LSAT Retake Statistics: Do Scores Actually Improve?
One of the most common questions before deciding to retake the LSAT is: do scores actually improve? The data says yes — but with important nuances. This guide breaks down the real retake statistics, what they mean for your decision, and how to maximize your chances of meaningful improvement.
After reading, use the free LSAT Score Calculator to see what score you need to reach your target schools and how much improvement would unlock new options.
What the Data Shows: LSAT Score Change on Retakes
LSAC has published data on score changes for repeat test-takers over multiple years. The consistent findings:
- Most repeat test-takers improve: Approximately 60–65% of test-takers who retake the LSAT score higher on their second attempt
- Average improvement is modest: The average score change for repeat test-takers is approximately 2–3 points upward
- About 20–25% score the same: Within 1 point of their previous score
- About 15–20% score lower: On their second attempt, particularly if they did not do additional preparation
The key insight: improvement is more likely than decline, but the average improvement is small. Large improvements (8+ points) do happen, but they require significant new preparation — not just retaking the test.
Average Score Change by Initial Score Range
| Initial Score | Average Change on Retake | % Who Improve |
|---|---|---|
| 120–144 | +3 to +5 points | ~70% |
| 145–154 | +2 to +4 points | ~65% |
| 155–164 | +1 to +3 points | ~60% |
| 165–174 | +1 to +2 points | ~55% |
| 175–180 | 0 to -1 points | ~35% |
Lower initial scores show higher rates of improvement and larger average gains — partly because there is more room to improve, and partly because lower initial scores often reflect under-preparation that additional study can address. Higher initial scores are already near ceiling, making further improvement harder to achieve.
The Critical Variable: How Much Additional Preparation?
The statistics above represent all repeat test-takers — including many who retake with little or no additional preparation. When you separate repeat test-takers by preparation:
- Test-takers who retake with no additional preparation: average improvement of 0–1 points (essentially noise)
- Test-takers who do 1–2 months of additional targeted prep: average improvement of 3–5 points
- Test-takers who do 3–6 months of structured preparation: improvements of 5–10+ points are well-documented
The retake statistics are not destiny — they are a reflection of how much preparation most test-takers actually do. If you prepare seriously and differently than you did the first time, you can outperform the average significantly.
What Does “Structured Preparation” Actually Mean?
The test-takers who see the largest improvements on retakes share specific characteristics:
- They identified specific weak areas: Not just “I need to do better,” but “I miss 40% of Strengthen questions and routinely run out of time in RC.” Targeted improvement beats general review.
- They changed their approach: If you got a 155 doing practice tests every weekend, doing more practice tests every weekend will get you approximately the same score. Change the method, not just the volume.
- They drilled weaknesses intensively: Focused, timed drilling on specific question types they got wrong — not just reviewing answers, but redoing similar questions until the pattern becomes automatic.
- They used official PrepTests: Real LSAC questions are more predictive than third-party questions. Serious retakers use official materials for all timed practice.
For a full improvement plan, see How to Improve Your LSAT Score.
How Law Schools View Multiple LSAT Scores
All law schools see every LSAT score you have ever received — LSAC reports your full score history. However, most law schools use your highest score for admissions decisions and median calculations. This is the official position of the vast majority of ABA schools.
A few schools average scores; check each school’s policy on their website. But the industry standard is to use the highest score, which means a retake almost never hurts you even if your score stays flat — and substantially helps you if you improve.
Law school admissions officers also see that you retook the test. A meaningful improvement (5+ points) between attempts reads as evidence of determination and genuine growth. Multiple attempts with flat scores may raise questions about whether your score reflects your true ability — one reason not to retake repeatedly without meaningful additional preparation.
Should You Retake? A Quick Decision Framework
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Score is 5+ points below your target school’s median | Retake — gap is meaningful and worth addressing |
| Practice tests consistently showed 5+ points higher than real score | Retake — real score likely underperformed your potential |
| First attempt with minimal preparation | Retake with serious prep — significant improvement is achievable |
| Score is within 2 points of target school’s median | Evaluate — with strong GPA/softs, may not need retake |
| Practice tests matched real score and you prepped seriously | Proceed carefully — current score likely reflects your ceiling |
| Score is above target school’s median | Do not retake — focus on application quality |
For the complete retake decision guide, read Should I Retake the LSAT?
How Many Times Should You Retake?
LSAC allows up to 3 retakes in a testing year, 5 in 5 years, and 7 in a lifetime. But more retakes are not always better:
- First retake: Almost always worth it if you have done additional preparation and your score is below target
- Second retake: Reasonable if you can identify specifically what went wrong and have a clear plan to address it
- Third+ retake: Diminishing returns. Multiple flat retakes signal the score is reflective of your ability, and additional attempts without major preparation changes are unlikely to help
Next Steps
- Read the full Should I Retake the LSAT? guide for a complete decision framework
- See How to Improve Your LSAT Score for a structured improvement approach
- Build a prep plan with the LSAT study schedule guide
- Use the LSAT Score Calculator to see how much improvement you need and what it would unlock