Should You Cancel Your LSAT Score?

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Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 12/12/23

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Wondering if you should cancel your LSAT score? This article will cover some things you should consider before you make your decision! 

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The LSAT can be a pretty big deal for aspiring law school students. Most law schools take the LSAT very seriously, so what happens if you don’t score well enough on the LSAT? If you decide that you want to retake the test, you’ll have the option to cancel your LSAT score before it is sent out to law schools. 

There are many reasons why test takers may want to cancel their LSAT scores. To start, the LSAT is challenging. Also, sometimes, factors that are out of your control might impact how well you do on your LSAT. This may include being sick or unwell the day of the test, unexpected life events requiring immediate attention, or simply feeling like you could do better. 

If you’re considering this route but unsure whether you should cancel your LSAT score, we’ve got you covered! Read on to find out whether or not canceling your score is the best option, how you can cancel your score, and the answers to some frequently asked questions about canceling your LSAT score.

Should You Cancel Your LSAT Score?

If you’re wondering whether or not you should cancel your LSAT score, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors before doing so. If you feel like you didn’t score high enough to get into your dream school, you always have the option to retake your test.

If you choose to do this, think about which law schools you want to get into, as each school has different LSAT score admissions expectations. You’ll also want to check out available LSAT dates before you cancel your score to make sure you can take another test by the application deadlines. 

Alternatively, you can also opt to apply to schools that don’t require an LSAT score for admission. 

Remember, just because you feel you did poorly on the test does not necessarily mean you did. Some people may come out of the test feeling nervous or unhappy with how they did but end up scoring very well.

You should only seriously consider canceling an LSAT score if you feel like you completely flunked the exam. 

When You Should NOT Cancel LSAT Score?

If you’re trying to decide whether to cancel your LSAT score, it's worth considering situations where it might not be the best choice.

• Expected Below Average Performance: If you went into the LSAT with realistic expectations that your performance would be below your desired score but still wanted to see how you would perform under actual test conditions, it might not be necessary to cancel. You can often retake the LSAT, and law schools may consider your highest score.
• Limited Test Dates: LSAT test dates are limited, and you might not have another opportunity to take the test before application deadlines if you cancel your score. If you believe you can improve your score with more preparation, it might be better to keep your score and retake the test later.
• Uncertainty About Your Performance: If you're not sure how you did on the LSAT, it might be better to wait for the official score report before making a decision. Sometimes, your perceived performance may not accurately reflect your actual score.
• Applying to Schools with Score Averaging Policies: Some law schools consider the average of multiple LSAT scores if you have taken the test more than once. In such cases, canceling a score may not be beneficial, as it will not erase the fact that you took the test.
• Historically Low Scoring: If your performance on practice tests leading up to the LSAT has been consistently lower than you hoped for, canceling your score might not change your overall application profile. In this case, it could be more beneficial to wait and see your official score.
• Incomplete Assessment: If you believe that the factors impacting your performance were not significant or persistent enough to warrant a cancellation, it might be best to wait for your score. Sometimes, anxiety or minor distractions during the test may not have as large an impact as you initially thought.

Deciding whether to cancel your LSAT score depends on your individual situation, goals, and confidence in your performance. Consider the pros and cons, like the impact on your application timeline. Seeking advice from experts can guide you in making the right choice.

What Happens if You Cancel Your LSAT Score?

Canceling your LSAT score once is not a big deal. Most law schools understand that there are many reasons that students might have for canceling an LSAT score. 

However, canceling your LSAT score more than once might not be the best look for your overall application. While canceling twice is not the end of the world, your cancellations do stay on your record, and admissions officers consider how many times you have canceled your score. 

If you’ve already canceled your score once or twice in a row, consider revamping your LSAT study schedule or doing your best to plan around your test date to ensure you get the scores you need to get into your dream program. 

FAQs: LSAT Score Cancellation

As you are limited to how many times you can take the LSAT within a two-year window, you may still have some questions before you make your decision. Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions about canceling LSAT scores. 

1. Is it a Good Idea to Cancel My LSAT Score?

If you feel that you performed poorly on your LSAT, it may be a good idea to cancel your score. However, keep in mind that you do not get a refund if you cancel your score. Once a request to cancel an LSAT score is approved, the cancellation cannot be reversed. 

2. Does a canceled LSAT Score Count?

No, a canceled LSAT score does not count, nor is it reported to law schools. 

3. Do Law Schools See if You Cancel Your LSAT Score?

Yes. While law schools can’t see your LSAT score, admissions officers will see that you took the test and canceled your score. 

4. Why Do People Cancel Their LSAT Scores?

Some reasons people cancel LSAT scores include: 

• Feeling sick or unwell the day of the test 
• Feeling or being unprepared for the test 
• Getting stumped on a section 
• Not completing certain sections of the exam 
• Receiving a low score 
• Any other reason that negatively impacted your performance on the test 

You do not need to provide a reason for canceling your score, and law school admissions will not ask you to provide one. 

5. Can Cancelling Your LSAT Score Have Negative Implications?

Yes, canceling your LSAT score can have negative implications as it means you won't have a recorded score for that test, potentially affecting your application profile. 

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, canceling your LSAT score once is not the end of the world. Choosing to cancel your score may benefit you if you think you can perform significantly better on your second attempt. Best of luck!