Scored 8 Points Below Average Forum

[user129415]

Hey guys, just looking for some honest advice. I was PTing between 169-174 and I just got my score back which was a 163 on the January LSAT(second attempt). My gpa is 3.9 and this will be my second off year if I choose to retake.

My question is, do I suck it up and apply to like T30-20 schools or just go ahead and postpone another year? My thoughts are that if I postpone and take it in a few months, I will have a chance at scholarships and a better score. Just not sure if the cost/benefit ratio would be in my favor. Thanks for hearing me out.

[crazywafflez]

This is a tough spot to be in... You have such a good GPA, and honestly a few more points opens up the T14-20 (which you may get since your GPA is high, but I don't think you'll get a scholarship) or full ride from a T1. What do you want to do in law? If you are biglaw or bust, you really should retake. Especially since you were PTing pretty high.
Maybe I'd apply and see if I get something akin to a fullride in the state I want to practice or a good package to a T20 I'm interested in (however, I'm still debt averse with these). In my head there's no real difference between T21-T30 whatever it is. Maybe Emory is slightly better than UGA, but, maybe I'm wrong, the difference seems negligible. I'd just call those schools after about WashU or USC or so T1 schools.
I think this really depends on your goals/market you want etc.; if you want to work and a small firm or do state govt work in Kansas, going toKU on a fullride is a great option.
If you are trying to make 180k, you've really gotta be in a primary market, and go to a T14 (or decent grades from a T20).
I was in a similar position as you (albeit, I wasn't pting as high), and I stupidly ignored the advice and forged ahead. My results have been pretty good for a T1 outcome, but I have a lot of friends who struck out (and I struck out at OCI- basically everyone did unless they were top 20% or so). I also have pretty low debt, and almost pulled the trigger on going to a T20 at sticker but decided not to after receiving advice here.
Really consider retaking though if your goals are anything above modest.
Best of luck.

[Dcc617]

You got unlucky and scored well below your average. Absolutely retake.

[CanadianWolf]

What was the score on your first attempt at the LSAT ?

If you improved by more than 2 points, then you should retake the LSAT.

You should probably retake the LSAT as a 3.9 GPA is too good to waste.