Are you wondering how many times you can take the LSAT? You are allowed to take the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year, five times within the current and five past testing years, and a total of seven times in your lifetime. Knowing the exact retake limits helps you plan your testing strategy and avoid wasting a chance.
Understanding the LSAT retake policy matters if you are aiming for your best score. Each attempt counts, so it’s important to know your options before signing up again.
Key Takeaways
- There are strict limits on how many times you can take the LSAT.
- Planning ahead helps make the most of your allowed attempts.
- Know the rules before you choose to retake the test.
LSAT Retake Policies and Limits
LSAC has strict limits on how many times you can take the LSAT. Recent rule changes affect both retake policies and how law schools may view multiple LSAT scores.
How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT
You can take the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year (from August 1 to July 31). If you want to take the LSAT more than three times, the LSAC allows five total attempts within five testing years.
You are limited to seven total lifetime attempts. Any canceled or incomplete tests count toward these totals. You cannot exceed these limits unless you are granted a rare exception by LSAC for special cases.
If you reach your testing limit, you will not be able to register for more LSAT dates. Make sure to track your attempts carefully.
| Attempt Limit | Number Allowed |
|---|---|
| Per Testing Year | 3 |
| Across 5 Years | 5 |
| Lifetime | 7 |
LSAC Testing Rules and Recent Policy Changes
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) updates its rules and policies from time to time. In recent years, LSAC lowered the total number of LSAT attempts allowed over a lifetime to seven. This includes all regular, accommodated, and even canceled test administrations.
LSAC also tracks LSAT scores and test attempts across all testing formats. If you cancel your score or do not attend your scheduled test, the attempt still counts toward your limit. Testing accommodations do not change the number of attempts allowed.
LSAC sometimes grants extra attempts after special requests, typically only for major reasons like medical issues or military service. Most test-takers will not receive exceptions to these policies.
Impact of Multiple LSAT Attempts
When you take the Law School Admission Test more than once, all of your LSAT scores are reported to law schools. Some schools focus mostly on your highest score, while others might consider your average or all reported scores.
Taking the LSAT multiple times can show persistence and motivation. However, frequent retakes may raise questions in some admissions processes, especially if your scores do not improve.
LSAC does not penalize you for retaking, but it is important to prepare well before each test. Use each attempt wisely. Law schools can see every test you take, whether you cancel the score or not, unless the test was an administrative cancellation.
Strategic Considerations for Retaking the LSAT
Deciding when to retake the LSAT can be important for your chances with law school admissions. There are practical factors, costs, and preparation tips that can help you make the best choice for your situation.
Effect on Law School Admissions
Taking the LSAT more than once is common and not usually a problem for most law schools. Many schools, including the University at Buffalo School of Law, look at your highest LSAT score rather than averaging all your scores. However, some competitive schools may notice big differences between your test attempts.
A large score increase might make admissions officers wonder about your prep methods or if there was a special reason for the change. Still, most admissions committees will focus on your best score if you show improvement. Review each school’s official policy before making a decision.
If you have already taken the test multiple times, consider whether further attempts are likely to boost your score enough to make a difference for your chosen schools. Unnecessary retakes can waste time and money.
Prepping for Multiple Attempts
Good LSAT prep is essential, especially if you plan to take the test more than once. Try to focus on your weak areas, such as analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, or logical reasoning. Use official practice tests to check your progress and get used to the format.
Set a study schedule and use a mix of resources to practice for each section, even the LSAT writing section. Track your results to see if your practice test scores are improving. If you do not see steady progress, adjust your study plan or consider a prep course.
Make time for review between attempts to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Improving your prep habits can help you raise your score and meet the admission requirements of your target law schools.
Choosing Your Test Date
Pick your test date with care. Make sure you have enough time to study and take practice tests before your next LSAT. Look at your application deadlines for each law school, as a late test date could delay your application and affect your chances.
LSAT dates fill up fast, and slots at local test centers can get booked early. Register as soon as you are ready to secure your preferred date and location. Try not to rush to take the test again unless you have made real progress in your prep.
If you plan on applying to law school soon, aim to take the LSAT far enough in advance for your scores to reach schools on time. Keep the admissions process and key deadlines in mind when scheduling your next attempt.
Fee Waivers and LSAT Costs
Taking the LSAT can get expensive, especially if you plan to retake it. The test fee includes one official LSAT, one LSAT writing sample, and access to some official prep resources. Extra fees apply for sending your scores to more law schools or for additional services.
Fee waivers are available to lower costs. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) offers fee waivers for people who qualify, helping cover the costs of the test, LSAT prep, and CAS registration. If cost is a concern, apply for a fee waiver early through the LSAC website.
Plan your budget before registering, especially if you may need multiple attempts. Careful management of your prep and test dates can help you avoid extra fees and ensure you can afford all parts of the law school admissions process.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take the LSAT more than once, but there are strict limits you must follow each year and over your lifetime. Law schools can see your full LSAT testing history and consider it as part of your application.
What is the limit on the number of times you can sit for the LSAT?
You may take the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year. There is a five-time limit within a five-year period.
You can only take the LSAT seven times total in your lifetime.
Does retaking the LSAT look bad to law schools?
Law schools will see all of your LSAT scores, not just your best one.
Most schools consider your highest score, but some may review your full testing record.
Are there restrictions on how many times you can take the LSAT in a single year?
Yes. You can only take the LSAT three times during one testing year.
The testing year lasts from August to June.
Will law schools be able to see all of my LSAT attempts?
Yes. Law schools see every reportable LSAT score and cancellation on your record.
They use this information when making admissions decisions.
Can retaking the LSAT improve my chances of acceptance?
If you increase your LSAT score, some schools may be more likely to accept you.
A higher score can also help you qualify for more scholarships.
Is there a penalty for taking the LSAT multiple times?
There is no official penalty from LSAC for multiple attempts.
However, some law schools may ask why you tested several times. Multiple low scores can raise questions, but most schools focus on your highest score.