It depends where you submitted applications to.

I hate commenting on anything that hasn't happened. You don't have a 165 or a 170, yet. In a world where you are 165+, I'd sit out this cycle and reapply on the first day next cycle. We're talking about the difference between UMinn (with your current score), MVP (with a 165), and HSCCN (with a 170).

MVP = Michigan, UVA, Penn

HSCCN = Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Chicago, NYU

Your situation is a bit unusual because your LSAC GPA of 3.97 is based on 2.5 years of cousework in the US while noting your 2.45 GPA from the Phillipines. Since English is not your first language & since you still struggle with English, an LSAT score in the high 160s or low 170s is unlikely.
I'm not sure that I understand your question. If law schools are offering to hold your application until a February score is received, then do it since the only other option seems to be a rejection. Again, I'm not sure that I understand your question, however.

When you get your score, let us know and we can give you some more in-depth advice. But for now, keep the apps in, but expect to reapply this fall. Applying in September, as opposed to late February, will give you a big boost. If your score isn't where you would like it to be, you can always retake in Oct or June.

You think you're gonna attend?

I don't really understand this sentiment, pervasive among many of my friends. That it's okay to just "suck it up" and go this year, regardless of what applying next year might bring. The common thread seems to be a belief that a positive attitude and work ethic is all that is required for a happy future in law.

It's not. Your choice of school is the most important decision you will make over the next 10-20 years. More importantly, how much you pay will also structure your future. The difference between 50k and 200k in debt is staggering and plays an enormous impact on the direction your life takes. I'm not sure what you're capable of, LSAT wise. But to dismiss the possibility of a HEFTY scholarship at a t14 school does not make sense, financial or otherwise.

Study, retake. Unless you are 40something, you're not too old for school.

Do yourself a HUGE favor, and before you go to law school you need to research this and figure out why it's bullshit. Even top 5% at Hastings can end up at shitlaw or unemployed. That stat is of "reported salaries." I guarantee you not even close to half the class makes 160k. This is a monster red flag that you are factoring this into your decision to attend. You are in life-ruining naivete territory.

ETA: Just saw your bit about your "passion for learning" and ending up at the top. Seriously consider that you will end up at the bottom. Your LSAT is very low, and while it doesn't predict success with 100% accuracy it is correlated with law school performance. You have a very dangerous attitude about law school. You do realize, don't you, that every single person who shows up thinks they will be in the top 10%. 90% of them are wrong. You've already failed at the LSAT, despite your diligence and discipline. What makes you think 1 three hour exam at the end of the semester will be any different?

Not trying to get you down---I'm seriously trying to help.

This is only true if you're only looking at the 36.3% of students who reported salary, compared to twice that or better for T14 schools. The 63.7% who didn't report salaries are most definitely not making a median of 160k. (Probably more like 40k, if they're lucky.)

Exactly. If 36% report and 25th and 75th is 160k, guess what---you have about 15% of grads making that amount. Even with a steller LSAT, the odds are stacked against you.

1L exams are even worse. You are in for a monster crash and burn if you continue on this path.

I was in a similar situation two years ago. I had a super high GPA with a super low LSAT.

Wait. Study. Get a higher score. Reapply.

Even if you don't hit 165 even cracking 160 and applying earlier in the cycle will dramatically improve the types of schools you can get into.

...wtf.

"You can't convince a believer of anything; for their belief is not based on evidence, it's based on a deep seated need to believe." --Dr. Arroway in Carl Sagan's Contact

I rest my case, but just because I'm a nice guy OP - you completely fixated on my LSAT claim (predictable).

The huge problem you face is that there is a 90% you won't be in the top 10% of Hastings and get a 160k job. Got any "scholarly articles" to refute that piece of logic? You have better odds in Vegas.

...I dno what happened here. I just don't know.