The LSAT is offered four times a year at various locations throughout the nation.  The registration deadline is usually one month prior to the LSAT test date.  Late registration deadlines for the LSAT's are normally offered three weeks before the test.

The first step in picking an LSAT test date will be to examine the application deadlines for the law schools to which you are applying.  After you know the deadlines for the law schools of your choice, you may begin to register for your LSAT test date.  It is recommended that you take the LSAT's no later than December of their senior year.  This will ultimately allow time for scoring and delivery of test scores to the intended law schools in time for admission reviews.

Junior Year - June

The advantages of taking the LSAT's in June of your junior year is that you will have plenty of time to retake the test if your scores are too low.  Another advantage is that there will be plenty of time to decide to which law school to apply.

The disadvantage of taking the LSAT's in June of your junior year is that you may not have adequate time to prepare following your spring semester.  If you do hope to take the LSATs in June after your junior year, planning a lighter spring semester in terms of academics of your junior year so you have the time to prepare for the LSATs while in school may be a useful strategy.

Senior Year - September/October

The advantages of taking the LSAT's in September/October of your senior year is that you will be rested with more time to prepare after the summer.  Another advantage is that you will have sufficient time to still apply for the law school of your choice.

The disadvantage of taking the LSAT's in September/October of your senior year is that you will have a small window of time to retake the test.  If you plan on retaking the test, you should do so on the December date if possible.

Senior Year - December

The advantage of taking the LSAT's during December of your senior year is that it is a feasible time to retake the test from an earlier period.

At this time of your senior year it is not a good idea to be taking your first LSAT test, unless it is not for the upcoming academic year.

Senior Year - February

There are no real advantages to taking the LSATs in February of your senior year unless you do not plan to apply to law school for the upcoming academic semester.