Questions as to whether the LSAT score expires and how long an LSAT score is good for are valid for anyone who wants to go to law school. Answers to these questions will help you plan your law school application process and gain clarity for your educational future. This article will provide you with exactly that: the answers that you need.

LSAT Score Validity Period in 2024

Your LSAT score will remain valid for 5 testing years from the test date. This means that the LSAC will report your score to law schools only if you have completed the test within 5 years. For example, if you took the test on June 8, 2024, this score will be reported until June 8, 2029. The 5 year expiry period is implemented to ensure that applicants have a reasonable window to use their scores and also ensure that the scores reflect relatively recent LSAT performance.

The following will also expire with your LSAT score after 5 years:

  • Percentile rank
  • LSAT absences and cancellations
  • Cancellations due to challenges related to COVID-19 (for LSAT-Flex takers)

LSAT Score Expires After 5 Years and Things to Know Infographic

Law School Policies on LSAT Score Age

The LSAC tells us that LSAT scores are good for 5 years. But listen, every law school might have its own rules about how old they’ll accept LSAT scores. So, it’s important for you to know about these differences as you plan your law school applications. Check the official websites of your target law schools for the most up-to-date information.

Most law schools accept LSAT scores within the 5-year window set by LSAC. For example:

Princeton LSAT Review Image Side In Article

Some law schools have stricter policies and require a more recent LSAT score. This is more common for American law schools than Canadian law schools. For example:

  • McGill University Faculty of Law, while accepting scores up to 5 years old, strongly recommends taking the test within 2 years of applying.
  • The University of Texas at Austin School of Law requires that your LSAT score be valid at the beginning of the semester for which you are applying.
  • St. John’s University School of Law also states that the LSAT score must still be valid at the start of the semester you’re applying for.

LSAT Score Expiration Explained

Now you know that your score will expire after 5 years and there are several important considerations that come into play for law school applicants:

What happens when your LSAT score expires – once scores expire, they will be removed from your LSAC account and will not be included in your LSAT Score Report. Law schools will not be able to see these expired scores when evaluating your application. Additionally, the percentile rank for that particular score will no longer be available, as it is based on the previous three testing years.

Options for retaking after expiration – if your LSAT scores have expired or are about to expire, you will need to retake the LSAT to have a valid and good score for your law school applications. There is no penalty for retaking the LSAT after a long gap, and many test-takers find that their life experiences and a proper LSAT study plan can be beneficial when approaching the test again. LSAC allows test-takers to sit for the LSAT up to seven times in a lifetime, with a maximum of three times in a single testing year (June 1 to May 31).

Impact on law school applications – law schools usually prefer more recent LSAT scores, as they are considered to be more reflective of your current abilities. Some schools may request an explanation for a significant gap between your LSAT date and application submission. Retaking the LSAT after gaining work or other experiences can potentially strengthen your application, especially if you achieve a higher score.

Find out all about the best way to study for the LSAT

It’s More Than Just the 5 Year Expiry Period

To put it quite simply, the validity period of your LSAT score is important, but only a valid score will not get you accepted to law school. Do not get caught up in such a way of thinking. Below are some of the other crucial elements when it comes to your LSAT score.

  • Consistent Improvement - it's great if you show consistent improvement over multiple LSAT attempts! This can really make a positive impression on law schools, as it shows dedication and your ability to learn and adapt, which are super valuable qualities in law school.
  • Multiple Attempts - don't worry if you need to take the LSAT a few times to get the score you want. LSAC actually allows candidates to take the LSAT up to 7 times in their lifetime, with a maximum of 4 attempts in a single testing year (from July 1 to June 30). So, you've got plenty of opportunities to improve your score if needed.
  • Consideration of Highest Score - here's some good news - many law schools consider the highest score you achieved, rather than averaging multiple scores. This means there's no harm in retaking the LSAT to achieve the best possible result. Keep up the hard work, and you've got this!

  • Stable Performance - consistent scores across multiple attempts can be viewed as a positive, showing that you're reliable and have a solid grasp of the test material.
  • Red Flags - significant fluctuations in scores may raise concerns for some admissions committees. In such cases, applicants might be asked to provide an explanation for the discrepancies, such as personal circumstances or test-day issues.
  • Score Bands - LSAC provides a score band for each test, which reflects the range within which your true score likely falls. Consistent scores within a narrow band can reinforce the reliability of your performance.

  • Recent Scores Preferred - lots of law schools prefer recent LSAT scores because they believe they better represent your current abilities and readiness for law school. This could affect how long older scores are considered valid.
  • School-Specific Policies - while LSAC considers scores valid for 5 years, some law schools have stricter policies. For example, McGill University Faculty of Law recommends taking the LSAT within 2 years of applying, even though they accept scores up to 5 years old.
  • Application Timing - it's important to schedule your LSAT test dates based on your application timeline to make sure your scores are recent and relevant. Doing this can boost your chances of acceptance and might even eliminate the need to retake the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find answers to the most common questions about this topic:

Do LSAT scores expire?

Yes, absolutely they do! LSAT scores are valid for 5 years from the date you take the test. After that, the scoring for all your LSAT sections will expire and will no longer be reportable to law schools. Just keep this in mind as you plan your law school applications.

How long does it take to get LSAT results back?

Typically, you can expect to receive your LSAT results about 2 to 3 weeks after your test date. The exact timing can vary, but LSAC works hard to get those scores to you as quickly as possible so you can start planning your next steps.

Can you use an older LSAT score for law school applications?

Yes, you can! As long as your LSAT score is within the 5-year validity period, you can use it for your law school applications. However, keep in mind that some schools may prefer more recent scores.

How long are LSAT scores good for multiple applications?

LSAT scores are valid for 5 years, so you can use the same score for multiple law school applications during that time period.

How long are LSAT scores valid in Canada?

In Canada, LSAT scores are also valid for 5 years. Most Canadian law schools accept scores within this timeframe, but it’s always wise to verify individual school policies.

Are LSAT scores permanent?

No, they are not. While LSAT scores are kept on record for 5 years, they are not permanent. This means that even if you take the LSAT without studying and score low, that score will not expire for 5 years and will be available for law schools to review.

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