Since June 2009, LSAT test-takers have been in a tricky position with regard to deciding whether they're ready to take the LSAT.
LSAC would make you let them know ~3 weeks before Test Day if you weren't taking it. If something came up between that date and Test Day, or if you weren't sure whether you'd be ready but , you'd have to either just not show up, getting a notation of absent, or show up and cancel your score.
Although LSAC had its reasons, this was annoying, problematic, and stressful for many test-takers.
However, starting with the June 2011 LSAT, LSAC has decided to modify this policy - almost completely reversing its position - this is a good thing.
The test date *change* deadline (aka "postponement deadline") is still approximately 3 weeks before, just as it was before the policy change.
However, LSAC now offers a withdrawal option, meaning you can now decide up until the day before the LSAT whether you'll be taking it. If you withdraw, law schools will never even know you were registered for that exam date in the first place. In other words, law schools cannot tell that you've withdrawn - this is not noted on your record.
Unfortunately, withdrawing after the postponement deadline (which is also the partial refund deadline) means you won't get any refund at all for your LSAT registration fee.
However, this is a small price to pay for no longer suffering the indignity of an "absent" on your record when you knew you weren't taking the LSAT that day anyway.
You can now rest easy, knowing you still have those 3 weeks before Test Day to keep taking practice tests, brushing up on weak areas, and boosting your practice scores.
You can take the LSAT when your scores are close to your goal score, not feeling the pressure of having a absence or cancellation note on your record.
And if you're not feeling ready the day before the LSAT, just withdraw your registration and set your sights on the next LSAT administration.
LSAC would make you let them know ~3 weeks before Test Day if you weren't taking it. If something came up between that date and Test Day, or if you weren't sure whether you'd be ready but , you'd have to either just not show up, getting a notation of absent, or show up and cancel your score.
Although LSAC had its reasons, this was annoying, problematic, and stressful for many test-takers.
However, starting with the June 2011 LSAT, LSAC has decided to modify this policy - almost completely reversing its position - this is a good thing.
The test date *change* deadline (aka "postponement deadline") is still approximately 3 weeks before, just as it was before the policy change.
However, LSAC now offers a withdrawal option, meaning you can now decide up until the day before the LSAT whether you'll be taking it. If you withdraw, law schools will never even know you were registered for that exam date in the first place. In other words, law schools cannot tell that you've withdrawn - this is not noted on your record.
Unfortunately, withdrawing after the postponement deadline (which is also the partial refund deadline) means you won't get any refund at all for your LSAT registration fee.
However, this is a small price to pay for no longer suffering the indignity of an "absent" on your record when you knew you weren't taking the LSAT that day anyway.
You can now rest easy, knowing you still have those 3 weeks before Test Day to keep taking practice tests, brushing up on weak areas, and boosting your practice scores.
You can take the LSAT when your scores are close to your goal score, not feeling the pressure of having a absence or cancellation note on your record.
And if you're not feeling ready the day before the LSAT, just withdraw your registration and set your sights on the next LSAT administration.
