might be more forgiving of a gap than others.

What is the easiest section of the LSAT?

The analytical reasoning section is generally the easiest to improve on because it is very teachable. A lot of AR games follow a few patterns, so it's just about learning how to approach these different patterns to find the right answer.

Can you improve LSAT score in 2 months?

Two months is the optimal LSAT prep schedule for many students. While you can make great score improvements with one intense month of study, practice, and review, most expert LSAT faculty will recommend a longer schedule if one is possible for you.

Can colleges see how many times you take the LSAT?

According to Stetson Law, ideally, candidates will receive their desired score on the first attempt of the LSAT. Realistically, many law schools understand that this will not be the case. Law schools can see an applicant's history of scores, cancelled or withdrawn scores, and even any no-show's to testing appointments.

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.

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 to do if you fail the LSAT?

It Comes Down to Retaking the Test

Still, there is no other way to increase your score other than re-doing the test. Particularly if illness or anxiety prevented you from performing as well as you might have expected, you have everything to gain from doing it again.