When should I take the LSAT (2024-2025)? – Kaplan Test Prep (2024)

To close out the 2023-2024 LSAT testing cycle, LSAC is offering the LSAT in January, February, April, and June of 2024. Each test is composed of the same types of questions, the same types of sections, and around 75 questions. When the 2024-2025 testing cycle begins in August, test changes to the LSAT will debut, including a second Logical Reasoning section replacing the current Logic Games section.

[ RELATED:How to Register for the LSAT]

2024 – 2025 LSAT Test Dates

This list includes all announced LSAT Test Dates in 2024 and 2025:

  • January 2024, week starting January 12, 2024
  • February 2024, week starting February 9, 2024
  • February 2024, Puerto Rico, week starting February 23, 2024
  • April 2024, week starting April 11, 2024
  • June 2024, week starting June 6, 2024
  • August 2024, week starting August 7, 2024
  • September 2024, week starting September 4, 2024
  • October 2024, week starting October 1, 2024
  • November 2024, week starting November 6, 2024
  • January 2025, week starting January 15, 2025
  • February 2025, week starting February 7, 2025
  • April 2025, week starting April 10, 2025
  • June 2025, week starting June 5, 2025

[LSAT Registration and Score Release Dates]

When should I take the LSAT (2024-2025)? – Kaplan Test Prep (1)

LSAC Replacing Logic Games on LSAT in August 2024

LSAC has announced the removal of the Logic Games section starting in August 2024. As of this date, a second Logical Reasoning section will replace the Logic Games section on the LSAT. Those taking the LSAT by June 2024 must still complete a scored Logic Games section. Starting August 2024, the LSAT will feature two scored Logical Reasoning sections, one scored Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension section.

Replacing the current Logic Games section with a second Logical Reasoning section enables the LSAT to focus on assessing reasoning skills critical to practicing law. The replacement also helps eliminate concerns about the perceived need for diagramming on the LSAT. LSAC completed extensive research across the years and concluded that any shift in scoring based on a replacement for the Logic Games was within the test’s margin of error.

When To Take the LSAT

When considering that a similar curve is used for every test and that a slightly easier or a slightly tougher test doesn’t matter, the only relevant factor when choosing a test date would be the pool of other test-takers when you take your test.

The thinking goes that if test-takers in Month X are less intelligent than test-takers in Month Y, then it will be easier to move up the curve. As a matter of pure speculation, if there were such a test date it would probably be December and/or February. These test dates are late in the admissions cycle, and the people taking that test are disproportionately repeated test-takers who underperformed on a previous test.

There is even research out there that suggests that you might be able to get one or two fewer questions right on recent December tests and get thesame score. But let’s not get carried away. IF this effect is something more than coincidence, there are good reasons not to flock to the later tests.

First of all, if inefficiency in the system does exist, smart and driven test takers trying to take advantage of that inefficiency will likely be high scorers who end up canceling out whatever gaps in the curve there might have been.

Second, even if that doesn’t happen, LSAC may detect a systematic difference and use the leeway to “equate” scores to put all test-takers in a similar position.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, in order to take full advantage a perceived difference of maybe up to a point, you would have to take the LSAT almost a full year before you plan to apply for law school.

When to take the LSAT: Expert Tip

The admissions cycle is the most important thing to consider when deciding when is best to take the LSAT.

LSAT Admissions Cycle

Law schools have rolling admissions. That means, getting your application in sooner gives you a significant advantage in the admissions process. Application periods open in the fall and a good rule of thumb is that you should have all your applications in before New Year’s.

June, July, and September test dates are most popular for that because they allow for plenty of time to get scores back before applications need to be turned in. And so the moral of the story is to take the LSAT when you know you’re going to have a good amount of time to spend studying for it, but early enough to be on the top of the pile when application season opens.

When should I take the LSAT (2024-2025)? – Kaplan Test Prep (2)

Hardest LSAT Questions Quiz

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Law School Admissions: Top 5 Application Tips

How Difficult is the LSAT?

Although difficulty on an LSAT can be subjective, there are good arguments to be made for some tests being tougher than others. But do those easier or tougher tests follow any discernible pattern? The short answer is no. And on top of that, it doesn’t matter.

Whether a test is easier or harder, all the test-takers at any given time are seeing the same test. While LSAC technically “equates” scores rather than putting them on a curve, the effect is very similar. An easier test simply means that everyone gets a couple more questions correct. LSAC relies on the fact that the number of test-takers is large enough on any given test date–and similar enough to pools of test-takers on previous test dates–to scale scores regardless of small variations in the test.

How Many Times Should I Practice the LSAT?

Students should plan to practice the LSAT at least 10 times.

At Kaplan, we require students to take some exams in class, which is extremely helpful to students in two ways: (1) it forces students to take an LSAT under time conditions with actual LSAT questions & (2) it gives the students detailed feedback from question type to difficulty level so that they may identify their greatest areas of strength and greatest areas for potentialLSAT scoreincreases.

The key is that a student must practice the skills they will need to perform well on the day of the scored, actual LSAT. The LSAT has nothing to do with knowledge and has everything to do with skill.

Thus, when a student learns the approach to each individual question type and then practices that approach/skill on atimed LSAT practice test, they begin perfecting that skill–and, just as importantly, identify the skill areas that need continued refinement. We encourage all of our students to begin taking additional practice tests alongside the LSAT class in order to begin working on efficiency, timing, endurance, and pressure reduction. Some of the tests are painful and tough for students at first, but that is an element of learning and progress.

How Many Times Should I Take the Scored LSAT?

Now, as far as how many times you should expect to take the actual scored LSAT, that’s easy: once. Forget thestress, time and money involved; as some law schools still average multiple scores and all law schools still receive all scores within the past 5 years, why put any doubt whatsoever in the minds of admissions committees by submitting anything other than one, stellar LSAT score. After all, if you follow the advice of people who have accomplished what you are trying to do, then the actual test day should never, ever, ever be your first time taking the LSAT.

How Many Times Can You Take the Scored LSAT?

LSAC places annual (3x), multiyear (5x), and lifetime (7x) limits on taking the LSAT, so don’t use an official test as a trial run. Only take the LSAT when you’re fully prepped and regularly hitting a practice test score that you would be happy with on test day!

Last Minute LSAT Tips

  • Keep an eye open for any emails from LSAC. Read them right away and follow any setup instructions.
  • Check ProctorU’s system requirements to make sure your internet connection and computer meet those requirements.
  • Prepare your testing space by making sure no prohibited items are present.

[ NEXT: How should I study for the LSAT? ]

When should I take the LSAT (2024-2025)? – Kaplan Test Prep (2024)

FAQs

When should I take the LSAT (2024-2025)? – Kaplan Test Prep? ›

We recommend that you submit your applications between late September and early November. Typically, students applying for regular fall admission take the test during June or September/October of the previous calendar year.

When to take LSAT for law school 2024? ›

Current Testing Year
AdministrationPrimary test datesRegistration deadline *
April 20244/11/2024 4/12/2024 4/13/20242/29/2024
June 20246/5/2024 6/6/2024 6/7/2024 6/8/20244/23/2024

When should I take the LSAT for fall 2025? ›

We recommend that you submit your applications between late September and early November. Typically, students applying for regular fall admission take the test during June or September/October of the previous calendar year.

How far in advance should you prep for the LSAT? ›

How long should I prepare for the LSAT? Most test-takers need two to three months to prepare. Although you might end up needing more time, giving yourself too much time can be problematic.

How much does Kaplan increase LSAT score? ›

A recent study conducted by Kaplan showed that students who completed a minimum of this work saw an average score improvement of 15 points from their first official Law School Admission Test® (LSAT) PrepTest practice exam to their highest practice exam. Students who started with lower scores saw greater increases.

Is the LSAT required in 2025? ›

They believe it could give schools more freedom and encourage new admission methods, but they're also listening to concerns from law school deans and others. As of now, the LSAT is still required for 2025 admissions, but keep an eye out for updates from the ABA and law schools regarding any changes.

Is the LSAT going to change in August 2024? ›

Test Structure Change: Starting in August 2024, the LSAT will transition to two Logical Reasoning (LR) sections and one Reading Comprehension (RC) section, plus one unscored section of either LR or RC that enables us to test questions for future tests.

What is the hardest month to take the LSAT? ›

There isn't one specific month that is the easiest or hardest to write the LSAT, and if there was, it would change each year since the students writing the LSAT change each year!

What is the best month to take the LSAT? ›

June, July, and September test dates are most popular for that because they allow for plenty of time to get scores back before applications need to be turned in.

When should I apply for law school in 2025? ›

What is the Fall 2025 application deadline for first-year admission to the J.D. program? Regular decision applications must be submitted on or before January 31, 2025. The priority application deadline for the binding Early Decision program is November 15, 2024.

What is the average LSAT score without prep? ›

The LSAT is a notoriously difficult exam that evaluates logic and critical thinking skills rather than content knowledge or fact memorization. The average LSAT score without studying ranges from 135 to 145, well below the median at 151 in the 50th percentile.

Is January LSAT too late? ›

Many of the top law schools are still requiring a January LSAT deadline. But, as you'll see in the chart below, the February and April LSATs are definitely viable options for test-takers.

How long should I take the LSAT before applying to law school? ›

You should take the LSAT no later than the summer or fall of the year in which you intend to apply, a full year (or more) before you intend to begin law school.

Is the Kaplan LSAT course worth it? ›

While this is about the same benefit you get with most other prep courses, it is the best you can get. There is no better form of practice than using real LSATs under exam-like conditions. In addition, as part of Kaplan's required study plan, you must take 3 full-length diagnostic tests.

Can GPA outweigh LSAT score? ›

A high LSAT score might help you in getting admission if you still have an average GPA. It would be tough to get into a good law school with a very low GPA but high scores in the LSAT. Essentially, while the LSAT can help a GPA of 3.0 or 3.2, it cannot help a GPA that's alarmingly low, which is a 2.5.

How many wrong on LSAT to get 170? ›

How Many Questions Can You Get Wrong to Score 170? If your goal is to reach a score of 170 on the LSAT, the maximum number of questions you can answer incorrectly is 11. Correctly answering 90 out of the 101 total questions should give you your desired score of 170.

When to apply for law school fall 2024? ›

First seat deposit deadline is in April, so rec taking LSAT earlier than June to secure spot. Applications completed after March 15, 2024 but by the final deadline of July 31, 2024 may not receive a timely decision. Priority deadline is April 1, then rolling until 8/1.

When can I register for the August 2024 LSAT? ›

Registration for the 2024-2025 LSAT testing year will open in mid-May.

How much does the LSAT cost 2024? ›

For the August 2023-June 2024 testing year, LSAT registration costs $222.

Is February LSAT too late? ›

We still have many decisions (and possibly a notably robust waitlist season) ahead of us—and, at many schools, we expect that applying in February won't notably decrease many applicants' chances—but at this point, that starts to become very individualized based on your application, your LSAT/GPA, the law schools you're ...

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