What Should I do? Forum

[bmathers]

I improved 5 curved points from the first LSAT and got a 158 (74th percentile).


Score breakdown: Raw score - 70 (71 would have been a 159)

LG: 18/23 (slightly better than I thought I did, on par with PTs or slightly higher)
LR1: 17/25 (probably one of the worst sections I have ever scored on LR... typically, I am -3-5 range)
RC: 17/27 (pretty close to on-par with PTs, but better than I thought that I scored. RC is my worst section)
LR2: 20/26 (20 is usually my lower of the two LR scores, not higher)

I am looking at applying to Villanova, Drexel, Temple, PSU, URichmond as the major players. That score should get me into Villanova, PSU, and Drexel at the least, I'm not looking at a UPenn or Big Law gig. That all being said, should I take my second and final retake in September? My goal is a 160, only 2 raw score points above my 70 that I just got. The question is, how big are those 2 points? How much more money could a November application with a potential 160 give me, vs a September app with a 158?? I really don't want to be in the library during my last "free" college football season and autumn for a few years, but I guess I'll do what I have to do. What if I retake and don't improve? Would that hurt my chances at these schools?

UGPA: 3.3

Here are the advantages, as I see it, of both options:

Adv No re-take:
- Burnt out, not more studying
- Enjoy my summer/fall
- I work a full-time job/business, and may be starting a new teaching gig this fall, limiting my time

Adv Retake:
- POSSIBLY get more money from the schools I am looking at (though, no guaranteed)

Thoughts? Thank you

Update: The LSAT is being administered 5 miles from my house in September, so I registered for a seat at that location while it was still available, with the very real possibility that I may un-register as the deadline gets closer. The truth is, between taking 3 LSATs, a Kaplan in-person prep course, and a cycle of applications, I am well over $2k-3k deep in LSAT-related costs. What's another $180, yes, but also saving $180 would be nice as well.

[Johann]

might as well retake since you have another to burn. study as much or as little as you want, but its dumb to leave retakes on the table if its not going to make you wait a cycle.

[bmathers]

might as well retake since you have another to burn. study as much or as little as you want, but its dumb to leave retakes on the table if its not going to make you wait a cycle.

I think that I agree, but what if I bomb it and score lower? Will having 2 lower scores make a 158 look more like an anomaly and hurt the $$$ offered at these schools? I am a shoe-in for Georgia State and Villanova, probably Penn State too, and right on the brink with Temple (who, sticker for in-state is just $23k/yr). GSU sounds like an outlier, but I have a good amount of family in the Atlanta area and have lived there before. I currently live in New England, but have residency in PA.

[bmathers]

I am my OP with some updated information to consider... should be done by 2:30 eastern (at the latest)

[isuperserial]

There is no reason why you should assume 158 is the best you can do. What are you doing to study? A score even in the low 160s should open a lot of doors for you as far as scholarships and higher quality schools.

Wanting to watch football instead of improving on a test that could change the rest of your life seems like a pretty poor choice to me.

[bmathers]

There is no reason why you should assume 158 is the best you can do. What are you doing to study? A score even in the low 160s should open a lot of doors for you as far as scholarships and higher quality schools.

Wanting to watch football instead of improving on a test that could change the rest of your life seems like a pretty poor choice to me.

I just updated my OP with some more info. And, yes, agreed. That comment was a little bit in jest.

[Barack O'Drama]

There is no reason why you should assume 158 is the best you can do. What are you doing to study? A score even in the low 160s should open a lot of doors for you as far as scholarships and higher quality schools.

Wanting to watch football instead of improving on a test that could change the rest of your life seems like a pretty poor choice to me.

Yup. This.

Fuck football, this is your future we're talking about. I know it sucks to miss things, but I am literally dedicating my entire summer after just graduating to this test. I would rather be doing anything else this summer, but if you value your future, I know you'll make the right choice.


Curious to know what your prep methods were? You seem to need some improvement all around, so maybe a solid study schedule might keep you honest and do you some good. I love The LSAT Trainer 12 week schedule. And it isn't too late to breeze through the first week or two, being that you have some solid foundations for every section, and then continue on from week 3 starting next week. The nice thing about The Trainer's schedule is that it is really good if you want to customize to your liking. Also, the book is phenomenal for really getting good at taking the test, not just knowing the strategies and tips...

But definitely retake. Getting into the 160s could change your future, and while you may end up at the same LS anyways, going for cheaper/free is always better. Good luck I know if you can get a 158 you are capable of a 160+

[bmathers]

There is no reason why you should assume 158 is the best you can do. What are you doing to study? A score even in the low 160s should open a lot of doors for you as far as scholarships and higher quality schools.

Wanting to watch football instead of improving on a test that could change the rest of your life seems like a pretty poor choice to me.

Yup. This.

Fuck football, this is your future we're talking about. I know it sucks to miss things, but I am literally dedicating my entire summer after just graduating to this test. I would rather be doing anything else this summer, but if you value your future, I know you'll make the right choice.


Curious to know what your prep methods were? You seem to need some improvement all around, so maybe a solid study schedule might keep you honest and do you some good. I love The LSAT Trainer 12 week schedule. And it isn't too late to breeze through the first week or two, being that you have some solid foundations for every section, and then continue on from week 3 starting next week. The nice thing about The Trainer's schedule is that it is really good if you want to customize to your liking. Also, the book is phenomenal for really getting good at taking the test, not just knowing the strategies and tips...

But definitely retake. Getting into the 160s could change your future, and while you may end up at the same LS anyways, going for cheaper/free is always better. Good luck I know if you can get a 158 you are capable of a 160+

Where can you get the LSAT trainer 12-week schedule?

[legit]

Also, grades this year can help you.

[pancakes3]

no, don't fuck football.

enjoy your senior year, take cake classes to boost your GPA, and study for the LSATs in a gap year. only fools rush in. KJD is rarely the right move, especially for a 3.3/158 applicant.

[bmathers]

Also, grades this year can help you.

I graduated college in 2010

[bmathers]

no, don't fuck football.

enjoy your senior year, take cake classes to boost your GPA, and study for the LSATs in a gap year. only fools rush in. KJD is rarely the right move, especially for a 3.3/158 applicant.

I graduated college quite a few years ago and have been in the work-force. I will be 30 when I start LS next year.

[Barack O'Drama]

There is no reason why you should assume 158 is the best you can do. What are you doing to study? A score even in the low 160s should open a lot of doors for you as far as scholarships and higher quality schools.

Wanting to watch football instead of improving on a test that could change the rest of your life seems like a pretty poor choice to me.

Yup. This.

Fuck football, this is your future we're talking about. I know it sucks to miss things, but I am literally dedicating my entire summer after just graduating to this test. I would rather be doing anything else this summer, but if you value your future, I know you'll make the right choice.


Curious to know what your prep methods were? You seem to need some improvement all around, so maybe a solid study schedule might keep you honest and do you some good. I love The LSAT Trainer 12 week schedule. And it isn't too late to breeze through the first week or two, being that you have some solid foundations for every section, and then continue on from week 3 starting next week. The nice thing about The Trainer's schedule is that it is really good if you want to customize to your liking. Also, the book is phenomenal for really getting good at taking the test, not just knowing the strategies and tips...

But definitely retake. Getting into the 160s could change your future, and while you may end up at the same LS anyways, going for cheaper/free is always better. Good luck I know if you can get a 158 you are capable of a 160+

Where can you get the LSAT trainer 12-week schedule?

http://www.thelsattrainer.com/lsat-stud ... tions.html

There you go. You have 2 options. One with PT 52-71 and one from 62-71. I am actually using the 12 Week 52-71 from now until the September test. It is also great because if you have trouble along the way, questions, or concerns, Mike has a thread on here and answers questions in that, as well as via PM.

I rushed through the book the first time--skipping the RC/LG sections--to get to the LR and began doing really well on LR. I was missing -9 and now can do most sections missing about 5 or 6, and even as low as 4 on one. Then I sort of jettisoned the Trainer and spent hundreds on the PS Bibles, Manhattan LSAT trilogy, etc. I really like the MLSAT, so I am going to consult those books for outside info as needed. I just really think that having a solid study schedule helps a lot more than people realize. It is easy to get caught up in only focusing on one area, like I was with logic games. The Trainer is great because it truly shows and has you learning how the test fits together.

Also check out the free 7Sage videos for LGs. They've helped me go from missing almost all the questions, down to about half. I still have a long ways to go, but I think the next 12 weeks or so we have is enough to make the gains we need. Besides, plenty of others have done it, so it's certainly possible.

You're in a good spot, you have solid foundations, but perhaps need to just pretend you're starting from the beginning and see what is and what is not working for you. I think with 11 weeks, tons of practice, and some effort a 165+ is right in your cross hairs. If you can get 1-2 more questions right pre section in September, you can score in the mid 160s! That's a totally-doable way to look at things.

[Barack O'Drama]

no, don't fuck football.

enjoy your senior year, take cake classes to boost your GPA, and study for the LSATs in a gap year. only fools rush in. KJD is rarely the right move, especially for a 3.3/158 applicant.

I graduated college quite a few years ago and have been in the work-force. I will be 30 when I start LS next year.

Yeah, I knew you had mentioned that before Bmathers. That's why I was quick to say F Football for now. It's not going anywhere. And there's no reason whenever it is on, you can't relax a bit and take a break. If you can put in 3 hours a day, you should be able to make the gains you need. (Even if its 2/day on weekdays and 4-5 on weekends when you have off)

[bmathers]

There is no reason why you should assume 158 is the best you can do. What are you doing to study? A score even in the low 160s should open a lot of doors for you as far as scholarships and higher quality schools.

Wanting to watch football instead of improving on a test that could change the rest of your life seems like a pretty poor choice to me.

Yup. This.

Fuck football, this is your future we're talking about. I know it sucks to miss things, but I am literally dedicating my entire summer after just graduating to this test. I would rather be doing anything else this summer, but if you value your future, I know you'll make the right choice.


Curious to know what your prep methods were? You seem to need some improvement all around, so maybe a solid study schedule might keep you honest and do you some good. I love The LSAT Trainer 12 week schedule. And it isn't too late to breeze through the first week or two, being that you have some solid foundations for every section, and then continue on from week 3 starting next week. The nice thing about The Trainer's schedule is that it is really good if you want to customize to your liking. Also, the book is phenomenal for really getting good at taking the test, not just knowing the strategies and tips...

But definitely retake. Getting into the 160s could change your future, and while you may end up at the same LS anyways, going for cheaper/free is always better. Good luck I know if you can get a 158 you are capable of a 160+

Where can you get the LSAT trainer 12-week schedule?

If you can get 1-2 more questions right pre section in September, you can score in the mid 160s! That's a totally-doable way to look at things.

That's a great way to look at things, and I know that I can achieve that (heck, I PT'd a 25/25 section for LR leading up to this LSAT).

As for the two PT range options.... I've probably done most of the PT's in the option offering up to PT 71, so I suppose the earlier one is better for me a well. Thanks

[Barack O'Drama]

There is no reason why you should assume 158 is the best you can do. What are you doing to study? A score even in the low 160s should open a lot of doors for you as far as scholarships and higher quality schools.

Wanting to watch football instead of improving on a test that could change the rest of your life seems like a pretty poor choice to me.

Yup. This.

Fuck football, this is your future we're talking about. I know it sucks to miss things, but I am literally dedicating my entire summer after just graduating to this test. I would rather be doing anything else this summer, but if you value your future, I know you'll make the right choice.


Curious to know what your prep methods were? You seem to need some improvement all around, so maybe a solid study schedule might keep you honest and do you some good. I love The LSAT Trainer 12 week schedule. And it isn't too late to breeze through the first week or two, being that you have some solid foundations for every section, and then continue on from week 3 starting next week. The nice thing about The Trainer's schedule is that it is really good if you want to customize to your liking. Also, the book is phenomenal for really getting good at taking the test, not just knowing the strategies and tips...

But definitely retake. Getting into the 160s could change your future, and while you may end up at the same LS anyways, going for cheaper/free is always better. Good luck I know if you can get a 158 you are capable of a 160+

Where can you get the LSAT trainer 12-week schedule?

If you can get 1-2 more questions right pre section in September, you can score in the mid 160s! That's a totally-doable way to look at things.

That's a great way to look at things, and I know that I can achieve that (heck, I PT'd a 25/25 section for LR leading up to this LSAT).

As for the two PT range options.... I've probably done most of the PT's in the option offering up to PT 71, so I suppose the earlier one is better for me a well. Thanks

Of course, man! You got this, 100%, got this.

[bmathers]

no, don't fuck football.

enjoy your senior year, take cake classes to boost your GPA, and study for the LSATs in a gap year. only fools rush in. KJD is rarely the right move, especially for a 3.3/158 applicant.

I graduated college quite a few years ago and have been in the work-force. I will be 30 when I start LS next year.

Yeah, I knew you had mentioned that before Bmathers. That's why I was quick to say F Football for now. It's not going anywhere. And there's no reason whenever it is on, you can't relax a bit and take a break. If you can put in 3 hours a day, you should be able to make the gains you need. (Even if its 2/day on weekdays and 4-5 on weekends when you have off)

The truth is, when I was stressing myself out, living in the library, and studying hardcore (and PT's in the low 160s), I scored a 153 on the official LSAT.

This time, I reviewed, but not crazy at all... just an hour here or there - certainly not everyday. Was PT'ing in the 159-160 range, and got a 158. I was much more relaxed and not stressed at all this time around. Granted, I had a headache the day I scored 153 the first time around, that may have influenced it.

[pancakes3]

Sorry. When you said "free footbal season" I thought you were still in college. But hey, you're pushing 30 and a fully grown adult. Nobody here can help you with the balancing test of how much work you need to put in now for rewards in the future.