The best time to take the LSAT is when you have the most time to prepare for it. This is because the exam tests a way of reasoning, rather than memorized knowledge. This means the LSAT is not open to cramming (a spectacularly unsuccessful study method we’ve run across a few times at Blueprint LSAT Prep). Rather, you must find the right way to approach the questions and practice this approach correctly and repeatedly until it becomes second nature. Such a course of study requires time.

At Blueprint, we suggest devoting two to three months to your LSAT prep study. After teaching thousands of students in our LSAT prep classes, we at Blueprint have found this is the timing “sweet spot” for getting ready for the LSAT. Much longer, and students tend to have diminishing returns (they wait too long between doing homework and lessons and forget previous material before tackling the next). Much shorter, and students don’t have enough time to learn the material and practice it enough for it to become automatic on test day.

So the short answer regarding when is the best time to take the LSAT is when you have two to three months to devote to studying four or five hours, five days a week.

LSAT Administrations

But there are differences between tests that might influence your decision yet further. And we at Blueprint LSAT Prep are happy to fill you in. There are four administrations of the test, each with its own virtues and peccadilloes.

June

Beloved by late risers (which includes most of the Blueprint LSAT Prep staff) for its afternoon start time, the June test is a good prepping choice. It’s also early in the application process, which is good since many law schools give away seats as applications come in.

September/October

Typically the largest administration of the LSAT, September/October is a popular date. This is because the date allows students to prepare over summer when there’s usually time off from jobs or school. For this reason, we at Blueprint often recommend it as a good LSAT for which to prep.

December

Since December scores come out later in the admissions process, we at Blueprint suggesting prepping for an earlier LSAT if possible. However, if you’re taking the December test, be sure to finish your applications before you receive your score so they can be complete by the end of December.

February

Dubbed “the schizophrenic LSAT” by Blueprint LSAT Prep because it’s either really early or really late in the process, February is the oddest of the four test administrations. This is primarily because it’s non-disclosed, which means you won’t be able to review the questions after you receive your score.

Article by Blueprint LSAT Prep founders Jodi Triplett and Trent Teti. Blueprint provides online and live LSAT prep classes, disco lessons, and jockey training minus the disco lessons and jockey training. Blueprint LSAT Prep was founded in 2005.