The January 2027 LSAT runs January 13–16, 2027, and the registration deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. There's no December LSAT this cycle, so January is the next test after November, and the last one with scores in early February. This guide covers the January dates, what to do before December 1, how in-person scheduling works, when scores come back, what it costs, and a 9-week study plan to test day. It's written for law school applicants deciding whether January is the right LSAT for them this cycle, and it matters because a missed deadline pushes you to February at the earliest. Every date comes from LSAC.
Quick answer
Quick Answer
Register for the January 2027 LSAT by December 1, 2026. Scheduling opens December 22, you test between January 13 and 16, and scores come out February 3, 2027. If you miss December 1, the next option is February 12–13, 2027, with a December 29 deadline.
In detail
January 2027 LSAT Dates
The January 2027 LSAT is held January 13–16 in the U.S. and Canada, and January 15–16 internationally. Every other date is the same for both.
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration deadline | December 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Scheduling opens | December 22, 2026 |
| Argumentative Writing opens | January 5, 2027 |
| Test dates (U.S. and Canada) | January 13–16, 2027 |
| Test dates (international) | January 15–16, 2027 |
| Score release | February 3, 2027 |
Source: LSAC test dates and deadlines, checked November 7, 2026. LSAC notes that dates can change, so confirm before you register.
In detail
Why There's No December LSAT
LSAC's 2026–2027 schedule skips December. After the November 11–14 test, the next administrations are January 13–16 and February 12–13, 2027. If you were planning on a December test, January is the closest replacement, and its deadline comes first.
In detail
What to Do Before December 1
Before December 1, register for the LSAT in your LSAC account, sort out a fee waiver if you need one, and request any accommodations. For most administrations, December 1 is also the last day for accommodations, a free date change and a full refund.
- Register in your LSAC JD Account and pay the $253 fee, which includes Argumentative Writing.
- Apply for a fee waiver first, if you qualify. LSAC usually decides within two to five business days after it has your documents, and fees you've already paid can't be waived afterward. Our LSAT registration guide covers the two waiver tiers.
- Request accommodations by the deadline if you need them.
- Register early. Scheduling windows are assigned in registration order, so registering sooner usually means more test center choices.
In detail
How Scheduling Works for January
The LSAT is in person at Prometric test centers for almost everyone this cycle. When your scheduling window opens, from December 22, you'll get an email and a text, and you book a session in Prometric's scheduling tool.
Sessions are first come, first served within your window, and scheduling closes about a week before testing starts. You can reschedule starting 24 hours after your window opens. Remote testing is only an exception: you can request it after registering if you live more than 180 miles or three hours' travel from a test center, or if you have an approved medical accommodation a test center can't provide. Book soon after your window opens, because late December is a busy time and popular centers fill first.
In detail
Argumentative Writing
Argumentative Writing opens January 5, 2027, eight days before the first test date. It's taken online, on demand, and it isn't scored, but law schools see it, and you need a completed writing sample before LSAC releases your score. Do it in the first few days it opens so it doesn't compete with your final week of practice. Our LSAT sections breakdown explains the format.
In detail
When You'll Get Your Score
January 2027 LSAT scores are released February 3, 2027, about three weeks after testing. That's early enough to send with many spring applications, but deadlines vary by school, so check each law school's application deadline before you count on a January score. To see where your score stands, use our LSAT percentile calculator or our guide to what makes a good LSAT score.
In detail
Is January the Right LSAT for You?
January suits you if you're applying this cycle and need one more test, or if you're starting early for next cycle. It's a poor fit if your schools' deadlines fall before early February, or if you can't study through the holidays.
| Your situation | Is January a good fit? |
|---|---|
| Applying this cycle, want one more attempt | Yes, if your schools accept a February score |
| First LSAT, applying next fall | Yes; leaves time for a retake in spring or summer |
| Schools' deadlines are in January | No; scores arrive February 3 |
| Holidays leave little study time | Consider February 12–13 or April 8–10 instead |
In detail
If You Miss December 1
If you miss the December 1 deadline, the next LSAT is February 12–13, 2027, with a December 29, 2026, registration deadline and scores on March 3. After that comes April 8–10, with a February 25 deadline. LSAC doesn't offer late registration, so a missed deadline always means a later test. All 2026–2027 dates are in our LSAT test dates and registration guide.
In detail
A 9-Week Study Plan to January 13
From early November, you have about nine weeks. Spend the first five on your weakest question types, the next three on timed PrepTests, and the last week on light review.
| Weeks | Dates (approx.) | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 9–15 | Take a timed PrepTest on LawHub as a diagnostic; list weak question types |
| 2–5 | Nov 16–Dec 13 | Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension drills by question type; register by Dec 1 |
| 6–8 | Dec 14–Jan 3 | One or two timed PrepTests a week; book your test center when scheduling opens Dec 22 |
| 9 | Jan 4–12 | Finish Argumentative Writing early in the week; light review and rest |
For a longer version, see our 3-month LSAT study schedule, and compare prep options, from free LawHub PrepTests to full courses, in Best LSAT Prep Courses.
FAQ
When is the January 2027 LSAT?
The January 2027 LSAT is January 13–16, 2027, in the U.S. and Canada, and January 15–16 internationally. Register by December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Scheduling opens December 22, and scores are released February 3, 2027.
Is there a December 2026 LSAT?
No. LSAC's 2026–2027 schedule has no December test. After the November 11–14, 2026, LSAT, the next administrations are January 13–16 and February 12–13, 2027, so January is the closest option if you were planning to test in December.
When do January 2027 LSAT scores come out?
LSAC releases January 2027 LSAT scores on February 3, 2027, about three weeks after the test. You need to complete Argumentative Writing first, because LSAC won't release your score until it has your writing sample.
Can I still register after December 1?
Not for January. LSAC doesn't offer late registration, so after December 1 the next option is the February 12–13, 2027, LSAT, with a December 29 registration deadline. Changing your date after the deadline also costs extra.
Is the January LSAT in person?
Yes, for almost everyone. Since August 2026, the LSAT is given at Prometric test centers. Remote testing is only an exception for people who live more than 180 miles or three hours from a center, or who have an approved medical accommodation.
Verdict
Final Verdict
If January is your test, register by December 1, 2026, then book your Prometric session as soon as your scheduling window opens on or after December 22. Finish Argumentative Writing early in the week it opens, January 5, so it doesn't crowd your final review. Scores arrive February 3, 2027, which works for many spring deadlines but not all, so check your schools first. If December 1 is too soon, February 12–13 is the next test, with a December 29 deadline.
How we reviewed
Sources
- LSAC: LSAT Dates, Deadlines and Score Release Dates, checked November 7, 2026
- LSAC: Registration Is Open for the 2026–2027 LSAT Testing Cycle, Plus an Update on the Return to In-Person Testing
- LawHub: LSAT & CAS Fees and Fee Waivers, checked November 7, 2026