What is LSAT “Score Preview”?
Have you ever wished you could see your test grade before deciding whether to accept it or retake the test?
Well, LSAC’s Score Preview option offers something similar for the LSAT—but with a few catches.
Let’s break it down: how it works, the costs, and whether it’s worth considering.
How Does Score Preview Work?
Score Preview allows test takers to view their LSAT score before deciding whether to keep it or cancel it. If you choose to cancel, your LSAT account will show “Candidate Cancel” for that test date instead of a score.
Here’s how it works:
Your LSAT score is released on the official score release date for your test administration. (Make sure you have an approved writing sample on file and no holds on your account.)
You’ll have six calendar days from the score release date to decide whether to keep or cancel your score.
If you don’t make a decision within that six-day window, your score will automatically be added to your LSAC account and sent to law schools.
Pro tip: Keep track of the score release and decision deadlines to avoid surprises.
You can find score release dates here.
REMEMBER: You’ll have six calendar days from the score release date to decide whether to keep or cancel your score.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost depends on when you purchase it:
Before your test date: $45
After your test date: $80 (available for a limited time after your test).
Example: For the February 2025 LSAT, Score Preview costs $45 if purchased by February 6, 2025 (the day before testing starts). After the test, you can purchase it for $80 between February 15 and February 24, 2025.
LSAC states on their website that those who have an approved LSAT fee waiver can sign up for Score Preview free of charge.
Details are available here.
Pros of Score Preview
Peace of Mind: Knowing you can cancel a score gives you flexibility and reduces test-day stress.
Strategic Opportunity: You can decide whether a score is worth keeping based on your target schools.
Cons of Score Preview
Counts Toward Test Limits: Even if you cancel your score, the test counts toward your LSAT limits (five attempts within the current reportable period, seven over your lifetime).
Visible Cancellation: Law schools will see that you canceled your score for that test date. While this doesn’t directly harm your application, it could signal a low score.
Important: Canceling doesn’t erase the test from your record—law schools will know you took it, they just won’t be able to see the score you got.
REMEMBER: Canceling doesn’t erase the test from your record.
Should You Cancel Your Score?
The decision to cancel depends on your goals, target schools, and practice test performance. How you have been performing on your PT’s is a very important topic to consider.
However, in most cases, it’s better to keep your score. Here’s why:
Law schools focus on your highest score for admissions and rankings.
A significant improvement—like jumping from a 163 to a 167—looks better than a canceled score followed by a 167.
Bottom Line: Don’t rely on Score Preview as a safety net. Instead, focus on preparing thoroughly and taking the LSAT when you feel ready to perform your best. Do not use Score Preview as a means to take the LSAT when you are not ready. Never take the LSAT unless you feel like you are prepared enough to do well. Do not wing it. Do not rely on the Score Preview to save you.
Instead, reschedule the test to the next available time, consider your study habits, and take the LSAT only when you are confident and secure that you will get the score you are aiming for (i.e., your PTs are telling you this).
Final Advice
Only take the LSAT when you feel confident in your preparation. If you’re not ready, reschedule for a later date and adjust your study plan.
Score Preview is a useful tool, but it shouldn’t be a crutch for poor preparation.
