Should You Take the LSAT More than Once?

As with many standardized tests, there are some limits as to how many times you are actually allowed to take the LSAT. These restrictions are based on the following periods of time:

• 3 attempts per testing cycle (June through May)
• 5 attempts per 5 years
• 7 attempts per lifetime

One of the most important things you can do for yourself when determining whether or not to retake the LSAT is consider the circumstances that led to you not getting the score you wanted on your first try. 

There are many factors that could affect a person’s ability to successfully take the LSAT on their first try. Some people simply didn’t study enough, some have loud roommates, some have the flu on the day of the test and can’t see past the nausea. 

Whatever the reason for your performance on the first test, the only way to realistically improve is to change those pre-test circumstances for the next time around. 

If you didn’t study enough, make sure you’re dedicating several hours per week to preparation. If your roommates are driving you insane, see about studying (or even sleeping) somewhere else before the exam. If you were sick the first time, make sure you do everything you can to stay healthy the next time around.

Another key aspect when planning to take the LSAT more than once is determining how the law schools you’re applying to consider scores if you’ve taken the test multiple times. The University at Buffalo School of Law will consider your highest score out of all attempts, as will many other law schools in the United States.

However, many schools take a different approach to asses LSAT scores, such as averaging every one of a person’s scores and using the mean for consideration. Additionally, some law schools take a more holistic approach to their consideration process, in which they consider all LSAT scores and the weight they carry.

The most difficult thing to remember throughout this entire process is that your LSAT score will almost never just magically improve without careful and extensive preparation. If you are going to dedicate the time and money to re-taking the LSAT, you must also be willing to dedicate the time to prepare for it.

Often, an improvement of a few points could be the difference between getting into your top school versus your backup choices, or even receiving more scholarship funds, so there is definitely a benefit if you do retake the test and get a better score.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to hunker down, dedicate the time to really preparing your hardest, and do your best to make sure you rid yourself of distracting circumstances. If you do those things, there is a very good chance you will see an improvement in your LSAT score.