How many times can you take the LSAT? It depends on the year and your lifetime attempts, but there are hard limits to be aware of. In this blog, I’ll explain how LSAC counts your attempts, how law schools view retakes, and what strategy to use if you're considering another test. Want help deciding if a retake is worth it? Read our guide on LSAT score range and how to prepare for the LSAT.
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LSAT Limits Explained
No, you can't take the LSAT endlessly. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) enforces strict rules about how many times you're allowed to sit for the test. These rules aren't just bureaucratic red tape; they exist to ensure fairness, reduce score inflation, and help admissions committees trust that each score truly reflects a test-taker's ability.
If someone took the LSAT 15 times, they'd probably improve just from repetition. That doesn't necessarily mean they've become a stronger law school candidate. LSAC wants the test to reflect actual skill and preparation—not just perseverance. By capping attempts, LSAC aims to keep the process equitable for everyone applying.
LSAT Retake Policies: Yearly, Rolling, Lifetime
Here are the current LSAT retake limits:
- Three times in a single testing year (August to June)
- Five times over the current and five past testing years
- Seven times total over your lifetime
These numbers might seem generous at first. But if you plan to space out your attempts across multiple application cycles or if life gets in the way (illness, emergencies, burnout), those limits can sneak up on you.
If you try to register for an LSAT and you’ve reached any of these limits, the system will stop you. You'll get an alert, and LSAC won’t allow the registration to go through. If you believe there’s a mistake—for example, if a withdrawn test is incorrectly counted against your limit—you can contact LSAC directly.
Does Retaking the LSAT Look Bad?
How Law Schools Interpret Retakes
Most law schools use your highest LSAT score when reviewing your application. This is good news if you had a rough day or simply needed more prep time the first time around. That said, they will still see all your scores. A big improvement looks good. Five wildly different scores? That might raise eyebrows.
When Retaking Might Help
Retaking the LSAT can absolutely help you—if you make meaningful changes to your prep. Schools appreciate growth and resilience. If you go from 148 to 165 with a clear upward trend, that says something about your ability to learn and adapt. But if you're consistently scoring within the same 2-3 point range, the benefit of another retake starts to diminish.
When Should You Retake the LSAT?
5 Signs You're Ready for a Retake
- You scored below your average practice score. This suggests nerves or test-day conditions interfered with your performance.
- You didn’t finish your prep plan. If you know you weren’t 100% ready, retaking makes sense.
- You got sick or distracted on test day. Life happens. If an external factor clearly affected your score, a redo might be justified.
- You ran out of time. This is often fixable with targeted prep.
- You're early in the cycle. If you have time to retake without missing application deadlines, why not?
When You Shouldn’t Bother
If your score is already at or above the median for your top-choice schools, another retake might not change your outcome. Instead, spend that time on essays, rec letters, and interview prep.
What is on the LSAT? Here's a recap:
What Law Schools See in Your LSAT History
Score Report Transparency
Law schools receive your entire LSAT score report. This includes every score, every cancelation, and every no-show. Nothing is hidden unless you withdrew early enough to avoid a count.
Admissions Holistically vs. Score-Driven
Schools differ. Some place huge weight on the LSAT. Others focus more on your personal statement and resume. But all will notice if you took the test five times and kept canceling scores. That could raise questions about your judgment or test-day readiness.
Here's an example: Imagine two applicants. One has scores of 155 and 162. The other has five scores that range from 148 to 158. Even though their top scores are close, the consistency of the first applicant often sends a stronger message. Repeated attempts with minimal improvement might make schools wonder if you've hit your testing ceiling.
Some admissions committees at top-tier law schools may discuss unusual score histories during committee reviews. It won't necessarily keep you out, but it's a variable you want to manage carefully.
What If You Cancel or Withdraw?
Canceling Your Score
You can cancel your LSAT score within 6 calendar days of your test. Canceled scores still appear on your record as "Canceled," and yes, they count toward your attempt limit.
Canceling is usually done when you know immediately that something went wrong—you ran out of time, you guessed entire sections, or you had a major disruption. Keep in mind: schools won't see the reason you canceled, just that you did.
Withdrawing From the Test
If you withdraw before the official deadline (usually about a week before the test), it does not count as an attempt. But if you miss the deadline or just don't show up, LSAC still counts it.
Many students confuse withdrawing with canceling, but they are different. Withdrawals leave no mark on your LSAT record—it’s as though you never registered. Cancellations leave a trace.
Check out some LSAT prep tips below!
Strategic LSAT Retake Planning
Don't rush. If you're emotionally drained or not confident in your prep, wait. Use your most recent test results to create a targeted study plan. Many students benefit from spacing out their attempts by 2-3 months.
Give yourself enough time to fix what went wrong. And don’t forget—each LSAT retake comes with a registration fee, and if you're paying for tutoring or test prep, the costs can stack up quickly. If you need to relearn logic games or build stamina, that's not going to happen in two weeks. Avoid back-to-back test dates unless you’re confident the next one will go better.
Start by reviewing the LSAC score report. Look at section breakdowns. Where did you lose the most points? Was timing a major issue? Did anxiety affect performance? If possible, review any prep test results taken under timed conditions.
Keep a prep journal and track the types of questions you consistently miss. Are there patterns? Logic games? Flawed reasoning questions? Identifying weak points gives you a focused starting point for your next round of studying.
Build a Smarter Study Plan
Here’s what I tell students thinking about a third retake: you need to study differently, not just harder.
Instead of repeating your old study routine, make changes based on what didn’t work. Reframe your prep with the LSAT retake policy in mind—knowing you have limited attempts makes it even more important to customize your study plan to fix weaknesses efficiently. Example:
- Focused drilling (e.g., 5 flawed reasoning questions a day)
- Time trials for reading comprehension
- Weekly full-length timed exams and practice questions
- Adjust study blocks to avoid burnout (e.g., 45-minute sessions with breaks)
A focused plan leads to better gains than just "studying harder."
LSAT Retake Stats You Should Know
According to LSAC data, over 25% of LSAT takers sit for the exam more than once. And among those who retake, the average score increase is about 2.8 points. That might not sound like much, but a few points can make a big difference in competitive admissions or merit-based scholarships.
However, score gains tend to plateau after the second or third attempt. Your first retake is usually your biggest opportunity for improvement. After that, unless you've made serious changes in your prep strategy, you're less likely to see large jumps.
Schools are aware of this. So make your retakes count by approaching each one with a revised and stronger plan.
1. How many times can I take the LSAT in a year?
LSAC allows up to three LSAT attempts per testing year, which runs from August through June. That means you could, in theory, take the test in August, November, and January—but keep in mind that each test counts toward your rolling and lifetime limits as well. Overdoing it in one year could box you out of future opportunities.
2. What's the lifetime limit for the LSAT?
You can take the LSAT seven times in your entire life. This is non-negotiable. Once you hit this limit, you can no longer register for the exam unless LSAC makes a policy exception in rare, specific circumstances. For most people, that means choosing when to take the LSAT carefully and making each attempt count.
3. Do law schools see all my LSAT scores?
Yes. Law schools receive a full testing history from LSAC, including all scores, canceled tests, and no-shows. While most schools focus on your highest score, they'll see the pattern of your attempts, which may affect their perception of your application. A strong final score can still outweigh earlier lower scores—but consistency helps.
4. Does canceling an LSAT count toward my limit?
Unfortunately, yes. Even if you cancel your score within the permitted window, the test still counts toward your annual, rolling five-year, and lifetime limits. Canceling might help preserve your score report's appearance, but it won’t buy you extra attempts. Plan carefully before registering.
5. What if I withdraw before test day?
If you withdraw before the deadline, the attempt will not count. It’s like you were never registered at all. But if you miss that deadline and simply don’t show up, LSAC counts it as one of your allowed tests. Keep track of withdrawal deadlines to avoid wasting an attempt.
6. Can I appeal for more attempts?
In most cases, no. LSAC is strict about these policies. Appeals are rarely granted, and usually only for compelling reasons—such as serious medical emergencies or documented errors on LSAC’s part. Don’t assume you’ll get an exception—plan around the limits.
7. Will retaking the LSAT hurt my chances?
Not automatically. Most schools take your highest score. But if your record shows inconsistent performance or repeated cancellations, it could raise questions. Retakes are common—but strategy matters. Aim for upward momentum.
8. How many times should I take the LSAT?
Most students take the LSAT once or twice. If your first score is below your target and you believe you can improve, a retake makes sense. But after the second or third attempt, think carefully: Are you making changes to your prep, or just hoping for better luck? A strategic retake can help; a rushed one might waste an attempt.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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