When To Take the LSAT for Fall 2026 Law School Applicants
Deciding when to take the LSAT is one of the most strategic choices you’ll make on your law school journey. The right timing can reduce stress, give you flexibility, and provide you with confidence.
Applying to law school is already demanding. Thoughtful planning around your LSAT allows you to focus on preparation, storytelling, and execution, without feeling rushed.
Law School Timeline
For Fall applicants, the ideal LSAT window is summer or early fall of your application year. Taking the exam during this timeframe gives you time to:
Retake the LSAT if needed
Finalize your application materials
Apply early in the rolling admissions cycle, when committees have the majority of their seats available
If you plan to attend law school immediately after graduating college, the summer after your junior year or the fall of your senior year is typically the best time to test.
**Important Reminder: When you register for the LSAT, the test dates are usually about a month and a half after the deadline. For example, while there are two dates you can take the LSAT in February 2026 (2/6 and 2/7), the deadline to register was in December 2025.
Upcoming LSAT Dates, Registration & Score Release
These are the final LSAT administrations that realistically work for Fall 2026 law school admissions.
April:
Registration deadline: 2/26/2026
Score Release: 4/29/2026
4/9/2026
4/10/2026
4/11/2026
June:
Registration Deadline: 4/21/2026
Score Release: 6/24/2026
6/3/2026
6/4/2026
6/5/2026
6/6/2026
For other information regarding official LSAT dates and deadlines, visit the Law School Admissions Council Website.
Turn your LSAT Timeline into a Winning Application Strategy
Your law school application should take time and energy. Make sure you are using your time wisely with planning, prepping, studying, and ultimately taking the exam. When booking your test date, make sure to consider prior commitments that could interfere with studying, applying, or taking the test.
At Ivy Grad Services, we help applicants create personalized timelines that align with their personal goals and strengths. From LSAT strategy to application execution, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you’re looking for support with LSAT strategy, test prep, scheduling, or application planning, fill out the contact form on our website and let’s get started. You are right on time!