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I took the LSAT in February, and just didn't quite make it to the score I wanted. So, after a few weeks of wallowing, I decided to retake, although I won't be doing so until next cycle (probably next October). And while I've totally accepted that I am going to retake this test and that I need to really buckle down and study even harder than I did last time, I find myself cringing every time I think about my last test. I'm constantly wondering, what if that really was my limit, you know? What if "not good enough" is the best I'll be able to do?

So, my question for those that have gone through this process: how did you overcome the mental discouragement? What really convinced you that you could do better and inspired you to get excited again? Of course, one of my strategies will be being waaaay more active on this forum (since I merely lurked the shit out of it last time), but I'm interested in hearing some discussion about this topic!

Thanks!

theothercat wrote:I took the LSAT in February, and just didn't quite make it to the score I wanted. So, after a few weeks of wallowing, I decided to retake, although I won't be doing so until next cycle (probably next October). And while I've totally accepted that I am going to retake this test and that I need to really buckle down and study even harder than I did last time, I find myself cringing every time I think about my last test. I'm constantly wondering, what if that really was my limit, you know? What if "not good enough" is the best I'll be able to do?

So, my question for those that have gone through this process: how did you overcome the mental discouragement? What really convinced you that you could do better and inspired you to get excited again? Of course, one of my strategies will be being waaaay more active on this forum (since I merely lurked the shit out of it last time), but I'm interested in hearing some discussion about this topic!

Thanks!

Every single point on the LSAT has the potential to drastically alter career prospects, school acceptances, and schollies. The extra work you put in could be worth tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, and possibly much more in future earnings. If you're going to go to law school, you might as well do it right and put yourself in the best position possible to succeed. Once I realized this, I had no trouble studying for a retake.

It's also very rewarding to see your PTs and your knowledge of the test increase. Think of it as a challenge or a goal rather than just a necessary standardized test.

Thousands of dollars and a future career can hinge on a few points. It sucks, but its best to just man-up and deal with it.

This risk of putting in the necessary work and failing is a risk to your ego. You have to get over that and realize that your intrinsic worth isn't connected to your score. Scoring high on the LSAT is a practical matter: put in the necessary work so that you either have a better shot at a more prestigious school or else get more $ at another.

No bitching and whining. Sufficient study is hard work, and you really must address your weaknesses. It'll be tough, but you must learn to detach yourself if you're really considering this professional class. Forget the Eye of the Tiger bullshit.

Remember -- the LSAT is learnable. As soon as you embrace the fact that you're retaking because the test is learnable, the mystery and chance gets removed from the equation. Then, your score comes down to focus, effort, and the diligence to correct weaknesses. You control those things.

How hard did you study? did you really give it your 120%? Were you testing close to your target score on your PTs leading up to the exam? You need to honestly answer these questions. Realize that if you think you could've studied harder, then it's automatically worth it. Realistically the average person increases their score about 2.5 points on the exam. That's just the average though. I struggled with the same problem after my December 2012 take, but I was able to manage more time to study and focus on for the test so I retook in June and increased my score by 5 points, and now I have new opportunities. My former reach schools, are now my safe schools and now I have my former "dream" schools as reach schools. You must dedicate yourself if you decide to retake, otherwise retaking and scoring less than the first time is going to force you to write an awkward addnedum. Hope this helped, wish you best of luck.