apply early v. LSAT retake? Forum

[nightsky]

I'm a non-URM with a 3.88 in political science from an IVY, and took LSATs twice (Dec 2012: 162 / June 2013: 170). I'm shooting for T5 schools, but after getting my retake score I just couldn't figure out if it's better to apply early (like as soon as the apps open) or take the test again in Oct and then apply. Most of my friends are telling me to take the test again, but I'm pretty bad at taking standardized tests and scored about 8 points below my prep mean for both sittings. Right now I'm leaning more towards submitting my app super early in the cycle and forget about retake, but would really appreciate any advice you guys can give. Thanks!

[untar614]

In most cases, a higher LSAT is more valuable than an early application (though both is better), and if you plan on retaking in October and completing the app submission a soon as you get your score back, that would still be good time-wise. If you think you can land 2-3 more points on the LSAT, given your GPA that would put you as close to a lock numbers-wise as we can really claim (though there are never any guarantees) for at least one of HCCNP

[sinfiery]

You were PTing an average 178? Retake the LSAT


Applying on Nov 1st is still early. Just get your application ready by then

[lhn5007]

I would retake no matter what because end of October/early November is still early. A couple more points with your gpa will make a huge difference. Are you thinking about Early Decision, is that why?

[Lavitz]

You're currently below the LSAT median at all of the Top 5 (except Stanford).

You were PTing an average 178? Retake the LSAT

[nightsky]

I would retake no matter what because end of October/early November is still early. A couple more points with your gpa will make a huge difference. Are you thinking about Early Decision, is that why?

I was thinking about Columbia ED, but it seems like I should give another try at the LSAT and leave no regret behind (of not having applied to T3 at all).

Thank you all for the replies, I'm registering for the Oct LSAT. I guess if I don't reach my goal in law school admissions, it shouldn't be because I didn't try hard enough.

[Ti Malice]

I would retake no matter what because end of October/early November is still early. A couple more points with your gpa will make a huge difference. Are you thinking about Early Decision, is that why?

I was thinking about Columbia ED, but it seems like I should give another try at the LSAT and leave no regret behind (of not having applied to T3 at all).

Thank you all for the replies, I'm registering for the Oct LSAT. I guess if I don't reach my goal in law school admissions, it shouldn't be because I didn't try hard enough.

That's the smart move. Best of luck!

[UnderrateOverachieve]

Does anyone have stats on October Lsats? Might be anecdotal, but I hear the June has the least variance and the October has the most. Simply because of the time gap is spent on making a more novel test.

The variation wouldn't mean take or don't take since it wouldnt be more predictive of a high score or a low score. Just curious. I took a June practice test and it was my highest score, and my actual score on the October test was miserable and it was apparently the hardest test ever, with the highest set curve and the lowest distribution. The actual distro was indicative that the curve should have been set about 2 points lower.