Top Law Schools

I am an African American male. My LSAT score was not good in October.

I am currently studying for the December LSAT, but I'm not sure my score will improve to at least a 160 since I've been so busy with teaching. If I can't hit this score, I'll probably re-take in February.

Will that hurt me? One of my friends from last year got into Harvard, but didn't get in until April, so I'm thinking re-taking in February would be fine. But, I'd like your opinions.

Also, tell me what I should do with regards to applications at the top law schools. I really don't want to wait another year.

Thanks.

Take December, apply with that score, retake in February and send in that score to schools that haven't made a decision on you yet.

GPA? Previous LSAT score?

Iroh wrote:GPA? Previous LSAT score?

GPA is a 3.8. LSAT score was a dismal 146.

If I did what "john" said above, would I be at a significant disadvantage?

subjectverbagreement wrote:

Iroh wrote:GPA? Previous LSAT score?

GPA is a 3.8. LSAT score was a dismal 146.

If I did what "john" said above, would I be at a significant disadvantage?

No, applying with a December score is middle of the cycle, which for URMs means almost no disadvantage.

Updating with a February score is also fine, it could only help you do better and schools are on the fence about you.

And what does having potentially 3 LSAT scores on file do to a URM?

Nothing whatsoever, it actually doesn't do anything for any applicant except maybe at Yale and Stanford. But certainly not for a URM.

Thanks. Just feeling a lot of angst right now.

I would highly recommend against retaking in February. If your score isn't where you want it to be in December, wait until June and reapply for the next cycle. The last thing you want is to get an equally-bad score in February and then have to not only sit out this cycle, but next cycle as well.

twentypercentmore wrote:I would highly recommend against retaking in February. If your score isn't where you want it to be in December, wait until June and reapply for the next cycle. The last thing you want is to get an equally-bad score in February and then have to not only sit out this cycle, but next cycle as well.

I understand, but the thought of taking another year off is killing me. I'm actually studying all of my available and holiday time away to get where I need to be.

It took me a year while working full time to go from the 140s to 170s, where I finally ended up at 166 on test day. Don't short-change yourself.