LSAT POLICIES
SCORE RELEASE DATES
LSAT scores are generally released 3 weeks after any test administration. Candidates must complete the LSAT Writing unscored test before any scores are released.
REMOTE PROCTORING, TABLETS & USE OF SCRAP PAPER
The Digital LSAT is currently being proctored both remotely, and at test centers. The exam was designed for a touch-screen tablet, which LSAC can provide upon request to any registered testtaker. During the test, each candidate can bring up to 5 pieces of scrap paper (blank, lined, or graph) and a writing instrument.
SCORE PREVIEW ALLOWS ALL LSAT CANDIDATES TO SEE THEIR SCORES BEFORE CANCELLING
The Score Preview feature -- which allows a candidate to view their score before deciding to cancel it-- started with the August 2020 test administration. Score Preview is available for a fee and has certain time limits . Click here to view Score Preview information all upcoming test administrations. NOTE: Candidates must register for Preview BEFORS LSAT scores are released, even though the cancellation option is exercised by a candidate AFTER the score is viewed.
LIMITS ON RETAKING THE LSAT
Test takers are permitted to take the LSAT:
IMPACT OF MULTIPLE SCORES: Need to Exceed the Margin of Error
It is not advisable to take an actual LSAT for "practice" purposes-- either test your best or not at all. Though schools have moved away from averaging LSAT scores, there is no reason to broadcast any sub-par scores to admissions officers who are evaluating your ability to succeed at their school. An LSAT score stays on your record for 5 years and if it is low, you must include an addendum with your application explaining (and implicitly apologizing for) your LSAT record. This is why it is best to avoid a foreseeably low score by either rescheduling your test date or Previewing your score and cancelling it if it is not sufficient to gain admission to the school of your choice.
If you end up retaking the LSAT it is important to raise your score by approximately 5 or more points (thus escaping the +/- 3 point margin of error of the test), otherwise an improved score may not impact your chance of admission, and may not warrant delaying your applications. Though it is possible that 1 to 5 points of improvements may help (especially if such an improvement is on a cusp on the score curve), such improvements are not as statistically significant as an increase of at least 6 points because admissions officers are aware of the margin of error on the LSAT.
Indeed, it is due to this imprecision that LSAT scores are reported in "bands"- which take into account the inherent error of the test. Due to the anomalies in the LSAT scale, many admissions officers prefer to consider a student's LSAT percentile- which tends to be a more stable mathematical assessment of performance.
LSAT scores are generally released 3 weeks after any test administration. Candidates must complete the LSAT Writing unscored test before any scores are released.
REMOTE PROCTORING, TABLETS & USE OF SCRAP PAPER
The Digital LSAT is currently being proctored both remotely, and at test centers. The exam was designed for a touch-screen tablet, which LSAC can provide upon request to any registered testtaker. During the test, each candidate can bring up to 5 pieces of scrap paper (blank, lined, or graph) and a writing instrument.
SCORE PREVIEW ALLOWS ALL LSAT CANDIDATES TO SEE THEIR SCORES BEFORE CANCELLING
The Score Preview feature -- which allows a candidate to view their score before deciding to cancel it-- started with the August 2020 test administration. Score Preview is available for a fee and has certain time limits . Click here to view Score Preview information all upcoming test administrations. NOTE: Candidates must register for Preview BEFORS LSAT scores are released, even though the cancellation option is exercised by a candidate AFTER the score is viewed.
LIMITS ON RETAKING THE LSAT
Test takers are permitted to take the LSAT:
- Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2020).
- A total of seven times over a lifetime.
IMPACT OF MULTIPLE SCORES: Need to Exceed the Margin of Error
It is not advisable to take an actual LSAT for "practice" purposes-- either test your best or not at all. Though schools have moved away from averaging LSAT scores, there is no reason to broadcast any sub-par scores to admissions officers who are evaluating your ability to succeed at their school. An LSAT score stays on your record for 5 years and if it is low, you must include an addendum with your application explaining (and implicitly apologizing for) your LSAT record. This is why it is best to avoid a foreseeably low score by either rescheduling your test date or Previewing your score and cancelling it if it is not sufficient to gain admission to the school of your choice.
If you end up retaking the LSAT it is important to raise your score by approximately 5 or more points (thus escaping the +/- 3 point margin of error of the test), otherwise an improved score may not impact your chance of admission, and may not warrant delaying your applications. Though it is possible that 1 to 5 points of improvements may help (especially if such an improvement is on a cusp on the score curve), such improvements are not as statistically significant as an increase of at least 6 points because admissions officers are aware of the margin of error on the LSAT.
Indeed, it is due to this imprecision that LSAT scores are reported in "bands"- which take into account the inherent error of the test. Due to the anomalies in the LSAT scale, many admissions officers prefer to consider a student's LSAT percentile- which tends to be a more stable mathematical assessment of performance.