When Do You Take the LSAT? Best Month and School Year

Though it varies, the LSAT is typically offered eight to nine times per year in the United States. But when should you start studying for one of those slots?

If you’re thinking about law school, one of the first big questions you’ll run into is: When should I take the LSAT? Like, what year of college? What age? Is earlier better? Should you cram it in over winter break?

No worries—we’re going to unpack all of that. Whether you’re mapping out your law school journey from freshman year or figuring things out a little later, knowing the best time to take the Law School Admission Test can make everything feel way less chaotic.

Key Takeaways

• Junior Year Is the Sweet Spot: Most students take the LSAT in the spring or summer of their junior year to stay ahead of deadlines.
• Age Doesn’t Matter—Readiness Does: Whether you’re 20 or 35, you’re ready when you’ve built the skills and have time to prep.
• The June LSAT is a Popular Pick: Taking the test in June gives you room to retake and plenty of time to apply in the fall.
• Give Yourself Prep Time: Plan at least 3–4 months of study so you’re not scrambling to cram last minute.
• Your LSAT Score Carries Weight: A strong LSAT score can balance a lower GPA and boost your shot at scholarships.

The Quick Answer: Take It the Year Before You Apply

Most people take the LSAT about a year before they plan to attend law school. So if you want to start law school in the fall of 2026, you should aim to take the test sometime in 2025.

That’s because law school applications usually open in early fall (think September), and LSAT scores take a few weeks to process. Getting your score in early gives you time to prep the rest of your application without scrambling at the last minute.

What Year of College Is Best?

For traditional college students, the best time to take the LSAT is during your junior year or early senior year.

Here’s how that usually plays out:

• Junior Year (spring/summer): This is ideal for many. You’ve likely taken some advanced coursework, your undergraduate grade point average is mostly set, and you still have time to retake the LSAT if needed.
• Senior Year (fall): Still fine, but it can feel rushed if you’re also working on law school applications. You’ll need to juggle personal statements, letters of recommendation, and transcripts—so be ready for a full plate.

If you’re not in college anymore? Don’t stress. Plenty of test takers take the LSAT after graduating. The timeline still works the same: about a year before you plan to start law school.

What Age Should You Be?

There’s no perfect age, and the Law School Admission Council’s own stats show a wide range of ages among test takers. Some folks take the LSAT at 20, some at 35.

What matters more than age is timing. If you’re ready to commit to LSAT prep and confident in your reading and reasoning skills, you’re ready—period.

Choosing the Right LSAT Test Date

The LSAT is offered multiple times throughout the year, usually in:

• January
• February
• April
• June
• August
• September
• October
• November

Many students shoot for the June LSAT after junior year. This gives you summer to regroup (or retake), and you’ll have your LSAT scores back in plenty of time for fall apps.

Keep an eye on registration deadlines, though—they sneak up fast. You don’t want to miss your chance to grab a seat, especially for popular test months.

Why Timing Matters

Picking the right time to take the LSAT isn’t just about convenience—it’s about giving yourself the best shot at success.

Here’s why:

• You may want to take it twice. Some people do better the second time around, especially after reviewing their first practice tests and adjusting their study plan.
• You don’t want to rush. Trying to cram LSAT prep into finals season or your last semester of college can backfire.
• Your score matters more than you think. A high LSAT score can offset a lower GPA or land you scholarship offers. So it’s worth the time and planning.

Give Yourself Time to Prepare

Let’s talk about LSAT prep for a second.

This isn’t the kind of test you can cram for. It’s a skills-based exam, which means it takes time to build up the logic, reading, and reasoning skills it tests.

Here’s what a typical prep timeline might look like:

• 3–4 months of study time (10–15 hours a week)
• Regular practice tests to track progress
• Reviewing mistakes, adjusting strategy
• Maybe a prep course if you need structure or accountability

If you want to take the June test, you’ll probably want to start June test preparation around February or March (or if you’re shooting for a 180, even earlier).

What If You’re Not Ready?

It’s totally okay to delay your test date if life gets in the way or you’re not hitting your goal scores. You can take the LSAT multiple times, and law schools mostly look at your highest score, not all of them.

Just make sure you’ve planned enough time between tests if you want to retake it before your application deadlines.

Overall Timeline for Law School Applicants

Here’s a general timeline for when to take the LSAT if you’re applying straight from undergrad:

• Sophomore Year: Start thinking about law school. Maybe take an intro logic or writing course to build foundational skills and make a list of your dream schools.
• Junior Year Fall: Start light LSAT prep. Maybe take a diagnostic test and research prep materials, or test prep companies.
• Junior Year Spring or Summer: Take the LSAT (aim for the June LSAT if possible).
• Senior Year Fall: Finish your law school applications and hit submit.

If you’re applying later or on a non-traditional path, just shift everything based on your intended test date and application cycle.

Conclusion

So, when do you take the LSAT? Ideally, during your junior year of college or at least a year before you want to attend law school. Give yourself plenty of time for LSAT prep, multiple practice tests, and maybe even a retake.

It’s okay to take it earlier or later, depending on your situation—but the key is planning ahead. Know your test date, start early, and build your study routine with enough breathing room to feel ready. You’ve got this.

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