The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has finalized week-of LSAT test dates through June 2024. If you’ve been unsure of where and when you may be able to take the LSAT, you can now start to make plans and cross the registration process off of your law school admissions checklist.
In this post, we’ll discuss the upcoming exam dates along with potential changes students can expect to see over the 2023 LSAT exam cycle.
LSAT Test Dates 2023-2024
For the current exam cycle, students have many options to schedule their test date and get on with the law school admissions process. See below for a list of LSAT test dates for the second half of the 2023 exam cycle and first half of 2024 (United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico). Note, the exact dates may be listed as TBD until confirmed, but the week of dates are available and will give you a reasonable timeframe for planning purposes.
Does the LSAT have you worried?
LSAT Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Assistance Request Deadline | Score Release Dates |
September 2023 – LSAT September 8-10 | July 25, 2023 | July 25 2023 | September 27, 2023 |
October 2023 – LSAT October 13-16 | August 31, 2023 | August 31, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
November 2023 – LSAT November 8-11 | September 28, 2023 | September 28, 2023 | November 29, 2023 |
January 2024 – LSAT January 12-13 | November 30, 2023 | August 30, 2023 | January 31, 2024 |
February 2024 – LSAT February 9 | December 26, 2023 | December 26, 2023 | February 28, 2024 |
April 2024 – LSAT April 12 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | May 1, 2024 |
June 2024 – LSAT June 7-8 | April 23, 2024 | April 23, 2024 | June 26, 2024 |
The assistance request deadline is for those in need of required technology (Mac or Windows computer, webcam), high-speed internet, or a quiet place to take the exam. Keep in mind that students are encouraged to register early in order to select the date that best suits their study schedule and admissions timeline.
When to Take the LSAT
The first official step on your law school admissions checklist is to sign up for the LSAT, but when should you take the LSAT? To aid in the decision process, admissions counselors and tutors often suggest students keep the following questions in mind:
- Do you plan to allow yourself time to take the LSAT more than once?
- How early would you like to submit your completed applications?
- Are you truly ready to sit for the exam? (i.e. you have prepared thoroughly and taken practice tests to confirm you’re achieving your target score?)
In regard to the first question, it is strongly recommended that you give yourself enough time to take the LSAT multiples times. Although the standard error of measurement for the LSAT is more stable than many other standardized tests, it is still nearly 3 scaled score points. Basically, this means that your “true” LSAT score, one that fully reflects your knowledge and skills, may actually be anywhere from three points lower to three points higher than your reported score (at the 68% confidence level). Of course, you could also have a bad exam day and score six points below your actual potential (95% confidence level). To put it bluntly, this could easily be the difference between getting accepted and being rejected at your target law schools.
Given the variability in any one test score, you’ll want to give yourself more than one chance to hit your target LSAT score. Sure, some people may achieve this on their first attempt (or even get lucky and score above their potential). However, it could just as easily swing the other way. Regardless, you’ve likely worked hard preparing for law school and wouldn’t want to let chance negatively get in the way of the most important factor in being admitted to your dream school.
With respect to application timing, it is best to have secured your final LSAT score well in advance of when your target schools begin accepting applications. Most of the top 20 law schools begin accepting applications between August 1 and October 1. Generally speaking, the earlier you submit your application, the better. This is because many law schools use a rolling admissions process. In order to increase your chance of acceptance, apply early when there are more seats available at your target schools.
Of course, applying early is only beneficial if you are putting your best foot forward and submitting an LSAT score that is reflective of your potential. Don’t rush into taking the LSAT just so you can be one of the earlier applicants in the cycle. A high score wins out over a low and early score with all else equal. Be honest with yourself and make sure you have the data (i.e. practice test scores) to prove you are ready to take the exam.
Considering the factors above, there really is no best time to take the LSAT. Whether you’re a student or out of school and working, it can be a challenge to find the right test date given competing demands on your time. One other item to keep in mind is the effort required for assembling your application (e.g. essays, recommendations, transcripts, etc.). You probably won’t want to be doing all of this while studying for the LSAT at the same time. Bottom line: plan significantly ahead of time to eliminate stress and give yourself options.
How to Sign up for the LSAT
Once you’ve decided on a test date, make sure to note the registration deadline and assistance request deadline if applicable. The Law School Admission Council makes it relatively easy to sign up for the LSAT via your LSAC account. Simply log in and follow the on-screen instructions. Alternatively, you can sign up for the LSAT on your phone by calling (215) 968-1001 during office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. EST.
Frequently Asked Questions: LSAT Test Dates
See below for some additional answers to frequently asked questions about taking the LSAT in 2023-2024.
Where to take the LSAT?
Students may plan to take the LSAT online via a live-proctored setting or search for an LSAT test center here.
How Often is the LSAT Offered?
During the second half of 2023, the LSAT will be offered in August, September, October, and November.
How Much Does it Cost to Take the LSAT?
The basic fee to register for the LSAT is $222, which includes the LSAT Writing sample. If you need to change your test date for any reason, you will not be charged as long as it’s done more than two weeks prior to your test date. However, if you need to change your test date less than two weeks before your exam, you will be charged $125. Note, you may no longer purchase LSAT Writing as a standalone option at this time.
Other LSAT-related fees may include the Credit Assembly Service (CAS), which simplifies the application process by aggregating your required documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT scores, so that they only need to be sent one time across all schools to which you apply. As of this writing, the CAS fee is $195 and includes access for five years.