December LSAT Retake & Applications Forum

[akasabian]

Hi all,
I'm currently working on getting ready for the October LSAT, but I'm not at where I was hoping to be. So I'm considering taking the Dec. LSAT as well. So my question is: If I'm going to take the Dec one as well, do I need to wait until later to submit my apps to schools, or can I submit the apps in say November or so, and then send an updated LSAT score to those schools? I know a lot of schools do the first round of admits in December, so I'm concerned that a Dec LSAT score won't be to the schools in time if I send my applications to schools in November.

[02889]

If you know you're going to re-take in December before you submit your applications, you can indicate that on your app. Schools may or may not (probably the former) hold off on deciding on your application until they get your December score.

[dowu]

Tag. Might be in the same boat as well.

[togepi]

I'm most likely going to be taking the October and December administrations. Would applying around Christmas time be considered late and affect my chances of gaining admission? I know the earlier the better, but around what time is considered late?

TYIA

[kryptik]

Tag. Would like insight on this as well.

[North]

Adding to the chorus of interest. I plan to not even take break from studying after I sit for December. Too risky, IMO, to wait a month for scores to come out and then decide whether to retake.

[AAyala]

Super interested in this thread. My June/Oct LSAT plan fell through, so I will be sitting for the Oct/Dec. I feel 70% ready, but no where near 100%. I figure Oct will be an experience for Dec. If all goes well (163+) then I will probably not re-take but who knows?!

Also, from what I have been told by various admissions staff, if we take the Oct (and don't cancel) but plan on retaking in Dec (or even Feb) give each school a call so that they can make that notation. E-mail would probably be a wiser decision--always good to have documentation.

[JC7168]

Yea I defiantly was thinking along the same lines. Any info would be fantastic

[akasabian]

Just wanted to bump this to see if anyone has advice!

[cloudhidden]

Adding another voice to the chorus. Someone help us out!

[geary86]

tag

[JC7168]

just gonna give this a bump

[collegebum1989]

Looking for an answer to the same question, but I guess after searching many threads, I'll attempt to provide an answer.

It depends on your GPA, your soft factors and the schools you're targeting. It also depends on whether you are expecting scholarships at schools you are applying. I would say apply to your safeties and targets with your October LSAT if its not as high as you wanted for your reaches (ex. 165-168 vs. 170). Buy realize that the lower LSAT score may affect your scholarship packages from safety/reach schools.

Second, if you are a splitter, it may be best to apply to target/safety schools early and save the reach schools for after with the higher LSAT. Admissions chances will be dependent on how much better the December LSAT is and which particular reach schools you are applying to.

As you can see, no one has answered this question since there are too many variables to give an appropriate answer. It really depends on an individual level.