Beginning with the August 2026 LSAT administration, LSAC is introducing major changes to the LSAT testing process. Most notably, the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT will move to primarily in-person testing, with remote testing available only in limited circumstances such as approved accommodations or extreme distance from a testing center.
The content and structure of the LSAT itself are not changing, and only the testing experience and delivery platform are being updated.
Wondering what the LSAT is? Need to get your ducks (and dates) in a row? Here’s what you need to know for the January 2027 LSAT!
Table of Contents
January 2027 LSAT Dates and Deadlines
One important thing to note about the January LSAT is that it is late in the application cycle. This means you definitely will not have time to retest, so plan to test earlier if you can—or if you don’t have the available time, use the January test as an early test date for the next year’s admissions cycle.
Primary January LSAT Dates
- Wednesday, January 13, 2027
- Thursday, January 14, 2027
- Friday, January 15, 2027
- Saturday, January 16, 2027
January LSAT Assistance Request Deadline
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026
If you anticipate any difficulties accessing appropriate computer hardware, an internet connection, or a quiet place to take the LSAT, this is the deadline to request assistance from LSAC.
Registration Deadlines for January 2027 LSAT
- Tuesday, December 1, 2026 – Regular registration and accommodation request deadline
There are limited slots for each testing time, so be sure to register early to get the testing date and time that works best for your schedule.
January LSAT Cancellation Deadlines
Even after you register, you can still change your mind about your testing date or time. You can also cancel your registration, or, if you miss the cancellation deadline, you can at least withdraw your registration.
- Thursday, December 3, 2026 – Change your test date or cancel your registration without paying a fee.
- Friday, December 4, 2026 through Tuesday, December 8, 2026 – Late test date change or registration cancellation; $153 fee.
LSAT Score Preview Deadlines
In August of 2020, LSAC began offering the optional Score Preview option, available for first-time test-takers who want to see their LSAT score before deciding whether to keep it as part of their LSAC transcript and report it to law schools.
This service changes in price* depending on the date test takers sign up for it by:
- Tuesday, January 12, 2027 – Deadline to purchase LSAC’s Score Preview for $46
- Saturday, January 23, 2027 through Monday, February 1, 2027 – Deadline to purchase LSAC’s Score Preview for $87
*First-time test-takers who have an approved LSAT fee waiver can sign up for Score Preview free of charge.
January 2027 LSAT Score Release Date
- Wednesday, February 3, 2027
Be sure to create an online account with LSAC—you will be able to view your scores and send them to law schools starting about two weeks after the exam.
LSAT Score Release and the Writing Sample
In order to get your score for the January LSAT, you’ll need to complete the LSAT writing sample (also known as just the “essay”). To accommodate this, LSAT opens the Writing section option eight days before each test’s administration. In the case of the January exam, this means you’ll be able to access the section from Monday, January 5, 2027.
You can also take the Writing section after taking the LSAT. However, be aware that you’ll need to complete it before you receive your scores.
Takeaway
Take the time now to decide if the January LSAT is right for you by:
- Familiarizing yourself with the LSAT;
- Determining your starting LSAT score based on a practice test;
- Setting your goal score based on your target law schools; and
- Establishing how much time you need, and how much time you actually have, to dedicate to LSAT prep. Keep in mind that studying for the January LSAT will fall over the holidays.
Once you go through these steps, you’ll feel confident making your decision on which LSAT test date is right for you.
Whenever you decide to take the LSAT, remember the key to getting your best score on the LSAT is making sure you have sufficient time to prepare.
By the way, sign up for our 1 Week Free Trial to try out Magoosh LSAT Prep!
