LSAT score not released? Writing sample and account holds

The release rule

LSAC's own wording is short: scores are released to test takers at 9 a.m. ET on the designated score release date, and

"Your score will only be released if you have an approved LSAT Argumentative Writing sample on file and there are no holds on your account."

The same rule applies to sending your score to law schools. LSAC says you need an approved writing sample in your file to see your score or have it released to schools.

The writing sample requirement

LSAT Argumentative Writing is taken separately from the multiple-choice test. What LSAC says about it:

• It opens in your LSAC account eight days before your LSAT administration.
• If you are a first-time test taker, you must complete it before your score can be released.
• You only need one writing sample on file. A sample from LSAT Writing taken in the current reportable score period, which goes back as far as July 2021, still counts.
• Processing is often done within a week, but LSAC advises allowing up to three weeks from the day you complete it before it becomes part of your file.

Put together: a writing sample completed late can still be processing on release day, and your score waits until it is approved. Completing it as soon as it opens gives processing the most time.

Account holds

LSAC does not release a score to an account with a hold on it. Holds are shown in your LSAC account, and resolving them is between you and LSAC. If your writing sample is approved and your score still has not appeared after 9 a.m. ET, a hold is the next thing to look for.

Score Preview and cancellation

Two options affect what happens around release day, but neither makes scores arrive earlier.

• Score Preview. If you buy it, you receive your score at the same time as everyone else, then have six calendar days from the release date to decide whether to keep or cancel it.
• Cancelling without Score Preview. You must cancel within six calendar days of your test date, before you see your score.

A checklist before release day

1. Complete Argumentative Writing as soon as it opens, eight days before your test, if you do not already have a sample on file.
2. Check that your writing sample shows as approved, allowing up to three weeks for processing.
3. Look for any hold message in your LSAC account before the release date.
4. Know your release date, and log in after 9 a.m. ET on that day.