If you’ve spent any time researching law school lately, you’ve probably noticed one thing pretty quickly: the LSAT matters. A lot.
While this has always been true to some extent, the competition around LSAT scores has increased substantially in recent years. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of law schools with a median LSAT score above 160 increased by roughly 42%.
The good news is that the LSAT is absolutely a test you can prepare for strategically and there are opportunities to plan smarter and reduce a lot of unnecessary stress.
So, before you start panic-ordering prep books or watching six-hour study marathons online, here are a few things worth knowing:
The LSAT Tests Skills, Not Memorization
Unlike a lot of other standardized tests you’ve likely taken, the LSAT does not measure knowledge of a specific subject or even mastery of a set of rules. It’s a skills test.
The exam is designed to evaluate the types of things you need in law school: reading comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and argument evaluation. Because cramming flash cards won’t help you with these things, success on the LSAT is usually built through practice, repetition, and steady progress over time.
Many students benefit from beginning their preparation about three to five months before their planned test date. A common benchmark is to hit around 120 hours of focused study spread across that period.
When broken down into manageable pieces, that often looks like one hour per day four or five days a week. That said, the most effective study schedule is usually the one you can realistically sustain.
Understand the Admissions Timeline Early
Another important piece of the puzzle is timing.
The LSAT is offered about eight times throughout the year and selecting your testing date is an important first decision as you start considering the structure of your application.
Students hoping to apply earlier in the admissions cycle may benefit from taking the LSAT sooner than they initially expected, sometimes even during the summer before applications open, which is the September before you expect to begin law school.
Taking the LSAT earlier can provide more flexibility throughout the admissions process, including time to retake the exam if necessary. It can also reduce pressure later in the cycle while you are balancing applications, personal statements, and other admissions materials. Ultimately, giving yourself room in the process can make the entire admissions experience feel far more manageable.
Yes, You Can Retake the LSAT
Many applicants assume that once they submit their applications, their LSAT journey is over… but that is not always the case!
Many law schools continue reviewing updated LSAT scores after an application has been submitted. In some cases, a stronger score may also increase the likelihood of admission and influence scholarship consideration.
That means a retake after you’ve applied (or been admitted) can still be worthwhile if your first score does not reflect your goals or potential.
There are limits established by LSAC, however. Currently, students may take the LSAT no more than five times within five years and no more than seven times total over a lifetime. For most students, that provides more than enough opportunity to improve strategically.
Don’t Just Practice, Practice Intentionally
Taking practice tests is important. Reviewing them carefully is even more important.
One of the most effective ways to improve your LSAT performance is identifying patterns in your results. Pay attention to:
Which question types consistently slow you down
Which sections impact your score the most
Whether timing or comprehension is the larger challenge
From there, you can adjust your preparation accordingly.
Strong LSAT preparation is rarely one-size-fits-all. The strategy that helps one student improve in logical reasoning may look completely different for another student focused on reading comprehension.
Intentional preparation often leads to more productive study time and less unnecessary stress.
Set a Target Score With Purpose
“Hopefully I score high” is an understandable goal, but it is not especially helpful. Before beginning serious preparation, spend time researching the median LSAT scores at schools you are considering and establish a realistic target range. A clear goal can help shape how long you prepare, whether you retake the exam, and how aggressively you study. More importantly, it gives your preparation direction and clarity.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the LSAT can feel overwhelming at first. Timelines, score medians, and admissions advice have a way of making the process feel extremely stressful.
But successful preparation is usually less about panic and more about planning.
If you start early, build a realistic schedule, and most importantly remember that the LSAT measures skills that improve with deliberate practice over time you can diligently become confident when answering LSAT questions.
You do not need to become a perfect test taker overnight. You simply need a thoughtful plan and the consistency to keep moving forward.
As you have questions when applying to OU Law or to other schools, do not hesitate to reach out to your admissions counselors for guidance and advice.
You’ve got this!