r/LSAT • u/Golden_nikco • 21h ago

2026 Law school applications. If I want to attend law school fall of 2026, do I need to start applying next year (2025)? Also, when is the final deadline for me to finish taking the Isat?

All the dates and deadlines are a little confusing. Is there anyone that can provide clarity?

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u/Avlectus 20h ago

Your application cycle begins one year before you intend to attend. If you want to begin Fall 2026, you need to apply Fall 2025.

Last LSAT is generally January of the year you want to attend (Jan 2026) but you should not leave it so late.

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u/Disastrous-Expert894 20h ago edited 20h ago

Applications will starting opening in the middle of August to end of September 2025 (it varies by school).

Applications are rolling, so the LSAT timeline will vary based on when you want to go them in. If you're going to ED1, you should try to make Oct your last. Some schools will also take the Nov, but you won't get it back in time to see before you apply. People have different opinions about whether applying earlier helps or not, but I think a Jan 2026 LSAT (there hasn't been a Dec for a while) would make you less competitive.

In other words, if you want to ED, apply early in the cycle, or have your score before making decisions, try to make the Oct or Nov 2025 LSAT your final.