LSAT Basics

LSAC administers the LSAT on different test dates; learn the best one for you. The LSAT, or law school admission test, is given four times a year. LSAC (the Law School Admission Council) that makes and administers the test, provides four LSAT dates: February, June, September/October, and December.

LSAT test dates change each year, but the month in which they’re given doesn’t change. For instance, the June LSAT might be given on June 7th or June 15th, but LSAC will always administer the test in June. The exception is the September/October LSAT which LSAC offers either at the end of September or the beginning of October.

Are there better or worse LSAT dates?

The best LSAT test dates are the ones for which you can study the most. The September/ October LSAT is historically the largest administration of the test (according to LSAC numbers), probably because students can study for this LSAT test date over the summer, when they’re not in class.

However, another variable for the best LSAT test dates includes the law school rolling admission process. Because most law schools give seats away as applications come in, applying earlier is usually better. June, September/October, and February (when done a year in advance) all qualify as early LSAT test dates whereas December is a bit later in the process. However, a higher LSAT score from LSAC is so important that if waiting to take the December LSAT date results in a higher score from LSAC, it’s probably a good bet to take it.

So which LSAT test date from LSAC should I take?

Choose the LSAT date that allows you to devote at least 2-3 months of solid, uninterrupted study. Ideally, this LSAT test date will coincide with applying early to law schools but if not, concentrate on getting a great score from LSAC since it’s the single most important factor in law school admissions.