Wait for the next application cycle or go to t30+ this year? Forum

[senya]

I am now admitted by T30+. My LSAT is 161 and UGPA is 3.45. I know my background sucks... Here is my question for help:
I am a foreign student and I took the LSAT without proper preparation because I was so daunted by the test. But after my first testing experience, I found I understood the LSAT much better, so I wanted to retake the test. Now I can get a 170 when doing timed full-length practice. I am confident that I can obtain a 170 in June's LSAT. Last time I actually scored better than I did with model tests on my own.
I wonder whether it's worth my wasting another year just for a better law school, say T14? I know I ask this question rather early but if it's not worth it, I am losing motivtion to fight for the test. It's really painstaking.
I also considerred trasnferring after first year, yet I really lack confidence in having a good performance in law school, especially right upon entering it, considering my disadvantages in language. I might have problems in listening and writing.
Please give me some advice~

[chargers]

I am now admitted by Wake Forest Law School. My LSAT is 161 and UGPA is 3.45. I know my background sucks... Here is my question for help:
I am a foreign student and I took the LSAT without proper preparation because I was so daunted by the test. But after my first testing experience, I found I understood the LSAT much better, so I wanted to retake the test. Now I can get a 170 when doing timed full-length practice. I am confident that I can obtain a 170 in June's LSAT. Last time I actually scored better than I did with model tests on my own.
I wonder whether it's worth my wasting another year just for a better law school, say T14? I know I ask this question rather early but if it's not worth it, I am losing motivtion to fight for the test. It's really painstaking.
I also considerred trasnferring after first year, yet I really lack confidence in having a good performance in law school, especially right upon entering it, considering my disadvantages in language. I might have problems in listening and writing.
Please give me some advice~

TCR is to retake. If you are confident you can score in the 170's than there is no reason not to retake. I am not sure what your goals are, but to answer your question in a general sense, deferring for a year to improve your offers from a top ~30ish school to a top 14 school is definitely worth the year off. Even if you decide you don't want to attend a T14, retaking will improve your $$$ at whatever school you choose.

Also, do not rely on transferring. I'm an 0L, but I've lurked on TLS long enough to know that assuming you'll be able to make the grades to transfer is a bad assumption.

[senya]

I am now admitted by Wake Forest Law School. My LSAT is 161 and UGPA is 3.45. I know my background sucks... Here is my question for help:
I am a foreign student and I took the LSAT without proper preparation because I was so daunted by the test. But after my first testing experience, I found I understood the LSAT much better, so I wanted to retake the test. Now I can get a 170 when doing timed full-length practice. I am confident that I can obtain a 170 in June's LSAT. Last time I actually scored better than I did with model tests on my own.
I wonder whether it's worth my wasting another year just for a better law school, say T14? I know I ask this question rather early but if it's not worth it, I am losing motivtion to fight for the test. It's really painstaking.
I also considerred trasnferring after first year, yet I really lack confidence in having a good performance in law school, especially right upon entering it, considering my disadvantages in language. I might have problems in listening and writing.
Please give me some advice~

TCR is to retake. If you are confident you can score in the 170's than there is no reason not to retake. I am not sure what your goals are, but to answer your question in a general sense, deferring for a year to improve your offers from a top ~30ish school to a top 14 school is definitely worth the year off. Even if you decide you don't want to attend a T14, retaking will improve your $$$ at whatever school you choose.

Also, do not rely on transferring. I'm an 0L, but I've lurked on TLS long enough to know that assuming you'll be able to make the grades to transfer is a bad assumption.

Thank you, it's very helpful！ I also consider it really unwise to assume the possibilities of transferring. I think I would take your advice.

[chargers]

Good luck on the LSAT!
And don't be discouraged by your GPA. Kill the LSAT like you have been practicing and you'll get in to some great schools.

[A. Nony Mouse]

For the record, this is the wrong forum for this question. The Law Students forum is limited to current law students. Accordingly, I'm moving this.