Self-study
I recently decided I want to apply to law school this coming autumn of 2026. I have never taken an LSAT and just started studying for the first time this month. My diagnostic score was a 154 but I hope to break at least a 165. Should I take the June LSAT even though I won't feel fully prepared by then, just to give it a shot and get a feel for the testing environment after some intensive studying over the next month? Or should I wait for the next August LSAT, when I'll feel much more well studied but I'll have less time to improve my score and I fear the testing anxiety of needing to get a good score quickly for applications may be a stressor. Do the top law schools get swayed by a potentially really low starting score even if you improved on your second or third attempts? Should I not risk having that potential low score on my score reports?
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3 comments
I started at a 155 diagnostic four weeks ago, and was considering June but I think I'm going to commit to August. I have averaged low 160s for three practice tests, so I don't think I can hit goal (170) by June at this current pace. To answer your question, I don't know how much law schools care about repeat attempts but in my opinion it's better to take the test once and get the score you want and not rely on repeat attempts.
I'm in a similar boat (scored 157 on diagnostic two weekends ago and then 155 this weekend) and am planning to take it in June and then August and October if needed. I also am aiming for a 165. I haven't done enough research into this so take it with a grain of salt, but I think it's totally fine to have a lower initial score and improve from there.
@nr I wanted to follow up to say that I was contemplating it so much last night and decided I am going to wait until I feel more prepared in August. I think rushing to take it in June will throw off my confidence and study plan. I am planning to take it in August and September and potentially Oct and Nov if I don't get the scores I want. Best of luck with your decision - there is no wrong one in my opinion.