When Should I Take the LSAT®?

Since a Law School Admission Test® (LSAT®) score is typically required when you apply to law schools, you should take the LSAT® early enough to include it in your applications. The exact timing depends on when you would feel most comfortable, or be able, to take the test. You should plan ahead, however, and it is often best to take the LSAT® during the summer before you begin your senior year of undergraduate study, usually in June. If you find that you are better equipped for testing while taking classes, the latest you should take the LSAT® is in the fall of your senior year, which is typically in September or October.

The LSAT® is a test taken by students who are submitting applications for admittance into law school following completion of an undergraduate program. A high score on this test is typically required for admittance to law schools, especially prestigious ones, so you should give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the test. As you best understand your ability to take tests and study, you should have an idea of when to schedule the test so that you can effectively study for the test. If you prefer to take the LSAT® while you do not have other classes to consider, then you should take it in the summer, though it is also offered in the fall and twice in the winter, in December and February.

One major consideration to keep in mind is to give yourself enough time to receive the test scores and submit them with your law school applications. This is why it is typically best to take the LSAT® during or just following your junior year in undergraduate study. If you take the test in June between your junior and senior years, then you should receive your scores the following month and be able to apply to law schools with your LSAT® scores well before application deadlines. This also gives you time after completing your junior year finals to study and prepare for the LSAT®.

For some people, however, it may be preferable to take the LSAT® while already attending classes and having a scholastic mindset. If you prefer to prepare for and take the LSAT® while attending classes, then you should consider either February of your junior year or the fall test during your senior year. The fall test is typically given in September or October, and though this is fairly late, you should receive your scores in time to apply to law schools before the end of the year. This does not give you much time to retake the test if you are displeased with your score, however, which taking the LSAT® in the summer does provide.