Taking the LSAT again--for the 4th time Forum

[thelawz09]

a

[rondemarino]

I assume you're sure your GPA won't prevent you from attending the aforementioned schools, right?

[sally]

Interesting question, and a situation I might find myself in as well a few years down the road... I would say:

1. Unless it would substantially mess up your life, it's probably worth it to wait a year for the 161 to drop off your transcript. TLSers in general seem pretty sure that even most of the top schools at this point will take your highest score, not an average, and I have no reason to doubt that. However, I think that once you get into 4 test territory the sheer number of tests might start to look like a red flag. If you can dampen that red flag and remove a 161 from your transcript, I think it's worth it to wait... unless you really really don't want to.

2. It's a good sign that you're scoring 170-175 on PTs, especially if you weren't scoring that high on PTs you took before the tests in the past. However, before you get too hopeful that you're really in a position to score that much higher this time around, I would make sure that you're taking the PTs under the most realistic testing conditions possible - early in the morning (unless you're taking it in June), with strict time limits, etc.

Good luck! I hope it works out for you.

[thelawz09]

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[NayBoer]

HYS and some other schools like Columbia claim that they average scores. So if you get 180 and wait until next cycle, your average is 163+165+180/3=169ish. Not really HYS level, so unless they are more lenient about averaging I think they might be out for you. Maybe in 4-5 years after all the 160s scores are gone you could try again.

You might be better off revising your target schools. I know a 164/177-retake who got into Columbia with a mid-3 GPA. That averages at 170.5 so it seems like they put a little more weight on his 177.

[nodummy]

How do you still have fresh material to study? You might be doing better on PT's this time because you've taken them before.

[Thales]

How do you still have fresh material to study? You might be doing better on PT's this time because you've taken them before.

Agreed. Take the validity of your most recent PT range with a grain of salt.

Certainly I'm not saying you can't improve - but the consistency of your score range is a testament to the validity of the LSAT. (most of your scores fall within the median standard error of measurement)

[thelawz09]

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[STPaulTennis]

I am curious -

If the score is removed from your record after 5 yrs, do you need to tell the schools that you took the exam, say 6 yrs ago? On most applications, it says list the dates you took or plan to take the LSAT, and corresponding scores...

Schools don’t take scores more than 5 yrs old, but does that mean you don’t have to tell them you took it?

[nodummy]

How do you still have fresh material to study? You might be doing better on PT's this time because you've taken them before.

Agreed. Take the validity of your most recent PT range with a grain of salt.

Certainly I'm not saying you can't improve - but the consistency of your score range is a testament to the validity of the LSAT. (most of your scores fall within the median standard error of measurement)

First off, I've gotten a book and a tutor as opposed to what I did before, which was just take practice tests. I think I've learned to approach the questions differently.

Second, it's pretty tough to remember logical reasoning questions and games. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on the RC.

Third, it had been two years since I'd looked at an LSAT question.

But yes, thanks for your comments and I agree. Healthy skepticism is what I need.

Really? I seem to remember little things about each game or argument that I've read or completed. Using Pithypike's study plan, I printed off three copies of every LG from the first 30 PT's and have been taking them randomly. Sure, each question may take some time to rework, however the initial setup and understanding what the author is saying goes much faster the second or third time. Even if I don't remember much about the argument or game I'm still affected to a certain degree. Maybe your memory works differently and if so you're lucky to have an endless supply of material...but def not the case for me.

[Dignan]

2) If so, should I apply this year with 4 tests over 5 years on my LSAC transcript? Or should I wait until next fall to apply with 3 tests over 5 years on my transcript?

To be honest, I think it makes little difference. If you had just one test on your record, and that test was about to be dropped, then I think it would be worthwhile to wait. But you have three scores. For those elite schools that you are interested in, I seriously doubt that a record of "161, 163, 165, 175" would be viewed differently than a record of "163, 165, 175."

[thelawz09]

i

[Sauer Grapes]

....

[Nom Sawyer]

Since graduating a few years ago, I've been working in federal politics. I have had great experiences and know some very high powered people. In short, it will make for great work experience on my law apps and it's something I intend to come back to after law school.

I've taken the LSAT 3 times over 5 years. I've gotten a 161, a 163, and a 165. The 161 is the oldest score and, if I wait one more year, it will drop off my LSAT transcript if I wait until next fall to apply to law schools. The 165 is the newest and is from two years ago.

I'm thinking about taking the LSAT yet again. I met with a tutor a few times and have taken a number of practice tests, consistently scoring in the 170-175 range. I really want to go to YLS, HLS, Stanford, or U Chicago.

Here are my questions:

1) Should I take the test again in Dec if I'm consistently breaking 170 on practice tests?

2) If so, should I apply this year with 4 tests over 5 years on my LSAC transcript? Or should I wait until next fall to apply with 3 tests over 5 years on my transcript?

3) Do you think law schools look at multiple LSATs differently if they are spaced out over years as opposed to one year?

Alright everyone, I took it again, got a 173, and applied to the top 14. I have a 3.7 UGPA. What're my chances?

Congrats on the New score, chances are most likely (if your applying next cycle):

Yale- out
Harvard- WL/out
Columbia- WL
Chicago- In
NYU- In

And most likely in at the rest of the T14... so pretty good chances for everything but HYS and Columbia.

[thelawz09]

a

[imisscollege]

i took the thing 4 times too. got a waiver from one of the t14 i'm WLed at. Hoping the new score will push me over the edge at the t14's i've been WLed at. I really don't buy the whole average the scores thing.

[thelawz09]

a

[lostjake]

*rolls eyes*