Deciding when to take the LSAT is pivotal in the admissions process. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a significant component of school applications.
But does when you take your LSAT have an impact on your chances of admission?
I’ll provide clear, practical guidance on choosing the best time to take the LSAT, helping you confidently navigate your path to law school.
Key Takeaways
- Optimal Timing: Take the LSAT in your junior year or early senior year to allow time for retakes and align with law school application deadlines.
- Early Preparation: To ensure thorough preparation, start studying for the LSAT at least six months before your intended test date.
- Strategic Test Dates: Consider taking the LSAT in June, September, or October to receive scores early and optimize your application timeline.
- Retake Opportunities: You can retake the LSAT up to seven times, and most law schools will consider your highest score.
When Should I Take the LSAT?
There are three main times that people choose to take the LSAT: their junior year of college, their senior year of college, or after college graduation. There are pros and cons to both.
Junior Year
Taking the LSAT in your junior year of college can be advantageous. This timing allows you to complete the test well before the law school application cycle begins, giving you ample time to focus on your statement and other application components. Additionally, if you need to retake the test, you have sufficient time to do so without delaying your applications.
“There’s no such thing as too early to take the LSAT, unless you think there’s a chance you’ll want to apply more than 5 years after you take the test. (Scores expire after 5 years.) I took the test at the beginning of my junior year after studying in the summer. It made the fall of senior year much less stressful since I didn’t have to juggle the test and applications at the same time.” – Reddit User KevinLuminateLSAT
However, some law school hopefuls choose to put off taking the LSAT because they prefer to focus on getting the highest GPA possible while in college. As one law student put it:
“Do you have a 4.0? Do you have the best grades possible? That should be your focus. Studying for the LSAT with any actual level of earnestness will take away studying time from your college courses. Can you afford to do that? The LSAT will always be there. Being able to do well in undergrad will not be possible.
Senior Year
Some students take the LSAT during their senior year. This can work if you are confident in your test preparation and timeline. However, taking the test early in your senior year, such as September or October, is recommended to avoid conflicts with undergrad final exams and other graduation-related commitments.
After College Graduation
If you need more time to prepare, consider taking the LSAT after graduation. This allows you to focus solely on the test without the distractions of college coursework. Some even take a gap year! However, this may delay your law school admission by a year, so plan accordingly.
“I’ve never met anyone who regretted taking the year off to study and work and save up! In fact, almost everyone I know took some time in between and always says how much it helped them gain perspective and avoid the academic fatigue that plagues a lot of people who go straight through.” u/socohandlime
Optimal Test Dates
June LSAT: Ideal for students who want to prepare during the summer after their junior year. The June test date allows you to receive your scores early and plan for any necessary retakes.
September/October LSAT: These dates are popular because they provide time for retakes before law school applications are due. They also allow you to focus on applications during the fall without the distraction of ongoing test preparation.
November LSAT: Taking the test in November still provides a window for retakes but may push you closer to application deadlines. Ensure you have a strong preparation plan if you choose this date.
January LSAT: This date can be a fallback option if you need more time after the fall tests. However, scores may be released close to application deadlines, so use this date cautiously.
Preparing for the LSAT
Regardless of the answer to “When do you take the LSAT?” you’ll need to prepare in a way that won’t end in needing to repeat. You can try to:
Start Small and Build Up: Begin with short study sessions of 5-10 minutes each day. Gradually increase your study duration as you build your focus and endurance. Consistency is more important than duration at first.
Establish an LSAT Routine: Choose a specific time to study for the LSAT each day and stick to it. This helps create a habit and makes studying a regular part of your day.
Use Timers and Breaks: Set a timer for your study sessions and take regular breaks. Experiment with different time increments to find what works best for you, aiming for at least 30 minutes of focused study time.
Read Literally: When reading passages or questions, focus strictly on the words used. Avoid adding any extra information that isn’t explicitly stated.
Understand Evidence and Conclusions: Don’t just memorize indicators for evidence and conclusions. Work on understanding how the evidence supports the conclusion and why it is necessary.
Reward Yourself: Celebrate small victories with rewards. Treat your study sessions like levels in a game, where each completed session brings you closer to your goal.
Stay Consistent: Develop a consistent study schedule and adhere to it. Regular, daily practice ensures better retention and understanding of the material.
Create Accountability: Share your study goals with friends or family members who can check in on your progress. Joining a study group can also provide support and motivation.
Seek Help When Needed: If self-study proves challenging, consider getting a tutor or joining an online class to provide structure and guidance.
Review Regularly: Constantly review your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Understanding your mistakes is crucial for improvement.
Retaking the LSAT
Many test-takers consider retaking the LSAT to improve their scores. You can take the LSAT up to seven times in your lifetime, but most law schools only consider your highest score. If you plan to retake the test, review your previous performance and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right LSAT test date is a strategic decision that impacts your law school application process. Consider your academic schedule, preparation needs, and application deadlines when selecting your test date. Whether you take the LSAT during your junior year, senior year, or after graduation, thorough preparation and a clear plan will help you achieve your best possible score. Remember, a well-timed and well-prepared LSAT can open the doors to attending your desired law school.
FAQ
Most students take the LSAT in their junior year. This timing allows for potential retakes and ensures scores are ready for early law school applications.
Ideally, take the LSAT in June or September/October of the year before you plan to apply. These dates provide ample time for retakes and align well with application deadlines.
You must have an LSAT score to complete your law school application. Plan your test date so scores will be available when you submit your application.
You should start studying for the LSAT six months before your planned test date, typically in your junior year of college.
Yes, test-takers can retake the LSAT up to seven times in their lifetime. Most law schools consider their highest score.
