Can you submit December LSAT scores if you applied earlier? Forum

[NeedtoStudy]

I was wondering if one could apply in, say, October and take the December test. By January, when you get your score, if the school hasn't made a decision - can you let them know your December LSAT score?

Thanks

[094320]

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[psm11]

I'd like to know the answer to this as well. I'm afraid they are going to make a decision before my Dec LSAT score comes in.

[FMK_18840]

I was wondering the same thing today. I'm upset with my June LSAT score, but I still want to apply early. If I apply with my June LSAT score, then retake in December..how should I go about "updating" my score? I don't want them to reject me so early, but I don't want to apply late either. Any suggestions? Thanks guys.

[firemed]

Why does no one want to retake in October anymore?

[crumpetsandtea]

Why does no one want to retake in October anymore?

Srsly....If you're retaking, retake in Oct. Score comes out by November, apply first week of November. Boom.

[schooner]

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[NeedtoStudy]

Well, to really concretize this: I am wondering about this in case I get a 25th percentile score, on the October test, for the school I want to go. Wouldn't it be prudent to take it in December and try to get a 75th percentile score that will take me off the wait list?

[firemed]

Well, to really concretize this: I am wondering about this in case I get a 25th percentile score, on the October test, for the school I want to go. Wouldn't it be prudent to take it in December and try to get a 75th percentile score that will take me off the wait list?

concretize.... wow, my spellchecker claims that is actually a word...

anyway, take it when you feel comfortable, but all these people retaking... you have taken the test and have 3 months to study... so just do it in my opinion.

3 months, 5 months, not that big a difference.

[NeedtoStudy]

Yeah, I didn't think it was a real word the first time I heard it, haha.

I have been unclear, my bad. I am definitely taking it in October, the question is whether to take it in December - as well - to boost my chance of admission.

[schooner]

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[firemed]

Yeah, I didn't think it was a real word the first time I heard it, haha.

I have been unclear, my bad. I am definitely taking it in October, the question is whether to take it in December - as well - to boost my chance of admission.

Retake when you get your Oct results if you don't get the score you wanted.

[schooner]

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[NeedtoStudy]

The major risk here is that the school won't waitlist you, but just reject you outright before they ever find out about your 2nd score.

Yes, you nailed it; this is the only worry that I've had. Okay, I'm thinking about a T14 school so let's say their 25th/75th range is 164-168. I'm thinking that it would be okay to apply in October with a 164, as I don't think I'd get outright rejected with a median GPA. I guess it might be somewhat of a risk, but I don't think it's a substantial one.

[NeedtoStudy]

I think the OP is asking how to game the application timeline to get the advantage of applying early AND the benefit of higher score later. He can't do that if he's truthful about planning to take the later LSAT because schools typically won't start looking at applications until all expected app materials are in.

I didn't know that they held your app until the materials are in, thanks. Wasn't trying to be deceitful, just clever.

[schooner]

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[NeedtoStudy]

No, not at all, your posts were much appreciated.

And in all honesty, I don't think there's anything wrong with, as it breaks down like this.

1. The person is applying in November, as they are
2. The school has from November to January to make a decision (in the mean time, the student took another LSAT)
3. In January, the school is presented with new information about the candidate

To me, it's not too different from submitting a Why NYU letter? It is additional information that is at the school's disposal.

[schooner]

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[MumofCad]

You are falling victim to the inevitable "what if" syndrome of doubt that befalls all those taking the LSAT. Focus on just preparing and doing as well as possible in October. Treat it like its your one and only chance. Develop a Plan B only after Plan A (the much much better option) fails. If you have to re-take in December, you can notify the schools you intend to retake in mid-November. They aren't going to process your application the day your LSAT score comes in and you can certainly make the decision to re-take in Dec the same day if you are very unhappy. Therefore, you have the time advantage to make this decision.

Don't worry about it now. Everyone goes through a crisis of confidence as the LSAT date approaches. Keep studying and nail in Oct.