January LSAT Score Release: What To Expect

[0] Today, I'm going to share with you all things about LSAT score release day, from exactly how the timeline unfolds, to the hidden traps that can cause delays, to the mindset you need to keep yourself calm and confident.

[1] I'll also share a few pointers on how to bounce back if your score ends up not being what you'd hoped for.

[2] First, for those who don't know me, my name is Steve Schwartz.

[3] I've been teaching the LSAT since 2005, and I personally increased my own LSAT score from a 152.

[4] to a 175.

[5] Now let's talk about the timing of LSAT score release and how it really works.

[6] LSAC typically sends out scores all in one shot around 9 a .m. Eastern time.

[7] But here's what you need to know.

[8] First, slight delays are normal.

[9] Even though the official target is 9 a .m., there can still be a 10 to 15 minute window or sometimes a little bit longer before you see your score in your LSAC account or in your email.

[10] don't let a minor lag freak you out.

[11] Some people, however, have reported seeing their scores as early as 8am.

[12] If you're the kind of person who likes to get the jump on things, you're going to want to start checking your LSAC account a little earlier because it might appear there before you get it in your email.

[13] But of course, don't be alarmed if it's still not there until closer to 9am.

[14] Now, LSAC sends you an email notifying you that your score is ready.

[15] but that email won't show your actual score.

[16] The real info will be waiting for you inside your LSAC .org account.

[17] And as I mentioned, a lot of people notice that their accounts update before the email even arrives.

[18] So if you're impatient, if you're waking up early, keep refreshing your LSAC account page.

[19] So your big takeaway here is if you're this kind of person who dreads the moment of truth, don't open your email the second it pings if you're not mentally prepared.

[20] The email itself won't contain the number, but alternatively, if you're anxious to see your results right away, you can bypass that waiting game by logging into your LSAC account directly.

[21] Now let's address two critical considerations that can make or break your approach to release day.

[22] First is score preview.

[23] If you paid for LSAC's score preview option, you'll see your score on release day like everyone else, but you still have six calendar days.

[24] to decide if you want to keep it or remove it from your record.

[25] If you decide to remove it from your record, law schools will see candidate cancel instead of your actual score.

[26] This can be a strategic move if you genuinely believe that keeping a lower score might harm your application.

[27] The advantage here, of course, is that you get to see your actual result first, which lets you make a more informed decision about retaking the LSAT or submitting the score from this administration.

[28] LSAT tests are typically non -disclosed, so you're only going to see your score and the percentile.

[29] That's it.

[30] You're not getting question breakdowns, scoring scales, or your own answer sheet.

[31] This means that if you're trying to analyze your mistakes from this exam in detail, unfortunately, you're totally out of luck.

[32] Instead, you'll have to rely only on your memory of the test or focus more on general studying strategies based on your practice test results.

[33] if you are looking to retake the LSAT.

[34] Again, you won't be able to dissect every question you got wrong.

[35] And so if you're not where you want to be, if you're considering a retake, channel your energy into putting together a retake game plan based on your practice tests and your studying leading up to this administration, rather than trying to scour for lost details from this actual LSAT administration.

[36] Now, if you'd like my help getting ready for an LSAT retake on your journey to getting a top LSAT score, making the most of analyzing your previous LSAT prep, My team and I would be glad to help you out.

[37] At LSAT Unplugged, we offer live online classes via Zoom, on -demand video courses, small group coaching, and one -on -one coaching.

[38] And we'll pair all of that with a personalized day -by -day study plan just for you based on your week areas and what you need to work on going forward.

[39] If you'd like my help, you can check out the links below to book a call with me and my team.

[40] We'd be glad to help you out.

[41] Now, let's talk about something that trips people up more often than it should, the LSAT writing sample.

[42] you need to have a completed LSAT writing sample on file in order to get your score on release day.

[43] If you don't have one there, LSAT will hold back your score if you haven't submitted and received approval for at least one LSAT writing sample from the past five years.

[44] And even if you finished the LSAT writing sample a few days before the test, the approval process can take additional time.

[45] So if you haven't done your writing sample yet, stop everything.

[46] pause this video, go schedule your LSAT writing sample ASAP and submit it immediately.

[47] You don't want to be that person stuck waiting while everyone else gets their scores just because your writing sample wasn't processed.

[48] Now, one of the scariest emails you can get from LSAC is a score hold notice.

[49] Let's talk about what score holds actually mean.

[50] It could be due to a technical glitch during the test, a deviation in the testing protocol.

[51] For example, you got up from your desk when you weren't supposed to.

[52] or you have a significant jump in your score from a previous LSAT administration, which could prompt LSAC to do a quick review before giving you your score on this administration.

[53] Now, if you know that you followed all the rules, this is typically just a formality.

[54] You could call LSAC if you want, but typically it's not going to do anything for you.

[55] All you can really do is wait until they finish their review.

[56] Now, if you do have a score hold, Don't assume the worst.

[57] It could in fact be that your score jumped up several points, which would be great news, and most holds are resolved in just a couple of days.

[58] In some cases, though, it could stretch to a couple of weeks or more.

[59] Now, if you know you broke a rule or you used prohibited materials during the exam, then you've got a reason for concern.

[60] Otherwise, trust the process.

[61] Now, let's talk about your mindset around score release to help you.

[62] manage your stress and any expectations you have around score release.

[63] We want to help you limit the panic that you're feeling.

[64] Of course, it's normal to feel on edge when your future feels like it's resting on that single LSAT score number, but too much stress can lead to hasty decisions like opening your email the moment it arrives, even if you're not emotionally ready for it.

[65] And so plan a morning routine for the day of score release that keeps you grounded, maybe a workout, some deep breathing, or go out and spend some time in nature.

[66] If your mind is calmer, you'll handle the score release more rationally.

[67] And try to keep some perspective.

[68] Of course, the LSAT's a big test, but it does not define your worth.

[69] It doesn't measure your courage, your integrity, or your ability to be a lawyer.

[70] It's a single data point in an otherwise vast field of personal qualities that you bring to the table and know that you can always retake the LSAT.

[71] Law schools do not average multiple LSAT scores.

[72] They only take the highest score.

[73] The knowledge that a retake is a possibility can hopefully help reduce some of the stress associated with this LSAT administration and the score when it comes out.

[74] Now, think about what you want your support system to be around score release.

[75] Some people like to be alone when they check their score.

[76] Others find it helpful to have a friend or family member nearby or on call figure out what's going to keep you calm and go that route.

[77] Now, let's talk about what to do right after you see your score.

[78] You've logged in.

[79] You just saw that key number.

[80] Now what?

[81] First, step back, take a deep breath.

[82] Whether you're ecstatic or you're disappointed, don't make any immediate life -changing decisions in that first emotional moment.

[83] Take a few hours, maybe a day to let the news settle.

[84] Remember, you can cancel your score, but you don't have to do so on the day of score release.

[85] You've got six calendar days.

[86] And so think about what your goals are.

[87] If you hit your target score, of course, congratulations.

[88] That's awesome.

[89] Time to switch gears and focus on finalizing your law school application essays.

[90] If you missed your mark, if you didn't hit your goal, this is a fork in the road.

[91] You could keep your current score and be done with the LSAT, or maybe you consider an LSAT retake.

[92] Think about how much time you have before application deadlines and whether you're willing to do what it takes to improve your score.

[93] Again, if you'd like my help preparing for an LSAT retake, you can check out the links below to find out more and to book a call.

[94] We'd be glad to help you out.

[95] And if you have score preview, and you're really on the fence about whether to retake, weigh the pros and cons of canceling.

[96] If your score is drastically below your practice test averages, that might be a reason to cancel and retake.

[97] But if it's only slightly below and still in a range acceptable for your target schools, you could keep it and retake anyway.

[98] Now, if you decide to go the retake route, you want to have a targeted study plan laying out exactly what to do.

[99] to help you identify and drill your weak areas and build your plan around those if you're moving forward with your current lsat score and you're going to focus on your applications strategize and finalize your personal statement your other essays and figure out how to best highlight your strengths in the rest of your application now if you discover that you still have room for improvement on the lsat here's how to think about your lsat retake first focus on your improvement going forward not the past don't obsess over a single bad day.

[100] Examine your study habits and figure out where you can improve.

[101] A lot of times, students find they didn't do enough practice tests under realistic conditions or they didn't get the necessary support like private one -on -one coaching.

[102] And so you want to make a plan going forward, a structured timetable, including timed practice tests, in -depth review, maybe weekly private one -on -one coaching sessions, whatever you do though.

[103] Consistency is key, especially if you're balancing LSAT prep.

[104] with work, or with school.

[105] And remember to celebrate the small wins.

[106] Every single time you see improvement in your practice tests or you start feeling more comfortable, celebrate that progress because small victories will help you build your confidence.

[107] And remember, just to reiterate this, your drive, your empathy, your unique perspective, none of that is measured by a single test like the LSAT.

[108] Law schools are looking for well -rounded candidates.

[109] Of course, they do care a great deal about your LSAT score, but they also care about your background, your personal statement, and your letters of rec.

[110] So don't let a number like your LSAT score overshadow who you are and what you can bring to the legal field.

[111] Your LSAT score is a stepping stone, not a tombstone.

[112] Regardless of the outcome, it's leading you toward your next best move.

[113] If you crushed the LSAT, congrats.

[114] Now shift gears to your application essays.

[115] And if you're disappointed, remember that this is not the end of the road.

[116] There are literally tens of thousands of successful lawyers who retook the LSAT and went on to become successful attorneys.

[117] And what sets them apart is their resilience and willingness to keep driving.

[118] And remember, the LSAT is just one chapter in your bigger story.

[119] So approach score release day with a sense of preparedness and perspective.

[120] You've got this.

[121] Keep your head up.

[122] Keep pushing forward.

[123] And if you need anything, I'm happy to help.

[124] In the meantime, I wish you all the best and take care.