Taking the LSAT this time of year has a few advantages – smaller test administrations tend to see smoother experiences by test takers. (March 2022 LSAT had approximately 7,000 testers.) If you’re signed up for the April LSAT, all of this bodes well for you. February, March, and likely April too have some of the lowest number of testers we’ve seen in recent years. Now, given that nearly everybody is still testing at home, these smaller administrations probably don’t feel any different. So, at 9:00 EDT this morning, what did your inbox reveal?
For most nationally ranked law schools, admissions deadlines for fall 2022 have passed. But this is the perfect time to be planning ahead for later admission cycles. Getting your LSAT prep and testing done in the spring and summer months gives you the time to focus on letters of recommendation and personal statements, and still get your application in early. Or if you’ve received a waitlist letter indicating that they would be very interested in seeing a higher LSAT score, well, these spring tests are for you!
If you want to start planning for a retest, the Law School Admission Council has announced dates for LSAT administrations through June 2023. The LSAT is currently offered nine times per year in the U.S. And, as we’ve talked about in previous blogs, there is no penalty for retaking the LSAT. Law schools consider your highest LSAT score, so give yourself that extra leg up. Get back to the books if you think you’ve still got a point or two (or 5 or 10) in your reserves.
One other thought worth a mention: many part-time, hybrid and online J.D. programs have more availability in spring as their academic calendars and admission deadlines are more flexible and meant to accommodate mid-career applicants.
With your scores now in hand, are you wondering what to do next? Grab a cup of coffee and sit down with the newly released 2023 US News Law School Rankings. There’s likely a school (or two) in there just right for you!
