So, you didn’t crush the LSAT the first time. Or maybe you are worried that you won’t pass. Take a breath—you’re definitely not alone. A ton of test takers end up taking the LSAT more than once (48.3%, to be exact), and honestly, it’s not the deal-breaker some people make it out to be.
Whether your nerves got the best of you, your test day strategy fell apart, or you just know you can do better, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about retaking the LSAT—from numerical limits to whether having multiple LSAT scores actually hurts your chances. Let’s get into it.
Key Takeaways
- LSAT Retake Limits Exist: You can take the LSAT up to 3 times per year, 5 times in 5 years, and 7 times in your lifetime.
- Retakes Aren’t a Red Flag: Most law schools focus on your highest score, not how many times it took you to get there.
- Know When to Retake: If your score is well below your target or your practice tests were much higher, a retake is usually worth it.
- Prep Smarter the Second Time: Don’t just repeat your old study plan—target your weak spots and simulate test conditions.
- Most Retakers Improve: It’s common to see score increases on second or third attempts, especially with focused, intentional prep.
LSAT Retake Limits: How Many Tries Do You Get?
Let’s start with the official rules. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) sets clear guidelines about how often you can take the LSAT.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 3 times in a single testing year (August–June)
- 5 times within the current reportable score period (past 5 years)
- 7 times in your lifetime
That’s right—7 total attempts. While it may sound like a lot, it’s definitely possible to run into that cap if you’re a chronic retaker (no shame if that’s you—I get it).
LSAC will also cancel scores in very specific cases (think: major test-day violations), so don’t worry about accidentally losing one of your tries over a small hiccup.
Do Law Schools See All of Your Scores?
Most law schools will see all your reportable LSAT scores, not just your best one. But don’t freak out. These days, schools are more understanding of retakes. A single low score followed by improvement won’t tank your application. In fact, many admissions teams look at your highest LSAT score when making decisions.
That said, don’t go wild and take the test six times with scores bouncing all over the place. A chaotic score history can raise eyebrows and lead schools to question your test prep strategy—or lack thereof.
So… Do Retakes Look Bad?
Not necessarily. If your score improves, it actually works in your favor. Admissions officers know that some folks just have a bad test day. Whether it’s unexpected test anxiety or a stomach bug, life happens.
Where it might look sketchy is if:
- You take the test several times with little to no improvement.
- Your scores jump wildly without a clear pattern.
- You cancel multiple scores without explanation.
If you can show upward momentum, you’re good. It helps to explain any unusual score swings in an addendum, especially if you had a rough actual test day.
When Should You Retake the LSAT?
Great question. Here’s a quick gut-check guide:
You should probably retake if:
- Your score is way below your target school’s LSAT ranges.
- You seriously underperformed on test day due to nerves or illness.
- Your practice tests were consistently higher than your actual score.
- You didn’t prep properly the first time, and you know you can do better.
You might not need a retake if:
- You’re within or slightly below your target school’s average LSAT scores.
- Retaking won’t realistically push you into a better admissions tier.
- Your schedule doesn’t allow for solid prep time before the next test date.
A retake is only worth it if you’re confident you can bump your score up. Otherwise, you’re just burning one of your limited LSAT tests and possibly stressing yourself out for no reason. One Redditor puts it plainly,
“Just don’t score lower than your previous best score, and no one will frown.”
Another says they are retaking with a 170+ score, explaining,
“I’m retaking a 171 and I could not care any less if they “frown” on it. It is ultimately our heads on the chopping block b/c we’re losing scholarship money with every point we leave on the table + the possibility of getting into better schools.”
Are Retakes Common?
Super common. In fact, for the 2022-2023 LSAT test cycle, 48.3% of the test takers had taken the exam at least once prior to their current attempt.
It makes sense. The first test often feels overwhelming, but by the time you hit round two, you know the format, the pacing, and what to expect.
Plus, you can use tools like LSAT score preview (if you’re a first-time taker) to see your score before deciding whether to keep or cancel it. That way, if it’s way off from your expectations, you can make a more informed decision about next steps.
Tips for Retaking the LSAT
Alright, so you’re thinking about a retake. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Analyze Your First Test
Don’t just guess why things went wrong. Use feedback, score breakdowns, and your own memory to pinpoint what held you back—timing, logic games, anxiety?
2. Change Your Approach
If you used a self-study method the first time, maybe it’s time for a course. If you took a course, try switching to practice tests under realistic conditions.
3. Focus on Weak Areas
It’s easy to keep drilling sections you’re good at (because it feels good), but you’ll see the biggest score gains by working on your weak points.
4. Simulate the Real Thing
Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions. Treat them like the actual test day—same time, same breaks, same setup.
5. Don’t Cram
Slow and steady wins this race. It’s not about memorization—it’s about strategy, endurance, and understanding patterns.
Quick Word on Canceled LSAT Scores
If you totally bombed a test and used the LSAC’s cancel option (or the LSAT score preview), don’t worry—it doesn’t count as one of your reportable scores, but it does count toward your total allowed attempts.
So, while canceling won’t hurt your application, it does eat up one of your numerical limits. Use it wisely. To be clear, though, withdrawals and absences do not count toward your limit.
Final Thoughts: Should You Retake the LSAT?
Only you can answer that. But here’s my two cents:
If you’re sitting on a score that doesn’t reflect your potential, a retake is a smart move, especially if your practice test scores suggest you can do better. But if you’re just chasing perfection or panicking over one off day, it might not be worth the emotional and financial cost.
Just remember, law schools care about your highest LSAT score, not your entire testing saga. And plenty of successful applicants have multiple scores on file.
If you’re gearing up for round two (or three), go in with a new plan, a clear mind, and some confidence. You’ve got this.
FAQs
Yes. You’re allowed three tries per testing year, five in a five-year period, and seven total in your lifetime.
Not usually. As long as your scores show progress and your final score is strong, multiple LSAT scores won’t hurt your application.
Not necessarily. If your scores are improving and you’re still within LSAC’s limits, four attempts are totally acceptable.
Maybe. It depends on your target schools. If their averages are higher and your practice scores were better, a retake could help.
Very common. Many test takers go for a second or even third attempt, and most improve their score.
