One of the questions a lot of test-takers ask regards taking the LSAT more than once. “How will the law school I want to go to react to more than on LSAT score? Will it hurt my chances?” Having more than once score show up on your Score Report is a source of stress for many applicants. So, let’s shed some light on the subject.
First, Some Backstory
In the past, when applicants had more than one score, schools used to average all of the scores when making admissions decisions. This also effected the report of admitted applicant scores that goes to the American Bar Association. Since the LSAT Score Report includes the average of an applicant’s score, this was easy for schools to do. Then, in 2006, the game changed. The ABA Section of Legal Education & Admissions voted to change its data collection procedures. It now requires that law schools report the highest LSAT score for students that have more than on LSAT score.
This is huge for students with multiple official LSAT scores. While schools can still see every score and the average of those scores, schools now only use the highest one for reporting purposes. If they only report the highest one, it stands to reason that they just might ignore the other scores when making admissions decisions, too. What does this mean for you? Well, it’s good news. Taking the LSAT more than once is much less of a “risk” than in the past. Schools don’t have to report the average of your scores and only use your highest for reporting. To be clear, however, the rule does not require schools to use the highest score during the admissions process. This means schools can still use the average score when making admissions decisions, and some still do.
Needless to say, this was huge for students with multiple official LSAT scores. While schools would still see every score and the average of those scores, the school would only use the highest one for reporting purposes–and if they reported the highest one, then it stood to reason that they just might ignore all the other scores when making admissions decisions, too.
What Do Schools Have to Say?
Okay, so what do law schools say about how they handle multiple scores? Here are some responses.
- Emory Law: “If there is more than one score on the CAS report, the highest of those scores will be used.”
- Harvard Law: “”…a candidate is not considered… disadvantaged by taking the same exam multiple times.”
- Yale Law: “Your LSAT score(s) will be a part of our holistic review of your application.”
- UT (Austin) Law: “Texas Law will consider all LSAT scores for the past five years and will report the highest score to the American Bar Association.”
As you can see, the answer does vary from school to school. Some use only the highest, others take a holistic approach. Some use both the highest and the average! Schools are forthcoming in their policies, both on their websites, and in person. To get an answer specific to the schools you are applying to, check the school’s website! If they don’t list the policy, call their admissions offices and ask.
JH says
Hi I got a score lower than my PTs of a 160 on my first exam and am stressed on whether to cancel or not. I’m aiming for 170s and of course, eager to retake.
I’m not sure whether a first attempt cancel or a 160 first score would look better/worse if I do eventually get my score increase – especially if I’m late in the cycle as a international applicant. If I don’t get that goal score until January and fail to apply this cycle, I’m also worried whether a gradual increase (for ex, something like 160-165-170) would be averaged by schools esp. top tier schools like T14.
PowerScore Test Prep says
Hi JH,
I believe we responded you via email, but in case it helps anyone else:
“First of all, schools will only care about the highest LSAT score you receive, so one lower score (or cancelation) on your record won’t be an issue if you have a second, higher score. While in general the advice is not to cancel, with score preview in hand the view is that you should only cancel LSAT scores that you are overwhelmingly certain you can improve upon. So, it comes down to how much higher you were scoring beforehand and your degree of confidence in scoring higher next time.
So, to use a basic example, if you were PTing in the 162-165 range, and felt you were topping out at 165, keep your score. But if you were 168-172 and feel you could hit the mid-170s, then cancel. Don’t cancel a score unless you are basically certain you can do better.”
Thanks!
Pavithra says
How would Law schools see a decreased Lsat score
Pavithra says
I have a 165 on my first attempt, how would law schools see if my score decreases the next time I take
Dave Killoran says
Hi Pavithra,
Thanks for the message. Good news: they don’t care at all. US law schools use only the highest score for admission purposes.
Thanks!
Peter says
Hi,
Thanks for PowerScore’s meticulous and vigilant efforts throughout the pandemic. Your updates have been extremely helpful in addition to the regular blog posts.
Speaking of retaking I’m wondering what you think about me retaking with my current situation. I’m considering applying to law school with 2 years WE and managed to get a 172 on the May flex. I’m a splitter (~3.35 GPA) and am targeting the bottom half of the T14 and am considering NYU as well. I’m also in the northeast and would prefer to stay here so I will also likely apply to Fordham. I also was someone who felt that the flex would be particularly advantageous in terms of my performance and so I signed up for the July test awhile back assuming it would be converted to flex as a back up plan. With my GPA in mind I knew I needed to make a certain score to be competitive so I wanted to have the option to retake if needed.
Given that I’m above many of the 75th percentiles for these schools should I follow through with the retake? I do think I have a reasonable chance of doing better and perhaps even a single point could give me a chance at some merit based aid.
Thanks,
Peter
PowerScore Test Prep says
Hi Peter!
Thank you for your comment and congrats on scoring a 172! Most people know how a higher LSAT score increases your chances of admission, but not as many realize that a higher LSAT score can help obtain an even better financial aid offer. So, even if you’ve got a score that you think will get you in to a school, a higher score can help entice that school into giving you more money, which lowers your debt upon graduation. Unless you know your score’s at your maximum, this factor alone makes it worth considering a retake! If you need assistance picking up those few extra points, you may want to consider taking one of our Advanced courses or hiring a private tutor.
Thank you!
Peter says
Thanks very much for your help! I think I’ve got a shot at a higher score so will probably go for it. The advanced LR course looks very interesting, thanks again!
Paul says
Peter. I didn’t understand a couple of the terms you used in your OP. What do you mean by “2years WE”? And what do you mean when you say “I’m splitter”
PowerScore Test Prep says
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your comment. “WE” means work experience, and “splitters” are candidates who have either a high GPAs and low LSAT score, or a low GPA and a high LSAT score. There are multiple versions of splitters, including reverse splitters, super splitters, and super reverse splitters.
Thank you!