. Forum

[Susurrus]

answered.

[t-14orbust]

Hi guys,

So I've taken the LSAT 3 times so far.

December 2014 - Cancel
February 2015 - Cancel
February 2016 - 165 (destroyed by LG I believe, has to be at least -6 on that section)

I have a 4.0, graduated as co-Valedictorian (top 100 large public) and needless to say, I'm very disappointed in myself with regards to my LSAT score. I applied right before deadlines this cycle, so far having been accepted into UVA and waitlisted at Penn. Having such a low LSAT score compared to my GPA is really bothering me and I'm starting to think about retaking (4th take) for the next cycle. I really hate the idea of delaying LS for another year (I'm already 2 years out of undergrad, having worked in BD at a law firm during this time). Nonetheless, I am willing to make that choice if it allows me a chance to get into HYS and large scholarship money at other T-14 schools.

Given ALL of that, I have a few questions:

1) Am I correct in assuming that the next time I can sit for the LSAT is December 2016?

Yes

2) Do you think it would be a big disadvantage to apply in early January?

Yes (not for Y)

3) Will my 3 takes (2 cancels and a 165) play a significant role in decisions by admissions committees if I do end up scoring much higher?

Probably not at H

Any other advice and general thoughts would also be appreciated. Thank you.

[cbbinnyc]

Is UVA your only option in the T14? Did they give you any money? If they didn't, and you don't have a wealthy uncle bankrolling you, then I think a do-over next cycle is a good idea. Given that you can't retake until Dec, it might even be a good idea to play the long game and sit out two cycles; as t-14orbust wrote, applying in Jan does put you at a significant strategic disadvantage. IMO, an extra couple years is negligible in the long-run, especially if it gives you the chance to get into HYS or other T14s with money. If UVA did offer a decent scholarship package, that might change the calculus a bit.

[Susurrus]

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[EvelynS]

I don't want to be rude or anything, but everyone and their mother have good stats at H. Sure, you need to get a good score to be competitive at H, but that is not the only thing that you need to do. You did not provide any solid info on your internships or work experience during undergrad and after graduation, so it is hard to comment on whether you have anything interesting on your resume to impress H. I would agree with the comment above re taking off 2 years and applying at the start of the cycle. I understand that for whatever reason you just want to start law school right now, but I have noticed that each year more and more employers actually prefer people with solid work experience before law school. So, you may use your time to not only master LSAT but also network and build an impressive resume that will make you competitive at HYS.

[Susurrus]

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[HYPSM]

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[fliptrip]

If you get a 173 at H and don't screw up your interview you will get in. You have solid enough work experience already. You absolutely do not need to go out and write a book or join the Peace Corps. Your LSAT would probably keep you out of H right now. Get the LSAT up, and HLS will be there.

All that being said, sticker at UVA is just not a good idea, so you should sit it out and prep for your December retake. The long rampup is a good thing and hopefully is something you can convert into at least 5 points. Even 3 more points will get you some very appealing options. You're young, you have the year(s) to spend.

The two consecutive cancels are going to raise flags. It's just odd. But, you can't change the past. Just focus on doing as well as you can this next time around.