After taking the LSAT, most test takers face an anxious three-week wait before scores appear. LSAT scores are released at approximately 9:00 AM EST on scheduled dates, typically 21 to 30 days after each test administration. Here is everything you need to know about 2026 score release dates, how to access your score, and what to do while you wait.
LSAC publishes official score release dates for each LSAT administration. For the 2025-2026 testing cycle, scores follow a consistent three-week turnaround from the test date. Below is the complete schedule for 2026 administrations.
| Test Date | Score Release Date | Approximate Wait |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | January 28, 2026 | ~3 weeks |
| February 2026 | February 25, 2026 | ~3 weeks |
| April 2026 | April 29, 2026 | ~3 weeks |
| June 2026 | June 24, 2026 | ~3 weeks |
| August 2026 | TBA (expected ~3 weeks) | ~3 weeks |
| September 2026 | TBA (expected ~3 weeks) | ~3 weeks |
| October 2026 | TBA (expected ~3 weeks) | ~3 weeks |
| November 2026 | TBA (expected ~3 weeks) | ~3 weeks |
The typical wait is 21 to 30 days from your test date. During this period, LSAC processes raw scores, applies the scoring curve (equating), and prepares score reports. Scores are released en masse at approximately 9:00 AM EST on the scheduled date. Some test takers report seeing scores a day or two early, though this is not guaranteed.
On score release day, LSAC sends an email notification that your score is available. To view your results:
If your score does not appear right at 9:00 AM, give it 10 to 15 minutes. LSAC releases scores in batches, and minor delays are normal.
Your official LSAT score report contains more than just a number. Here is what you will find:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Scaled Score | Your score on the 120-180 scale |
| Percentile Rank | Percentage of test takers who scored lower over the previous 3 testing years |
| Score Band | Range within which your true score likely falls |
| Test History | All reportable LSAT results since June 2020, including cancellations and absences |
| Writing Sample Status | Whether your LSAT Argumentative Writing has been approved |
Your LSAT score will not be released until you have an approved LSAT Argumentative Writing sample on file. This catches many test takers off guard. If you take the LSAT without completing the writing portion, your score sits in limbo until your writing sample is processed and approved — a process that can take up to three weeks.
The LSAT Argumentative Writing task becomes available in your LSAC account eight days before your test date. Complete it before test day or within a few days after. If you previously completed LSAT Writing during the current reportable score period (June 2020 onward), your previous sample is still valid and you do not need to write a new one.
LSAT Score Preview lets you see your score before it is sent to law schools, giving you six calendar days to decide whether to keep or cancel it. Without Score Preview, your score is automatically reported. This is valuable if you felt the test went poorly and want the option to cancel without a score on your record.
Keep in mind that canceled scores still count toward your annual and lifetime LSAT attempt limits (five times in five years, seven times lifetime). A cancellation also appears on your score report as "Candidate Cancel."
| Option | Cost | Purchase Deadline | Decision Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score Preview (early) | $45 | Before first day of testing | 6 calendar days after score release |
| Score Preview (late) | $85 | Monday before score release | 6 calendar days after score release |
| Fee waiver holders | Free | Same deadlines apply | 6 calendar days after score release |
| No Score Preview | $0 | N/A | Score automatically kept and reported |
The three-week wait between test day and score release is a perfect time to make progress on other parts of your law school application. Focus on drafting your personal statement, gathering letters of recommendation, and researching schools that match your target score range. Resist the urge to spend hours predicting your score based on test-day memory — this is unreliable and adds stress.
Before scores drop, think through two scenarios: what you will do if your score meets your target, and what you will do if it falls short. If you purchased Score Preview, know your cancellation threshold in advance. If you plan to retake, identify the next available test date now so you can register quickly if needed. Having a plan for both outcomes keeps you proactive rather than reactive on score release day.
LSAT scores are typically released about three weeks after the test date. Scores are posted to your LSAC account at approximately 9:00 AM EST on the scheduled release date. You must have an approved writing sample on file for your score to be released on time.
Yes, if you purchase LSAT Score Preview for $45 before testing or $85 after. This gives you six calendar days after score release to decide whether to keep or cancel your score. Without Score Preview, your score is automatically sent to schools.
Your LSAT score will not be released until you have an approved LSAT Argumentative Writing sample on file. Processing can take up to three weeks, so complete your writing sample before or shortly after your test to avoid delays.
Yes, scores occasionally appear a day or two before the official release date. LSAC publishes scheduled dates, but early releases happen. Check your account the day before the official date, but do not count on early availability.
Your score report includes your scaled score on the 120-180 scale, percentile rank compared to test takers over the previous three years, and results of all reportable LSAT administrations including absences and cancellations since June 2020.