So you’ve taken the LSAT. You made it through months of studying, a high-stakes test day, and that excruciating score release waiting period. But now you’re left wondering: Should I retake the LSAT?
Retaking the LSAT can be a smart move—but it’s not always the right one. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider so you can make a confident, strategic decision.
Should You Retake the LSAT?
Generally speaking, if you aren’t happy with your LSAT score, we advise a retake.
Target LSAT scores are all relative, of course. For some, a 169 represents a victory and a direct ticket to their dream law school with a scholarship. To others, it can signify the demise of their T6 applications. We strongly recommend checking out your target law schools to get a sense of what score you might need, in light of your GPA and soft factors, to get into your school of choice.
The LSAT is no fun, but in most cases, it’s the single most important element of your application. Thus, if your score precludes your admittance to wherever you’re trying to go, it’s probably wise to lock in again.
Still not entirely sure if retaking the LSAT is right for you? Ask yourself these questions.
1. How Far Are You From Your Target Score?
This is the big one. If your current LSAT score is just a few points shy of your goal—or the medians of your top-choice law schools—you might be able to close the gap with targeted LSAT prep. However, if your score is already within or above your target range, a retake might not help your chances and could even introduce a risk if your score goes down.
2. How Did Your Score Compare to Your Practice Tests?
If your official score was significantly lower than your practice test averages, an LSAT retake could make sense—especially if something threw you off on test day (e.g., nerves, tech issues, illness, etc.).
Now, if your test day score was in line with your practice average and you still want to improve, you will need to change your LSAT study habits and tweak your study plan.
3. Do You Have the Time and Energy to Prep Again?
Let’s be real: LSAT prep is a grind. Before committing to a retake, make sure you can dedicate focused, consistent study time. Oftentimes, first-time test takers underestimate how much time is needed to really reach their LSAT score potential. Thus, studying longer—and smarter—is an easy fix.
However, this time around, make sure you can really commit to a consistent study schedule. Burnout is real and trying to squeeze in prep while overwhelmed with other responsibilities can lead to frustration and potentially falling behind on your LSAT prep.
Further Reading
4. Will a Higher Score Open More Doors?
Even just a few extra points can boost your chances at:
- Higher-ranked schools
- Merit scholarships
- Greater overall admission leverage
Remember, it’s always better to apply later in the law school admissions cycle with a higher score than earlier with a lower score.
5. How Many Times Have You Taken the LSAT?
Are you even eligible to take the LSAT again? LSAC allows you to take the LSAT:
- Five times within the current reportable score period (which is the last 5 years)
- A total of seven times over a lifetime
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How To Prepare for an LSAT Retake
So now let’s assume you’ve thought through your options and decided to retake the LSAT. That’s great! Now comes the hard part: creating your LSAT retake strategy. You can’t approach an LSAT retake the same way you approached your first attempt.
1. Find Out What Went Wrong
This is crucial. If you haven’t diagnosed what went wrong (timing issues, specific question types, test anxiety, poor strategy, etc.), you’re likely to repeat the same mistakes.
2. Slow Down
Take an untimed practice LSAT exam. Removing time as a factor in your score should highlight which questions and concepts you need fundamental work on, versus which questions you just need more time to execute on.
3. Review Everything
Make sure you fully review every bit of practice you do, even if you got the answers right. Keep a Lessons Learned Journal of your mistakes and learnings. Sometimes our biggest breakthroughs come from our mistakes! Eventually, you’ll be able to see where your areas of opportunity are and can target those specifically.
4. Practice Realistically
There will be moments when you’ll need to drill questions or do some targeted practice. However, you also need to make time to take timed LSAT practice tests under realistic conditions. The more comfortable you get with the actual LSAT format, the less anxiety you’ll feel on test day and the more confident you’ll be overall.
5. Stay Consistent
As we’ve already mentioned, not giving yourself enough time to prep for the LSAT can be detrimental to your score. Make more time than you did last time. Make more time than you think necessary. Aim for at least one month or two of timed LSAT practice and full-length practice tests.
The LSAT is a marathon, not a sprint (and definitely not a race). You don’t need to follow someone else’s timeline if it doesn’t fit into your schedule. Create an LSAT study plan that works for you, not the other way around.
Final Thoughts
We know—you don’t want to go through the LSAT prep process again. It’s difficult, time-consuming, and sometimes a little overwhelming. However, there’s a bright side: You don’t get many do-overs in life, but you do with the LSAT!
If you find yourself in a position where you decide to retake the LSAT, remember that you’re not alone. This will have no bearing on your future career as a lawyer and is not a reflection of how well you will do in law school. Focus on how you can improve your score, give yourself enough time to do it, and before you know it, the LSAT will be a thing of the past!
And if you need help reaching your full LSAT potential, we’re here to help! Blueprint LSAT students increase their LSAT scores by 15 points on average. Whether you want the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, prefer to navigate the LSAT with instructors in a Live Course or 170+ Course, or even private LSAT tutoring, we have the study method that fits your learning style.
Get access to tons of LSAT prep resources when you create a free Blueprint LSAT account!
Further Reading
💡 Do Law Schools Average LSAT Scores?: There’s a lot of outdated information out there. We set the record straight on multiple LSAT scores.
💡 What Is a Good LSAT Score Anyway?: 170? 165? 180? Find out what makes a good LSAT score and why the answer is the most lawyer-esque answer ever.
