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Studied for about 3 weeks before taking the LSAT.
159/ 3.87/ white Female

UT is everything to me.
SMU a reluctant second choice.

My dilemma/options

1) Retake in December
* Around finals
* Law school advisor has warned that he has seen scores drop "too often"

2) Do not retake at all. Hope that being in the Summer law program at UTSA under a director with some pull gives me a better chance.
Pray, pray, pray.

3) Wait a year, study, study, study, add to resume. Reapply next year with the 170 I know I am capable of.

Sorry for the long post. I like to plan things out.
Any advice appreciated.

Retake if you want UT, because you're not getting in without a retake. If you practice and study right, I don't see why you would drop.

Retake. If you're still in undergrad taking a year off is no big deal. It can even help you if you find some good work. I know it sucks psychologically right now but you will be have a much better shot if you get a score thats at least at UT's median (167 I believe).

My opinion: 3 > 1 >>>>>> 2.

Your advisor is doing you a disservice by warning you against retaking. If you are serious about your prep, a lower score should not be a serious concern. As of right now, I sincerely doubt that you have any sort of chance at UT and not much of a chance at SMU. Taking a year off is a great plan IMO if you can find something to do in addition to prepping like crazy for the LSAT.