The LSAT is an expensive, time consuming, and stressful endeavor. Ideally, you should take it once. Be sure that you carefully evaluate your preparation by taking full-length, timed practice tests and read and explicitly follow the Day of the Test instructions. Even though you may have prepared and followed instructions carefully, there are still some circumstances in which you should consider repeating the test. Before committing to taking the test again, consider the following:
Identify what went wrong the first time you took the LSAT. If the problem had nothing to do with your preparation or ability to perform well (e.g. a fire alarm went off in the middle of the exam or you become ill), then it may be wise to retake the exam.
Honestly and critically assess whether or not you were well prepared. If you determine that you sought advice and committed as much time and effort as possible AND your actual test result was similar to your practice results, then it may be in your best interest not to repeat the test. We encourage you to discuss this decision with a pre-law advisor. (Visit our Connect with an Advisor page to schedule an appointment.)
Recognize that some law schools may frown upon multiple attempts at the exam. Don’t worry if you only plan to take it twice, but three or more attempts should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Remember that you are typically limited to taking the exam three times in a two-year period, and a cancelled or absent score counts as one of those attempts.
Review LSAT FAQs provided by the Law School Admission Council.
