Don’t Let Your LSAT Score Get Delayed

Updated February 4, 2026

If you’re registered for an upcoming LSAT, you should plan to complete the LSAT Writing portion as soon as it becomes available. This is the least important part of the test, but you won’t be able to see your test score until you have an approved writing sample on file. It only takes 35 minutes (without accommodations), and you can schedule it anytime you want, beginning eight days before the official test administration.

Do the LSAT Writing portion early to avoid any score delays.

Unlike the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT, the Writing portion is not proctored by a live person. Instead, your session is video recorded and later reviewed. In many cases, videos are flagged for closer examination, which can delay their approval. LSAC says to plan for around three weeks of processing time. If you want to be sure to receive your score on time, don’t wait until after the test to do the Writing portion.

The Writing portion is unscored and requires little preparation.

Your writing sample will be sent to law schools as part of your application, so you should take it seriously. But don’t write more than one practice essay as your time is better spent prepping for the other sections. This is the least important part of the test because it doesn’t affect your score.

Sign up for free to access our lessons on argumentative writing and writing sample. 

Be sure to check out LSAC’s LSAT Argumentative Writing