Maybe you’ve already taken the test, or maybe you’re just gearing up to take it. Either way, knowing how hard they say it is, it makes sense to wonder how many times you can take the LSAT.
But here’s an interesting detail to keep in mind: according to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), most test takers who repeat the test, on average, only manage to bump up their score by 2.8 points on their second try and 2.1 on their third.
So before you think about scheduling your next test date, let me break down how many times you can take the LSAT and how multiple LSAT scores can affect your law school journey.
Key Takeaways
- Test Taking Limit: You can take the LSAT five times during the current reportable score period and seven times in your lifetime.
- LSAT Scores & Law Schools: Most law schools see all your LSAT results, but many focus on your highest score.
- Unexpected Test Anxiety: If your test results were affected by severe stress or anxiety, you might be able to add an explanation to your application.
- LSAT Retake Impact: Retaking the LSAT doesn’t always guarantee a higher score. Most students only improve by two to three points.
- Plan Your Test Prep: Taking practice tests and preparing differently for a retake can make a real difference.
How Many Times Can You Retake the LSAT?
Let’s clear this up first. Exactly how many times can you take the LSAT? The answer is more than just once, but it’s not unlimited! Here are the limits:
- Five times within the current reportable score period, which is the five most recent testing years.
- Seven times in your lifetime.
So this isn’t like your local all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. LSAC does set a cap, so planning counts. And yes, even if you have a really, really bad day—you spilled your coffee, or your dog ate your study notes—your test still counts toward your total attempts unless you have an approved absence.
Knowing the limits is one thing, but many students worry about how law schools will view multiple attempts—that’s where strategy becomes just as important as the score itself.
Do Multiple LSAT Attempts Look Bad?
While law schools will see all of your LSAT attempts, admissions committees generally focus on your highest score. That means taking the test multiple times doesn’t automatically hurt your chances—but strategy matters. As one commenter advised, “It’s not how many times you take it because they only take the highest score. However, might I suggest that you don’t choose a test date until you are PTing at your target score?”
This advice is especially relevant for students aiming for highly competitive programs, where the pressure to perform can create test-day anxiety even if practice test scores are strong. In these cases, it may make more sense to pause, adjust prep strategies, or even work with a tutor rather than burning through limited retake opportunities. The bottom line: retakes aren’t bad, but making each one count is what really matters.
Why Does LSAC Limit How Often You Can Take the LSAT?
The LSAT is designed to measure reasoning and analytical skills, not your stamina or your ability to survive endless test days. By limiting the number of times the LSAT can be taken, the LSAC encourages thorough preparation and discourages repeated attempts just for a lucky score. Admissions committees also appreciate applicants who plan ahead and demonstrate consistent improvement, rather than those who repeatedly take the exam without a clear strategy.
Multiple LSAT Scores: How Do Law Schools See Your Results?
Not sure how you’ll feel about this, but did you know that most law schools will see all of your LSAT scores? Not just the highest one, but every single one. You may think that awful first attempt is just too embarrassing to be seen, but there is a flipside.
The general consensus is that most law schools care most about your highest LSAT score when reviewing law school applications. Admissions committees understand that test takers can have off days or even bouts of unexpected anxiety.
If you had a lower score due to test day stress or something that was just beyond your control, you might want to include an addendum explaining your circumstances as part of your law school application. Just remember that you’ll need to be honest and clear about what happened. And if you just bombed for whatever reason your first time around but really pulled your score up during take two, admissions teams will focus on your improvement, not how bad you did the first time around.
Should You Retake the LSAT?
It can be tempting to retake the LSAT after your first test, especially if you realistically expect to score higher. In that case, it would be smart to retake the LSAT. But keep in mind:
- Average LSAT scores after a retake only improve by two to three points for most students.
- Retaking the LSAT can benefit your application if your practice exams show a higher, consistent score.
- If you scored below the average admitted students’ LSAT score ranges at your target schools, a higher score could help.
- If your score is already strong, retaking the LSAT might not make much difference.
My suggestion is to use practice tests to gauge if a retake is worth it. If your practice test scores are consistently higher than your official score, then a retake is probably a good idea. If they’re not, then you might want to save your limited attempts for when you’ve prepared substantially differently.
How to Prepare for the LSAT—Especially If You Plan to Retake
The most successful applicants don’t just take more practice exams; they make real changes to their LSAT prep. That means switching up study materials, trying a new test prep course, or even just scheduling practice tests for the same time as your official test date.
If you find you’ve been dealing with unexpected test anxiety, try incorporating stress-management techniques into your study routine. That means prioritizing good sleep, eating balanced meals, and taking breaks. It all can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
How many times you can take the LSAT is more than numbers; it’s about making each try count. Whether you’re aiming for the highest LSAT score possible or you just want to improve your application, careful planning, smart test prep, and some honest self-assessment will come in handy. Remember, most law schools care about your best performance, not just your first LSAT. So don’t stress if you need a retake. Just make sure you’re prepared, focused, and ready to put your best foot forward on test day.
FAQs
Yes, most law schools will see all your LSAT results, including every test date and score.
A 172 is an excellent score. It’s well above the average LSAT scores and puts you in a highly competitive group for law school admissions.
Most students spend two to three months preparing, using practice exams and thorough LSAT prep.
It depends on the test, but generally, you can miss around 10 questions and still score a 170, though this can vary depending on the LSAT exam curve.
Most law schools focus on your highest LSAT score, but they will see multiple LSAT scores. Retaking is common and usually not held against applicants.
