LSAT Test Dates 2025–2026: Complete Schedule and Registration Deadlines
Planning your LSAT around the right test date is one of the most important strategic decisions in the law school application process. Test too late and you miss application deadlines. Test too early and you may not have had enough prep time. This guide gives you the complete LSAT test schedule for 2025–2026 and helps you choose the right date for your situation.
Once you know your target score, use the free LSAT Score Calculator to see which schools you are aiming for and whether your timeline makes sense.
LSAT Test Dates 2025–2026 (Estimated Schedule)
LSAC offers the LSAT approximately 9–10 times per year. The 2025–2026 testing cycle follows the same general schedule as prior years. Exact dates are confirmed by LSAC through LawHub — always verify the current schedule at lsac.org.
| Test Date (Approximate) | Registration Deadline (Approximate) | Score Release (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | Mid-May 2025 | Late June 2025 |
| July 2025 | Mid-June 2025 | Late July 2025 |
| August 2025 | Mid-July 2025 | Late August 2025 |
| September 2025 | Mid-August 2025 | Early October 2025 |
| October 2025 | Mid-September 2025 | Late October 2025 |
| November 2025 | Mid-October 2025 | Late November 2025 |
| January 2026 | Mid-December 2025 | Late January 2026 |
| February 2026 | Mid-January 2026 | Late February 2026 |
| March 2026 | Mid-February 2026 | Late March 2026 |
| April 2026 | Mid-March 2026 | Late April 2026 |
| June 2026 | Mid-May 2026 | Late June 2026 |
Important: LSAC publishes exact dates on lsac.org and through LawHub. Always confirm dates directly with LSAC before planning around them.
Which LSAT Test Date Is Right for You?
The right test date depends on two factors: when you will be fully prepared, and when law schools need your score.
If you are applying in the 2025–2026 cycle (starting school Fall 2026)
Law school applications typically open in early September and most schools begin reviewing applications in October–November. Rolling admissions means earlier applications have an advantage at most schools.
- Best test dates: June, July, August, or September 2025 — gives you a score before or right at the start of the application window
- Acceptable: October or November 2025 — still gives you time to apply before most schools’ preferred deadlines
- Late but workable: January 2026 — most schools accept January scores, but you lose rolling admissions advantage and scholarship pools shrink
- Too late for most schools: February 2026 and beyond — many schools’ regular deadlines fall in January–February; a February score may arrive after some deadlines close
If you are applying in the 2026–2027 cycle (starting school Fall 2027)
You have more flexibility. Any test from June 2025 through April 2026 gives you a score well in advance. Testing early (June–August 2025) gives you maximum retake opportunities if needed.
How Early Should You Register?
LSAC opens registration approximately 3 months before each test date. Seats at preferred testing centers can fill up — register as soon as you decide on a date. Late registration is available but typically costs an additional fee and limits testing location options.
How Long Are LSAT Scores Valid?
LSAT scores are valid for 5 years. A score from June 2021 can be used for applications through the 2026–2027 admissions cycle. After 5 years, the score expires and you must retake the test to apply.
For detailed information on score validity, see How Long Are LSAT Scores Valid?
LSAT Retake Policy
You can take the LSAT:
- Up to 3 times in a single testing year (July 1 – June 30)
- Up to 5 times in the past 5 years
- Up to 7 times in your lifetime
If you exceed these limits, LSAC will not allow you to register. Plan your test dates accordingly — do not burn retake slots unnecessarily.
For more on retake strategy, read Should I Retake the LSAT?
When to Take the LSAT Based on Your Prep Timeline
| Prep Start Date | Prep Duration | Recommended First Test Date |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 6 months | June or July 2025 |
| March 2025 | 4–5 months | July or August 2025 |
| May 2025 | 3 months | August or September 2025 |
| June 2025 | 3 months | September or October 2025 |
| August 2025 | 3 months | November 2025 |
What Happens If You Miss a Registration Deadline?
LSAC offers late registration for most test dates at a higher fee. If you miss the standard deadline, check LawHub for late registration availability. If the late window is also closed, you will need to register for the next available test date.
Missing the September or October test date — if you are applying in the current cycle — can have real consequences for rolling admissions. Build your registration calendar with buffer.
LSAT Accommodations Deadlines
If you are applying for testing accommodations (extended time, separate testing room, etc.), the accommodations deadline is typically 6–8 weeks before the test date — well before the standard registration deadline. Apply for accommodations early. LSAC takes 4–6 weeks to review accommodation requests, and approval is required before you can register under accommodated conditions.
See the complete LSAT accommodations guide for the full process.
Next Steps
- Build your prep timeline with a structured LSAT study schedule
- Use the LSAT Score Calculator to understand your target score
- Decide whether to retake the LSAT based on your current score and goals
- Learn when to take the LSAT for your specific application timeline