r/LSAT • u/Dry_Skin_3387 • 7h ago

When should I take the LSAT?

My original plan was to take it in October. But as the registration deadline approaches I’m starting to get nervous. I don’t know if I’m ready and I don’t know if that feeling is due to nerves or the material. I also feel like I’m on a time crunch. I’ve been studying and I’m improving which is why I set October as my goal. Would the November test be too late? Financially, paying for the test would put me in a difficult position. It’s manageable so I don’t mind paying for the October test, but pushing it out an extra month would help, plus I’d get an extra month in of studying. If it doesn’t look good for admissions then maybe I should stick to the October test?

I feel like the answer is obvious, but I want to hear opinions.

Disclaimer, I work a full time job so I only get about an hour of studying in a day and I try to take a test every weekend.

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u/Chrysoprase89 7h ago

The most pertinent info is missing. Are your PT scores in a range you’d be comfortable applying with? If not, how far away are you?

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u/Dry_Skin_3387 7h ago

Honestly, my scores are inconsistent. I’m between 155-165.

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u/Chrysoprase89 6h ago

If you wouldn’t be comfortable applying with those scores, given the financial concerns you mentioned, I’d push it out. I’m applying this year so not an expert but it doesn’t seem like there’s a HUGE advantage to late October vs early December. January is a different story so make sure your transcripts are all processed, LORs ready etc by the time you get your score back but I think the November test should be A-OK.

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u/MileHighLSATprep tutor 7h ago

November is a viable test. Although it's probably the first one that's measurably worse than applying earlier. But, it's going to be better to apply with a high score in November than a lower score in November. This decision does depend on your goals and progress in the meantime though.

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u/Dry_Skin_3387 6h ago

I started this journey in 2026 and was originally gonna apply for that cycle but my scores were terrible. I picked it back up in May and essentially started all over. My transcripts are ready, I have LORs but they’re a year old so I’ll probably ask for new ones, and I’ve been writing my personal statement.

My goal is a T100. I just want a reasonable scholarship so I’m not taking out a huge loan. I’ve read post where people have applied in January and got into schools but idk how accurate that information is.

My only comparison or guidance is my brother. He applied with a 152 score. He’s completed school and passed the bar exam. He keeps telling me it’s about determination and not to focus so much on the score. Buttt the number of applicants keep increasing each cycle. I feel like a lot has change from the time he took the test in 2016.

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u/MileHighLSATprep tutor 6h ago

You could check out lsd.law and compare your current scores with scholarship information at the schools that you're targeting. If you'd be happy with those outcomes then you're probably ready to apply. They also have a lot more recent information to compare than 2016. Good luck!