Navigating the LSAT: Dates, Registration, and Preparation
For aspiring law school students, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a crucial step in the application process. Understanding the LSAT dates, registration deadlines, and preparation strategies is essential for success. This article provides an overview of key information related to the LSAT, including registration, test dates, and preparation tips.
LSAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines
The LSAT is administered multiple times per year, typically about eight times, spanning from August to June. These dates do not follow a specific pattern, making it essential to plan and register in advance. LSAC releases the test dates approximately a year in advance.
Upcoming LSAT Dates and Deadlines:
Here's a breakdown of LSAT dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates for the 2024-2025 cycle, as well as selected dates for 2025:
2024 LSAT Dates
| LSAT Dates | Registration Deadline | Score Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 7-10, 2024 | Jun 27, 2024 | Aug 28, 2024 |
| Sep 4-7, 2024 | Jul 23, 2024 | Sep 25, 2024 |
| Oct 1-5, 2024 | Aug 22, 2024 | Oct 23, 2024 |
| Nov 6-9, 2024 | Sep 26, 2024 | Nov 27, 2024 |
| Jan 15-18, 2025 | Dec 3, 2024 | - |
2025 LSAT Dates
| LSAT Dates | Registration Deadline | Score Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 5, 2025 | Dec 24, 2024 | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Apr 10-12, 2025 | Feb 27, 2025 | Apr 30, 2025 |
| Jun 4-7, 2025 | Apr 22, 2025 | Jun 25, 2025 |
Note: These dates are subject to change.
It is crucial to check www.lsac.org for alternate LSAT dates, especially for Saturday Sabbath observers. Testing in mainland China is currently unavailable for the January 2026 LSAT.
Read also: Law School Admissions LSAT
LSAT Registration Process
To register for the LSAT, follow these steps:
- Create an LSAC account: Visit LSAC.org to create an account.
- Choose your LSAT test date and testing location: Select a date that aligns with your application timeline.
- Pay the LSAT registration fee: The registration fee is $248.
- Consider LSAT Score Preview: Decide whether to purchase the LSAT Score Preview ($45 if you register before the test and $80 after).
LSAC recommends registering online but also offers phone registration at (215) 968-1001 or (800) 336-3982. Keep in mind that LSAC is busiest on Mondays, so calling later in the week may save time.
The registration deadline is typically six weeks before the test date. Registering early is strongly advised, especially if you plan to test on a deadline day.
LSAT Costs and Fee Waivers
The primary LSAT costs include:
- LSAT registration fee: $248
- LSAT Score Preview: $45-$85
Law school candidates facing financial constraints can apply for an LSAC fee waiver. This waiver covers many costs related to applying to law school, including the LSAT registration fee.
Read also: Understanding the LSAT for AU WCL
LSAT Testing Format: Remote or In-Person
Most test takers have the option of taking the LSAT either at home in an online, live, remotely proctored environment or in person at a digital testing center. This dual modality aims to provide test takers with a choice that best suits their needs. The online LSAT test typically falls on Fridays and Saturdays, while paper tests are administered on the following Tuesdays.
When to Take the LSAT
Timing is crucial when deciding when to take the LSAT. Most schools require applicants to take the LSAT by December for fall admission. If applying for admission in fall 2026, aim to schedule your LSAT test dates between June and October 2025. Waiting until February might limit available spots at your preferred schools.
To ensure your LSAT score reports are ready for submission, aim to take the LSAT in August or September of the year you hope to apply to law school at the latest. Factoring in a potential retake, consider taking the test sometime the year before you hope to apply to law school (in your third undergraduate year).
Preparing for the LSAT
Effective preparation is key to achieving a high LSAT score. Register for the official LSAT only when your practice test scores consistently reflect your goal score range. A few points can significantly impact your law school application.
Here are some essential preparation steps recommended by LSAC for the online version of the LSAT:
Read also: Understanding the LSAT
- Check Your Tech:
- A private, quiet, well-lit room with a table.
- A Windows or Mac laptop/computer with at least 1024 MB of RAM.
- A working webcam and microphone.
- A stable Internet connection.
- Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
- Administrative rights to the computer to download the proctoring software.
- Select Your Exam Time:
- Schedule a testing time with ProctorU as soon as the scheduling sign-up opens.
- System Check:
- Select the ‘LSAT’ link to confirm eligibility to take the LSAT.
- Prep Your Space and Take the LSAT:
- Ensure you have your ProctorU username and password.
- Have your LawHub username and password (the same as your LSAC online account).
- Keep a non-digital, acceptable government-issued ID handy.
- Ensure your space is quiet, well-lit, private, and free of prohibited items.
The Princeton Review offers various LSAT test prep packages, including private tutoring, tailored to optimize test performance.
Accommodations for Test Takers with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities seeking testing accommodations must submit their request with all supporting documentation by the accommodation request deadline associated with their test date. After registering for the LSAT, you can submit your accommodations request through your online account.
Understanding LSAT Score Release
After test day, LSAT scores are typically released about three weeks later. Scores will only be released if the test taker has an approved LSAT Writing sample on file and there are no holds on their account.
Maximizing Your LSAT Score and Scholarship Opportunities
Your LSAT score is a critical component of your law school application. A higher LSAT score can significantly increase your chances of acceptance and scholarship opportunities. Aim for a score that is likely to earn scholarships at your target law schools.
