An LSAT score hold means LSAC is keeping your score back for now. You took the test, but your score is not released to you or to law schools until the hold is cleared.
A hold is stressful, especially when everyone else is posting their scores. The good news is that most holds have a simple cause and a simple fix. This guide explains what a hold is, the common reasons for one, and what to do.
What Does an LSAT Score Hold Mean?
A hold stops LSAC from releasing your LSAT score. It also stops your LSAT and CAS reports from going to law schools. Your score still exists. It is just locked until LSAC finishes whatever caused the hold.
A hold does not mean you did something wrong, and it does not mean your score is bad. LSAC does not hold scores because of how well or poorly you did.
Common Reasons for an LSAT Score Hold
| Reason | What Is Happening | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Argumentative Writing not done | LSAC releases your score only after you finish the writing part. | Complete LSAT Argumentative Writing as soon as you can. |
| Unpaid balance | A fee on your account is not paid. | Check JD Services and pay any balance due. |
| Fee waiver pending | Your fee waiver is conditionally approved or under appeal. | Upload any missing documents and finish the unlock steps. |
| Test day complaint | You filed an official complaint, so LSAC reviews it first. | Wait for LSAC’s review and watch your email. |
| Security or misconduct review | LSAC is reviewing the test session. | Respond to any LSAC request quickly and keep records. |
The Most Common Cause: Argumentative Writing
Your LSAT score will not be released until LSAC has your Argumentative Writing sample. Many students plan to do it later and forget. You can take the writing part up to 8 days before your test, so finishing early avoids this problem entirely. Learn more in our LSAT writing sample guide.
Unpaid Fees
If your account has a balance due, LSAC places a reporting hold. If you do not pay it, the hold can carry over to future LSAC files. Log in to JD Services and look for any amount owed.
Fee Waivers
If you have an LSAC fee waiver that is only conditionally approved, or you appealed a denial, LSAC can hold your file until the waiver is final. See our LSAC fee waiver guide for the steps to finish approval.
Test Day Complaints
If you file an official complaint about your test (for example, a remote proctor problem), LSAC puts a hold on your file while it investigates. Complaints must be filed through JD Services within two calendar days after your test.
How Long Does an LSAT Score Hold Last?
It depends on the cause:
- Writing or payment holds usually clear soon after you finish the writing or pay the balance.
- Fee waiver holds clear once the waiver gets Final Approval.
- Complaint or security reviews can take longer, sometimes a few weeks.
LSAC does not post a fixed time for every case. If your score is not out a few days after release day and you have done everything on your side, contact LSAC.
What to Do If Your Score Is on Hold
- Check your writing status. Make sure your Argumentative Writing shows as complete.
- Check your account balance in JD Services.
- Read your email, including spam, for any message from LSAC.
- Contact LSAC through your JD account and ask which hold is on your file.
- Keep applying. A short delay rarely hurts. Many schools review files on a rolling basis for months.
Score Hold vs Score Delay vs Score Preview
These are easy to mix up:
- Score hold: LSAC is keeping your score back for one of the reasons above.
- Normal wait: scores come out on LSAC’s published release date, usually about three weeks after the test. See when LSAT scores are released.
- Score Preview: a paid option that lets you see your score and then decide to keep or cancel it. See our Score Preview guide.
Why Aren’t LSAT Scores Instant?
Students often ask why they cannot see their score right away like some other tests. LSAC equates every LSAT form so a 160 means the same thing on every test. It also reviews test sessions for security, which takes time across thousands of test takers. That is why scores come out together on a set date.
LSAT Score Hold FAQ
Does a score hold mean I cheated?
No. Most holds are about writing, fees, or fee waivers. Security reviews are rare, and even then LSAC contacts you before any decision.
Can law schools see that my score was on hold?
Schools see your score once it is released. A short hold for writing or fees is not something schools judge you on.
Will a hold make me miss an application deadline?
Usually not, if you fix the cause quickly. If a deadline is very close, email the school’s admissions office and explain that your score is delayed.
While you wait, estimate your score with our free LSAT score calculator so you can plan your school list.