Updated November 2026. Dates checked against LSAC for the 2026-2027 testing year, including the August 2027 format change.
Quick answer: take the LSAT about a year before you want to start law school, once your practice tests are near your goal score. For most college students that means the spring or summer after junior year. The best single test for many people is a June test the summer before they apply, which leaves time for a retake in the fall. Pick a date that gives you 3 to 6 months of study and room for one retake before your application deadlines.
Key facts about when to take the LSAT
- Many applicants take their first LSAT 12 to 18 months before law school starts.
- Many students study 3 to 6 months, often 10 to 20 hours a week.
- Scores come out about 3 weeks after each test.
- Applications usually open in September. Many schools decide on a rolling basis, so earlier is better.
- The June 2027 LSAT is the last one in the current format. The new three section format starts in August 2027.
- Scores stay reportable for the current testing year plus the five before it.
New to the test? Start with what the LSAT is and the LSAT requirements. After reading, use the free LSAT score calculator to see which schools your target score opens up.
The Main Rule: Test When You Are Ready
The most common timing mistake is taking the LSAT before you are ready, just to get it done. A weak score does not go away. Law schools see every score from the current testing year and the five before it, along with any cancellations.
So the right test date is the first one where:
- Your recent timed practice tests are close to your goal score
- You still have time for one retake before your deadlines
- You can study without a big conflict, like finals or a work crunch
If a date does not meet all three, move it. Changing your test date is free until the registration deadline. See LSAT registration deadlines.
When to Take the LSAT if You Are Applying Now (Fall 2027 Entry)
If you want to start law school in fall 2027, you are in the 2026-2027 cycle, and applications are already open. November 2026 registration closed on October 1. These tests are still ahead:
| Test | Test dates | Register by | Scores out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Many regular deadlines fall between January and March, so a later test can miss some schools. Scholarship money can also shrink late in the cycle. Check the last test date each school accepts before you register. Dates are from LSAC and can change. Worried you waited too long? Read is it too late to take the LSAT.
When to Take the LSAT if You Are Applying Next Year (Fall 2028 Entry)
If you plan to apply in fall 2027 for a fall 2028 start, testing by June 2027 is a strong plan. The June test is June 9 to 12, 2027. Register by April 29, and scores come out June 30. That gives you:
- A score in hand before you write applications
- Time to retake in August, September or October 2027 if you need to
- A chance to apply early, when schools have more seats and scholarship money
An April 2027 test works too and leaves even more room. Just know that a fall 2027 retake would use the new LSAT format (see below).
The August 2027 Format Change and Your Test Date
LSAC announced on October 26, 2026 that the LSAT changes starting with the August 2027 test. The test goes from four sections to three, and the unscored questions move inside each section. The scored questions, time per question and 120 to 180 scale stay the same.
| If your tests are… | What it means |
|---|---|
| All by June 2027 | Same current format every time. Study with current PrepTests. |
| All in August 2027 or later | New format every time. Switch to LSAC’s new format practice tests when they come out in February 2027. |
| One before and one after | Scores are comparable, so a retake still makes sense. Do a few new format practice tests before the second one. |
Do not rush your test date just to beat the change. The skills tested are the same. Full details are in our news post on the LSAT format change in August 2027.
Which Year of College Should You Take the LSAT?
| When | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman or sophomore year | Rarely the best choice | Less time to build reading skills, and it uses one of your limited attempts |
| Junior year (spring) | Students who studied in winter | Busy semester. Plan around midterms and finals. |
| Summer after junior year | The most common choice for going straight to law school | Popular test times fill fast, so schedule early |
| Senior year (fall) | Students who need more study time | You may be writing applications and studying at the same time |
| After graduation | Anyone taking gap years | Plan study time around work |
LSAC keeps scores reportable for the current testing year and the five before it, so an early score can still count. See how long LSAT scores last. The bigger issue is that schools see all your reportable scores, and each test uses one of your limited attempts. See how many times you can take the LSAT.
Planning around college classes? See the LSAT study plan for college students.
Is There a Best Age to Take the LSAT?
No. LSAC does not list a minimum age, and people take the LSAT at every stage of life. Many law students start right after college, but many others work for a few years first. What matters is that you have time to prepare and that your score is ready when you apply. If you work full time, see the LSAT study plan for working full time.
What Is the Best Month to Take the LSAT?
There is no “easy” month. LSAC scales every test so a score means the same thing on any date. See how the LSAT curve works. The best month is about your timeline:
| Month | Why people pick it | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| January or February | Last good chance for the current cycle, or an early start on the next one | Late for most schools in the current cycle |
| April | Early score for next fall’s applications, with lots of retake room | Studying during the spring semester |
| June | Score before applications open, retake time in the fall | Busy test month. Schedule your time early. |
| August or September | Study over the summer, then apply early in the fall | Less room for a retake before early deadlines. New format from August 2027. |
| October or November | Extra study time or a planned retake | Can push your applications later in the cycle |
See every date on our LSAT test dates page.
How Prep Time Should Drive Your Test Date
Work backward from your target test date to decide when to start studying:
| Target test | Start for 3 months of prep | Start for 6 months of prep |
|---|---|---|
| January 2027 | October 2026 | July 2026 |
| February 2027 | November 2026 | August 2026 |
| April 2027 | January 2027 | October 2026 |
| June 2027 | March 2027 | December 2026 |
| August 2027 (new format) | May 2027 | February 2027 |
Take a timed diagnostic first. If your starting score is far from your goal, plan for the longer timeline. See the LSAT diagnostic test guide and build a plan with the LSAT study schedule. If the math does not work, choose a later test date. An extra month of prep is almost always worth more than an extra month of early applications.
Leave Room for a Retake
Plan as if you might take the LSAT twice. Many people do, and schools usually focus on your highest score. A simple rule:
- Your first test should be at least one test date before the last one you could use for your applications.
- Scores come out about 3 weeks after the test, so you will know quickly if you need another try.
- Use the free date change window. If your practice scores are not there by the registration deadline, move your test.
Why Timing Matters for Scholarships
Many law schools use rolling admissions. They review applications as they arrive and give out seats and scholarship money as they go. Applying in the fall with a strong score often gets better results than applying in the spring with the same score. See the law school application timeline and try the law school scholarship calculator.
Retake Strategy: When to Test Again
If you already took the LSAT and want to retake it, choose the earliest date by which you will have done the prep needed to improve, not just the next date on the calendar. Retaking without new prep rarely brings a big jump. First find out what went wrong, then plan what you will do differently. For the full decision guide, read should I retake the LSAT.
When to Take the LSAT FAQ
When should I take the LSAT?
About a year before you want to start law school, once your timed practice tests are near your goal. For many students that is the spring or summer after junior year.
What year of college should I take the LSAT?
Most students take it in the spring or summer after junior year, or in early senior year. Taking it after graduation is also common.
Is June a good month to take the LSAT?
Yes, for many people. A June score comes out before applications open and leaves time for a fall retake. June 2027 is also the last test in the current format.
How long before applying should I take the LSAT?
Aim to have your score by late summer or early fall of the year you apply. That lets you apply early and still retake if needed.
How long should I study before taking the LSAT?
Most people study 3 to 6 months, often 10 to 20 hours a week. Start with a timed diagnostic to see how far you are from your goal.
Is it bad to take the LSAT more than once?
No. Many people take it twice. Schools see all reportable scores but usually focus on the highest. Just do not retake without new preparation.
Should I take the LSAT before the August 2027 change?
Only if that date fits your study plan. The skills and scoring stay the same. If you want all your tests in one format, finish by June 2027 or start in August 2027.
Can I take the LSAT as a freshman?
You can, but it is rarely the best choice. Your score would still count for years, but it uses an attempt before your reading skills are fully built.