Another "Should I Retake" Post Forum

[ajkaok]

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[Nebby]

I think you could get $ at CCN, and $$$ at the lower T14. I think it's a toss up really in regard to whether you should retake. I would say you don't have to. Honestly, I would apply early in the cycle (preNovember) and see where the chips fall.

[sfoglia]

I'm of the opinion that, if you don't think it is likely that you will do exceptionally better, it is not worth the risk of doing worse. You sound reluctant - I would be, too, if I were in your position, given that 172 is a fantastic score - which suggests that you're unlikely to really devote significant time to studying to improve.

I have a 3.85 and am hoping for at least a 174, but I can say with absolute certainty that if I were to score a 172 in September, I would not consider retaking. I'd simply work to submit the best possible application as early as I could. But, I am a horrible test taker, so, there's that. You know your capabilities, and ultimately that is the deciding factor. If you are entirely sure that you would score higher than a 172, I see no reason not to retake.

[Cradle6]

I'm a very similar situation, but slightly higher GPA and one point less LSAT.

How long was your total LSAT study?

[ajkaok]

I'm a very similar situation, but slightly higher GPA and one point less LSAT.

How long was your total LSAT study?

In hours? I would guess around 45-50 with about 40 of that just being practice test.

Also, thank you to everyone who has responded.

[MT Cicero]

I'm of the opinion that, if you don't think it is likely that you will do exceptionally better, it is not worth the risk of doing worse. You sound reluctant - I would be, too, if I were in your position, given that 172 is a fantastic score - which suggests that you're unlikely to really devote significant time to studying to improve.

I have a 3.85 and am hoping for at least a 174, but I can say with absolute certainty that if I were to score a 172 in September, I would not consider retaking. I'd simply work to submit the best possible application as early as I could. But, I am a horrible test taker, so, there's that. You know your capabilities, and ultimately that is the deciding factor. If you are entirely sure that you would score higher than a 172, I see no reason not to retake.

Given the information you've provided, the bolded above is the ONLY reason I wouldn't retake. If you can avoid that pitfall, I voted for retake. You don't seem like you've put in tons of time, and with a -6 on LG, I think you've got 174+ just about on lock.

I only had ~8 weeks of LSAT study prior to taking (military deployment looming). I spent about 20-25 hours a week of hard drilling, followed by PTs & thorough review, which is what you need. You need to drill LGs like it is your job. Oh, I did all this with a 50+ hour a week job and a family. So, time-based excuses will fall on deaf ears with me!

After all that, I was absolutely going to retake a 171 or less. A 172 was my toss-up number. I got a 173 (last 10 PT average somewhere around 174-175). I still almost retook because I missed 2 LGs. I was pissed (everything's relative, right?). With a full 10 weeks like you have now, and after seeing the test once, I think you're mid-170s material all day long...IF you don't start to let complacency sneak up on you.

Either way, your GPA owns mine, so you'll have some great options. Why not turn those into outstanding options and save yourself another $60-75K by putting in a concentrated effort, destroying the September test, and snagging a full ride to a great school? Do it!