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166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 10:33 am
by sam71191
Hi. I took the LSAT for the first time in December. I had been scoring consistently in the low 170s on my practice tests, but the day of the test I was sick and was really out of it. I ended up getting a 166, which is OK, but I am really trying to get into either UCLA or USC and that is a little low (my GPA is an 3.8 and I graduated from Boston College). Anyway, I have two questions:
1. Should I retake the LSAT in February? I think there is a very, very good chance I get a significantly higher score with a few weeks of prep to refresh my memory.
2. If I do decide to retake the test in February, do I need to somehow inform the schools to which I am applying that a February score will be forthcoming? I already submitted my applications and now they have the Dec. LSAT score so I feel like they will probably assume the application is complete unless they hear otherwise.
Thanks for your help!
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 10:54 am
by DoveBodyWash
yes you should re-take in February
Email all your schools and inform them of your February test, they'll hold off on making a decision until your new test arrives. I imagine you could still get into some good schools your current numbers anyway. I think you could probably get into USC with your numbers as they are now, but if you want leverage to negotiate, then you should ask them to wait for your Feb test. Since you have a 3.8, if you get anything above 171 you should just wait a year and re-apply and so you have a shot at T14's with scholarship
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 11:05 am
by sam71191
My GPA is actually a 3.83. Just to be precise.
I am also currently working as a paralegal for the criminal division of a big law firm and my attorney boss wrote me a GLOWING letter of recommendation about how I reorganized her department and created a more efficient system, how I basically supervise 10 attorneys throughout the state of NJ, etc. I know pretty much nothing matters but the numbers but she showed me the letter before she submitted it and it was really, really glowing. (I graduated last May.)
Anyway, I really don't want to wait another year. I don't care about getting into a top 14 school. I just want to get into UCLA or USC. Preferably UCLA. Why would you suggest I wait another year if I score above 171?
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:05 pm
by cron1834
sam71191 wrote:My GPA is actually a 3.83. Just to be precise.
I am also currently working as a paralegal for the criminal division of a big law firm and my attorney boss wrote me a GLOWING letter of recommendation about how I reorganized her department and created a more efficient system, how I basically supervise 10 attorneys throughout the state of NJ, etc. I know pretty much nothing matters but the numbers but she showed me the letter before she submitted it and it was really, really glowing. (I graduated last May.)
Anyway, I really don't want to wait another year. I don't care about getting into a top 14 school. I just want to get into UCLA or USC. Preferably UCLA. Why would you suggest I wait another year if I score above 171?
Oh, shit. Forget the LSATs, just join the Supreme Court already. I'm sure Obama can find room for a fucking paralegal that "supervises" 10 attorneys. Ballin'.
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 2:13 pm
by drevo
sam71191 wrote:
Anyway, I really don't want to wait another year. I don't care about getting into a top 14 school. I just want to get into UCLA or USC. Preferably UCLA. Why would you suggest I wait another year if I score above 171?
Because if you wait another year you can apply early in the cycle and thus have the best shot for not only acceptance but for scholarship money. Also if UCLA is your goal if you can get a 171+ you are looking at HUGE money from UCLA next cycle judging by this cycle's results so far. THere are people with 3.6/172 who are receiving $105,000+ and people with 3.8/171+ are even pulling full rides.
I'm no expert but conventional wisdom is that late applications (like those with Feb scores) are at a disadvantage in getting money. So not wanting to sit out a cycle could screw yourself out of a FREE UCLA Law degree. Just my .02
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 3:45 pm
by usernotfound
Depends on your GPA.
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:50 pm
by leroyjenkins6969
sam71191 wrote:Hi. I took the LSAT for the first time in December. I had been scoring consistently in the low 170s on my practice tests, but the day of the test I was sick and was really out of it. I ended up getting a 166, which is OK, but I am really trying to get into either UCLA or USC and that is a little low (my GPA is an 3.8 and I graduated from Boston College). Anyway, I have two questions:
1. Should I retake the LSAT in February? I think there is a very, very good chance I get a significantly higher score with a few weeks of prep to refresh my memory.
2. If I do decide to retake the test in February, do I need to somehow inform the schools to which I am applying that a February score will be forthcoming? I already submitted my applications and now they have the Dec. LSAT score so I feel like they will probably assume the application is complete unless they hear otherwise.
Thanks for your help!
Honestly, that LSAT score seems to put you in a good place for admission to UCLA or USC. Re-taking could help with scholarship $ at UCLA though.
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:51 pm
by BigZuck
Retake
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:53 pm
by Nonconsecutive
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:54 pm
by bombaysippin
cron1834 wrote:sam71191 wrote:My GPA is actually a 3.83. Just to be precise.
I am also currently working as a paralegal for the criminal division of a big law firm and my attorney boss wrote me a GLOWING letter of recommendation about how I reorganized her department and created a more efficient system, how I basically supervise 10 attorneys throughout the state of NJ, etc. I know pretty much nothing matters but the numbers but she showed me the letter before she submitted it and it was really, really glowing. (I graduated last May.)
Anyway, I really don't want to wait another year. I don't care about getting into a top 14 school. I just want to get into UCLA or USC. Preferably UCLA. Why would you suggest I wait another year if I score above 171?
Oh, shit. Forget the LSATs, just join the Supreme Court already. I'm sure Obama can find room for a fucking paralegal that "supervises" 10 attorneys. Ballin'.
Re: 166 LSAT on a day I was sick... Should I retake?
Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 5:56 pm
by Ded Precedent
Just retake homie.