Is October or November too late to take the LSAT? For most applicants, no. You can still apply this cycle with a fall or winter score. But the later you test, the more you may lose in timing and scholarships. Here is how to decide.
Note for the current cycle: the November 2026 LSAT registration deadline was October 1, 2026, so it has passed. The next test you can sign up for is January 2027.
LSAT Dates for the Rest of the 2026-2027 Cycle
| Test | Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2026 | Nov 11 to 14, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 (closed) | Dec 2, 2026 |
| January 2027 | Jan 13 to 16, 2027 | Dec 1, 2026 | Feb 3, 2027 |
| February 2027 | Feb 12 to 13, 2027 | Dec 29, 2026 | Mar 3, 2027 |
| April 2027 | Apr 8 to 10, 2027 | Feb 25, 2027 | Apr 28, 2027 |
| June 2027 | Jun 9 to 12, 2027 | Apr 29, 2027 | Jun 30, 2027 |
Dates are from LSAC and can change. See the full schedule on our LSAT test dates page.
Is October Too Late to Take the LSAT?
No. An October score comes out in late October, which is early enough to apply in November. Most schools are still filling most of their class then. Many experts see October as one of the last “comfortable” dates for the current cycle.
Is November Too Late to Take the LSAT?
No, for most schools. A November score is released in early December. You can apply right after, well before most regular deadlines in February and March. You will be a little later in rolling admissions, but plenty of students are admitted with November scores.
Is January Too Late?
January is the last test many schools accept for the current cycle. Scores come out in early February. It is workable, but:
- Many seats and scholarship dollars are already given out.
- Some schools have deadlines that land right around score release.
- A few schools accept February scores, but check each school first.
Why Timing Matters: Rolling Admissions
Most law schools use rolling admissions. They review files as they arrive and send decisions throughout the year. Applying earlier, often by November or December, can help, especially for scholarships. A late application is not a rejection, but the bar can be a little higher.
See a full month-by-month plan in our law school application timeline.
Should You Test Late or Wait a Year?
| Test Now (Late This Cycle) If… | Wait for Next Cycle If… |
|---|---|
| Your practice scores already hit your target | You are several points below your target |
| Your target schools take January scores | You want the best shot at scholarships |
| You need to start law school next fall | You can use a gap year well |
A higher score next cycle can be worth far more than starting a year earlier. Use our scholarship calculator to see how much a few points could save.
I Missed the LSAT Registration Deadline. What Now?
LSAC does not offer late registration after the deadline passes. Your options:
- Register for the next test date, now January 2027.
- Use the extra weeks for more timed practice.
- Prepare the rest of your application now: personal statement, resume, letters, and transcripts. Then you can apply the day your score comes out.
See when to take the LSAT and the best month to take the LSAT for more help.
Late LSAT FAQ
Can I apply before I have my LSAT score?
Yes. Many schools let you submit and then hold your file until your score arrives. List your upcoming test date on the application.
Is a January LSAT score too late for scholarships?
Not always, but there is usually less money left. Strong scores can still earn good offers.
When is the latest I can take the LSAT for fall 2027?
For most schools, January 2027. A few accept February 2027. Check each school’s policy.
Not sure if your score is ready? Check your percentile and school fit with our free LSAT score calculator.