What would you do? Applying this cycle vs next cycle Forum

[j_jaervinen]

I'm looking (hoping) for lower t14 with interests in federal/biglaw.
I'll spare you the details.
First take - Sept 2015 - 153. I got a good five points below where I was PTing. I knew I shouldn't have taken it but decided to because I was somewhat apprehensive about law school in general. Not the case now.
I've been studying intensely since about July 2016. I planned on taking in September 2016 but was not ready at that time.
My plan was to sit in on December 3rd but my PT is still unvariably at the low 160's (Last five 159, 165, 161, 159, 163).

I assume if I take in a week I'll get somewhere in that range, and could attend a decent T1 state school, but I don't know if that's the best for me in the long run.
My gut says to take another cycle off and apply in September, assuming I keep good LSAT study up and can get something in the upper 160's or lower 170's (though this might be a stretch for me personally).

I moved back in with my folks during the summer after I graduated UG (July 2016). I really hate the idea of taking another year off. They're also pretty adamant about sitting in for the December test and applying "just to see what happens". I'm very skeptical because it was this encouragement that made me take it the first time and as we all know, the fewer the takes, the better. They also think I fantasize about t14 as being some magic golden ticket career-wise. Maybe they're right.

So I ask you for advice. Will a take in December look bad for me? Should I just wait it out until June/Sept?
Is there a significant disadvantage to applying this year and then re-applying next year in case I don't like my options?

[Monday]

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[BobBoblaw]

It is always possible that you will get lucky and hit 165, which might give you an outside shot at a t14. It may be worth it to write the test if you make a condition with your parents that a score under 165 means they have to shut up and be supportive while you sit this one out and apply next cycle. You would still be able to do two more retakes in time for next cycles apps.

[blackmamba8]

Don't let your parents influence you to rush things. You have to live with your decisions, not them. I know it's hard to get your parents on board with changes in plans like this. My parents are still pissed off at me for sitting this cycle out, but oh well. It's for the best. T14 isn't a golden ticket, but it's about as close to one as you'll get law school wise. Wait until you're PTing in the high 160s/low 170s and then sign up.

[Monday]

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[BobBoblaw]

OP took in Sep of 15, so could take both Sept. and Dec. tests in 17 if they took this year.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I thought you said elsewhere you had a 163?

[RamTitan]

OP, I was in an extremely similar situation. I graduated in May of 2015, and did not take my first LSAT until June 2016 and scored a 169 after starting with a 146. Keep up the studying, don't rush yourself. I will admit, one more year of living at home does suck, but when you're not studying for the LSAT, use your time to grow in other ways (job/internship/volunteering, make friends, explore your hometown, exercise, etc.) and you'll find it more bearable. Not to forget, your school options will be significantly better.

Edit - with that said, the takeaway is don't let waiting another cycle deter you from getting the best LSAT score possible. If you think you can do that within this cycle, go ahead and apply, but it sounds like in your situation it would be better to spend more time studying.