Considering Retaking the LSAT? Read This

l applicants are allowed to take the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year. But how often should you actually retake the exam, and are there downsides to doing so?

Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach and contributor at US News, recently offered valuable insights into LSAT retakes and highlighted potential drawbacks.

COMPARE TO YOUR PRACTICE TEST SCORES

Kuris suggests using your actual LSAT score as a baseline comparison against the average scores from your practice tests to determine whether a retake is warranted.

“It may be hard to match your best performance ever, but was your score more than two points lower than the average of your three most recent practice tests?” Kuris says. “If the result was roughly in line with your past tests, save your energy for other aspects of your application.”

MITIGATE EXTERNAL FACTORS

Testing day, whether remote or in-person, comes with a variety of external factors that could hinder your performance—from technical difficulties to proctor issues.

“If you feel like anything kept you from performing your best, give the test another shot,” Kuris says. “Without blaming yourself for circumstances outside your control, try to game out how you would mitigate any unexpected obstacles next time.”

CONSIDER APPLICATION TIMELINES

Law schools typically consider applications on a rolling basis—which means the earlier you apply, the better. Kuris recommends submitting your applications by late fall.

“If the next available test date is in January or later, consider postponing applying until the next fall,” Kuris says. “As frustrating as that may be, it would be demoralizing to apply with lowered odds, and law schools discourage applicants from applying two years in a row. Schools are often willing to hold your application for review until they receive your updated LSAT scores, but be sure to confirm this policy with the admissions office. You may need to make a formal request.”

LIMIT YOUR RETAKES

Applicants can take the LSAT up to seven times in total, with a limit of five times within the past and current testing years, and three times within a single testing year from July to June. But that doesn’t mean that you should.

“Remember that law schools will see the score of every uncanceled test you take,” Kuris says. “While you can use score preview to see your score before deciding whether to cancel it, it won’t look great to have multiple canceled scores or scores with little variance. If you do not see improvement, focus on finding other ways to show your academic potential.”

Sources: US News, Top Law School Consulting