LSAT Score Preview 2026: Cost, Six-Day Decision Window and When It Helps

What LSAT Score Preview actually does

LSAT Score Preview is an optional LSAC service that lets a test taker see the official LSAT score and then decide whether to keep or cancel it. It does not show the score before the normal score-release date. LSAC says eligible users receive their score at the same time as other test takers and then have six calendar days to make the decision.

Current cost

LSAC currently lists Score Preview at $46 when purchased before the first day of testing and $87 during the specified post-test purchase period. Test takers with an approved LSAC fee waiver can sign up for Score Preview at no additional cost. Administration-specific deadlines still matter, so always check the date page for the LSAT you are taking.

How the six-day window works

After score release, Score Preview users have six calendar days to choose whether to keep or cancel the score. If you cancel, the canceled result remains part of your LSAT record as a cancellation; the numerical score is not reported. If you keep it, the score is released according to LSAC's reporting process. Read the exact decision deadline shown in JD Services.

Score Preview does not mean early score access

This is one of the most common misunderstandings. LSAC explicitly says Score Preview does not let you see the score before the official release day. The benefit is decision control after release, not advance access.

You still need an approved writing sample

Score Preview does not bypass the LSAT Argumentative Writing requirement. LSAC says your score can be released only when you have an approved reportable writing sample on file and no account hold. If you are a first-time test taker, complete the writing requirement promptly.

When Score Preview may be useful

It can be useful for a test taker who is uncertain about whether a substantially lower-than-expected score should remain reportable and who values having a short decision window. It may also reduce anxiety for someone who wants an explicit choice after seeing the result. That is a personal planning benefit, not a guarantee of a better admissions outcome.

When it may add little value

If you already know you will keep any valid score, or if your application strategy does not change based on one administration, the service may provide limited practical value. A canceled score is not invisible; law schools can see that a cancellation occurred, even though the numerical score is not reported.

Do not cancel reflexively

A score that feels disappointing can still be useful. Before canceling, compare it with your stable practice range, your prior official scores, school targets and retake timeline. Consider whether the score is genuinely inconsistent with your ability or simply below an aspirational target.

Example decision framework

1. Write down the released score and your last four to six official LawHub practice scores.
2. Check whether the official result falls inside or outside that stable range.
3. Review your application deadlines and the next possible score-release date.
4. Check whether you already have a stronger reportable LSAT score.
5. Use the six-day window to make a reasoned keep-or-cancel decision rather than reacting in the first hour.

September and October 2026 examples

For the September 2026 LSAT, LSAC listed Score Preview at $46 through September 8 and $87 from September 19 through September 28. For October 2026, the lower-price deadline is October 6, and the later $87 window runs October 17 through October 26. These administration-specific dates can change in future cycles, so verify the official page each time.

FAQ

Can everyone buy LSAT Score Preview?

LSAC offers it to all test takers, subject to the purchase deadlines for the administration.

How long do I have to cancel?

Six calendar days after receiving the score through Score Preview.

Is Score Preview free with an LSAC fee waiver?

LSAC says approved fee-waiver recipients can sign up at no additional cost.

Does canceling erase the administration?

No. A cancellation remains on the LSAT record even though the numerical score is not reported.

For the current September release, see the September 2026 LSAT score-release guide.