Feb 2014 or June 2014? Forum

[silentnight]

Hi guys,

I'm graduating in May 2014, planning on working after school and starting to apply in Fall 2014. I am starting prep for the LSAT now (have some spare time this summer) and am aiming for 10 hours per week throughout my senior year. Since I'm free all of winter break, I will kick it into gear from late December throughout all of January, basically full time prep.

I'm shooting for a really high score (as high as I can, hopefully 175+) and want to apply as early as possible in next year's cycle since I have a low GPA (3.4ish, hoping to bump to 3.5). Do you guys recommend taking in Feb 2014 for possible retake in June 2014, or giving myself more prep time until June and possible retake in October if necessary?

Also, any general tips for starting out LSAT prep/law school apps are welcome. I'm going to network like crazy this year to try and find an entry-level paralegal position in the Boston area (where I go to school) starting in May 2014 (lasting for 1.5 year until I start law school in Fall 2015)... I know it'll be pretty tricky though. Thanks in advance for your help.

[SteelPenguin]

There's plenty of time. Why not plan for February, and if you aren't PTing around or above your desired score, just delay until June?

[silentnight]

Thanks for your response. I'll have to register around November or October for the February test, right? If I don't end up taking it, will I have to forfeit the registration fee?

[rinkrat19]

The only problem with February is that the test is not disclosed. So if you're not happy with your score, you have no idea how you did on the sections to figure out where you need to focus your additional study time and are kind of re-studying blind.

[silentnight]

Okay that's good to know, thanks. Hopefully I'll have taken enough PTs by then that I can kind of judge which particular types of questions could be throwing me off.

I suppose I'll shoot for February and hopefully will have done enough preparation by then to not have to retake in June (but it's nice to have June as a back up anyway, as opposed to October when the cycle is well under way). Thanks again.

[rinkrat19]

Okay that's good to know, thanks. Hopefully I'll have taken enough PTs by then that I can kind of judge which particular types of questions could be throwing me off.

I suppose I'll shoot for February and hopefully will have done enough preparation by then to not have to retake in June (but it's nice to have June as a back up anyway, as opposed to October when the cycle is well under way). Thanks again.

October is plenty early, if that's what you're worrying about. June/Oct is perfectly viable.

[90convoy]

I second taking it in Feb. I'm taking it in Feb because of the possible worse case scenario of having to take the test 3 times before I apply.

[silentnight]

October is plenty early, if that's what you're worrying about. June/Oct is perfectly viable.

Didn't realize that either -- clearly new to the whole process. Good to know.

[SteelPenguin]

I second taking it in Feb. I'm taking it in Feb because of the possible worse case scenario of having to take the test 3 times before I apply.

Yeah, if you're ready by February, I think it's a little silly to delay just because the test is undisclosed. This way you can get 2 takes in and just spend the summer preparing your apps. Worst case scenario, prepare for October and send in your apps in November. Taking in June is still very early, but 3 takes would mean your apps would be completed late December at the earliest.

[jingosaur]

You should have plenty of time to take it in February. Only take it then if you're sure that you're ready. This way, you can retake in June if needed and then again in October. You'll still be able to apply pretty early even if you take it 3 times.