Cancel LSAT Score

[statlsat]

Hi! I received a 161 on my first LSAT. I am trying to figure out if I should cancel my score. I have the whole year to study (applying to the 2026 cycle), and aim to get in the 170s. In the eyes of a T-14 school, is a 161 worse or better than a cancellation on my record?

Thanks for guidance!

[Jeff Wren]

Hi statlsat,

To really answer this question, I'd need to know more specifics.

For example, you mentioned what your target score is, but not what your actual scores have been on practice tests. Generally, I'd cancel a score if the score is significantly lower than what you are currently scoring on practice tests because that score doesn't really indicate your current ability/test performance. (I mention "significantly lower" because scoring a few points (2-3) lower than your average practice tests is actually pretty typical, even expected.)

If you've been scoring in the high 160s/low 170s on practice tests, then I'd recommend cancelling. If you've been scoring in the low to mid 160s, then this score is in line with your practice tests. Of course, if your target score is 170 and your practice tests are not in that range, then you should either postpone taking the LSAT until your practice tests are in that range or adjust your target score/expectations.

The other thing that I'd want to know is how much/little have you actually been studying so far. If you just took this LSAT with little/no studying (which would be a bad idea), that's even more reason to cancel. On the other hand, if you've already been diligently studying for months and the 161 is the best score that you've achieved after taking multiple practice tests (and represents a significant improvement on your earlier scores), that would be a different situation.

All that being said, if you don't think that you'd ever use that 161, then you may as well cancel it. If you are able to eventually score a 170, you'd probably need to include an addendum explaining the earlier 161 score if you keep it, whereas if you simply cancel it, no addendum would generally be needed/expected.

[statlsat]

Hi,

Thank you for your response! Going into the test, my practice tests were between 160-165, so this was within my range. Two/three weeks before the test though I was BR in the 177-179 range. During the exam, I had a lot of technical difficulties as well.

I have been studying for 4/5 months consistently, but just recently had this BR breakthrough. I should not have taken the exam when I did, but I had already signed up and didn't want to waste the money.

Given my BR, I think I can get into the 170s and won't sign up for another test until I am practice testing within that range.

As of right now though, I still am unsure with what to do about this 161. What are your thoughts?

[statlsat]

Hi statlsat,

To really answer this question, I'd need to know more specifics.

For example, you mentioned what your target score is, but not what your actual scores have been on practice tests. Generally, I'd cancel a score if the score is significantly lower than what you are currently scoring on practice tests because that score doesn't really indicate your current ability/test performance. (I mention "significantly lower" because scoring a few points (2-3) lower than your average practice tests is actually pretty typical, even expected.)

If you've been scoring in the high 160s/low 170s on practice tests, then I'd recommend cancelling. If you've been scoring in the low to mid 160s, then this score is in line with your practice tests. Of course, if your target score is 170 and your practice tests are not in that range, then you should either postpone taking the LSAT until your practice tests are in that range or adjust your target score/expectations.

The other thing that I'd want to know is how much/little have you actually been studying so far. If you just took this LSAT with little/no studying (which would be a bad idea), that's even more reason to cancel. On the other hand, if you've already been diligently studying for months and the 161 is the best score that you've achieved after taking multiple practice tests (and represents a significant improvement on your earlier scores), that would be a different situation.

All that being said, if you don't think that you'd ever use that 161, then you may as well cancel it. If you are able to eventually score a 170, you'd probably need to include an addendum explaining the earlier 161 score if you keep it, whereas if you simply cancel it, no addendum would generally be needed/expected.

Hi,

Thank you for your response! Going into the test, my practice tests were between 160-165, so this was within my range. Two/three weeks before the test though I was BR in the 177-179 range. During the exam, I had a lot of technical difficulties as well.

I have been studying for 4/5 months consistently, but just recently had this BR breakthrough. I should not have taken the exam when I did, but I had already signed up and didn't want to waste the money.

Given my BR, I think I can get into the 170s and won't sign up for another test until I am practice testing within that range.

As of right now though, I still am unsure with what to do about this 161. What are your thoughts?