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I still haven't decided if I should retake in February. I'm applying for this cycle, and haven't sent out most of my apps.

I was PT'ing around 174-180, mean 177. When I took the LSAT, I discovered I have terrible test anxiety. In June, I freaked out, froze, and cancelled my score. In October, I couldn't sleep the entire night before, and felt terrible during the test. I was sure I did not do well, but sucked it up and ended up with a 173.

Is it possible to apply now, possibly retake in February and only resend my score if it's significantly better? At this point, I'm not sure if it's worth it to ask schools to hold my application until retake scores are in because my test performance has been so unpredictable. Thanks!

Target schools, GPA?

GPA: 3.8
Target schools: HYS

In your case, yes.

Winston1984 wrote:In your case, yes.

I would say you have around a 50 percent chance at HYS with those numbers. At other top 10 schools, you are looking at some pretty good scholarships. If you are set on going to HYS, then retake.

Apply now and retake. A 175 probably doubles (or close to it) your chances of getting into Harvard. Even a 174 would help significantly.

How does the retake process work if my application is already in? Can I send in the new score only if I do better? What if I do worse?

taram213 wrote:How does the retake process work if my application is already in? Can I send in the new score only if I do better? What if I do worse?

I'm pretty sure it counts as submitted but it isn't reviewed until your score comes back and it gets automatically sent to the school once you get your score back. It goes to the school no matter what. Harvard has already extended their application deadline so people can apply after the February LSAT scores come back, but you'll probably get a faster turnaround if you apply now and then take the test.

Also, don't worry about scoring worse. The highest score is far and away the most important for every school. I took it three times, have a lower GPA than you, and got into HLS with a 175 LSAT and I was averaging lower than you on my practice tests. I scored a 170 when I was PTing around a 175 and I retook after about 3 weeks of retake studying and got my 175. You can do it too. Good luck!