Re-took 3 times: 159, 160, 160. Should I write an explanation? Forum

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xephyre

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Re-took 3 times: 159, 160, 160. Should I write an explanation?

Post by xephyre » Thu Oct 20, 2016 3:47 pm

I am a non-URM, with 4.03 GPA/160 LSAT. I'm aiming for T14/T20.

Should I write an addendum explaining my low scores? My explanations are as follows: the first was due to lack of practice, the second was from panic, the third (and I averaged 166-170 in PTs), well I frankly messed up. Since none of these are particularly compelling reasons, is there anything for me to say at all?

I know LSAC requires schools to only report the top LSAT scores so it means my retakes have a limited impact on my chances of admissions. But, how bad does it look that I scored consistently at 160? If adcomms look at this string of numbers badly, what damage control can I do?

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This is an unrelated question. I've run my numbers through LSN and LSAC calculator, I have an OK chance at Berkeley and UCLA, and around 40-50% chance for USC. Just trying to get general opinions on this, what T14/20 schools could I realistically get into? And how much $$, if any, can I expect to receive?

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sweets91

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Re: Re-took 3 times: 159, 160, 160. Should I write an explanation?

Post by sweets91 » Thu Oct 20, 2016 3:49 pm

no explanation necessary

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ronanOgara

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Re: Re-took 3 times: 159, 160, 160. Should I write an explanation?

Post by ronanOgara » Thu Oct 20, 2016 3:49 pm

xephyre wrote:I am a non-URM, with 4.03 GPA/160 LSAT. I'm aiming for T14/T20.

Should I write an addendum explaining my low scores? My explanations are as follows: the first was due to lack of practice, the second was from panic, the third (and I averaged 166-170 in PTs), well I frankly messed up. Since none of these are particularly compelling reasons, is there anything for me to say at all?

I know LSAC requires schools to only report the top LSAT scores so it means my retakes have a limited impact on my chances of admissions. But, how bad does it look that I scored consistently at 160? If adcomms look at this string of numbers badly, what damage control can I do?

-----

This is an unrelated question. I've run my numbers through LSN and LSAC calculator, I have an OK chance at Berkeley and UCLA, and around 40-50% chance for USC. Just trying to get general opinions on this, what T14/20 schools could I realistically get into? And how much $$, if any, can I expect to receive?
There's your answer.

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calpolisci2016

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Re: Re-took 3 times: 159, 160, 160. Should I write an explanation?

Post by calpolisci2016 » Thu Oct 20, 2016 3:50 pm

General criteria for explaining LSAT scores: http://www.lawschoolexpert.com/how-to-e ... sat-score/

I don't think you fall into any of these categories. Everyone, literally everyone, makes those kinds of mistakes. Not preparing and messing up are part of the process.

Rigo

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Re: Re-took 3 times: 159, 160, 160. Should I write an explanation?

Post by Rigo » Thu Oct 20, 2016 3:51 pm

Nope.
And I doubt you'll get any money at T20.

xephyre

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Re: Re-took 3 times: 159, 160, 160. Should I write an explanation?

Post by xephyre » Thu Oct 20, 2016 4:05 pm

Thanks for the answers. Glad to know there's nothing for me to say.

I'm honestly just worried I'll get dinged for basically performing so consistently at 160. But, hey, nothing I can do now but spruce up my PS and get great LORs 8)

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