Very low Oct LSAT score, any thoughts? Forum

[RhymesLikeDimes]

A 136 screams "poor reading comprehension skills", and that is not something that can be fixed in six months. Not to be the fly in the soup, but even going beyond the incredible amount of work that it is going to take to jump 30+ points, that 136 is going to look awful on an application. I'm not sure it's worth the investment of time/money in your case.

[Otunga]

It looks awful, but a 170+ should still get this guy into t14. I could see if his GPA was horrific, and it lined up with the LSAT score, but the GPA is OK. I wouldn't look too far into that.

[Clearly]

Really, no one is calling flame here?

[hephaestus]

Really, no one is calling flame here?

OP jumped the shark too early with that whole "Im thinking Cooley" thing.

[Otunga]

I think he would've put an absolutely awful GPA if he was trolling us. But maybe that's what he wants us to think.

[Nova]

Really, no one is calling flame here?

Its probably a flame, but just in case its not...

[midwest17]

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 9&t=218930

The turtles seem like too much of a coincidence.

[Otunga]

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 9&t=218930

The turtles seem like too much of a coincidence.

Now it's close to certain he's a troll.

[Nova]

I don't get whats so amusing to trolls who post bad stats.

All that happens is everyone says retake or don't go.

[izha]

I don't get whats so amusing to trolls who post bad stats.

All that happens is everyone says retake or don't go.

And those who give "retake, waste six months of your life" advice to someone with LSAT 136 are absolutely clueless. I, actually, like this troll.

[ZVBXRPL]

Thanks for that, I do plan on studying my butt off and then retaking next year. Hopefully 30+ points will be easy to come by with lots of hard work and determination!

It will NOT be easy to come by. Be prepared to get knocked down a lot. Keep getting up and you will get where you want to be.

WHAT AN EPIC RESPONSE. I JUST CRACKED UP.

[TheSpanishMain]

I don't get whats so amusing to trolls who post bad stats.

All that happens is everyone says retake or don't go.

And those who give "retake, waste six months of your life" advice to someone with LSAT 136 are absolutely clueless. I, actually, like this troll.

Agreed. People who blithely go "Well, just retake for 170+" need to look at the data for LSAT retakers. If you score a 136 diagnostic without some obvious explanation (had a heart attack halfway through the test), you almost certainly don't have 170 in the tank. Hell, you probably don't have 160 in the tank.

OP be trollin', though.

[JWP1022]

Thanks for that, I do plan on studying my butt off and then retaking next year. Hopefully 30+ points will be easy to come by with lots of hard work and determination!

It will NOT be easy to come by. Be prepared to get knocked down a lot. Keep getting up and you will get where you want to be.

WHAT AN EPIC RESPONSE. I JUST CRACKED UP.

Yep I got trolled p hard.

[toshiroh]

I don't get whats so amusing to trolls who post bad stats.

All that happens is everyone says retake or don't go.

And those who give "retake, waste six months of your life" advice to someone with LSAT 136 are absolutely clueless. I, actually, like this troll.

Agreed. People who blithely go "Well, just retake for 170+" need to look at the data for LSAT retakers. If you score a 136 diagnostic without some obvious explanation (had a heart attack halfway through the test), you almost certainly don't have 170 in the tank. Hell, you probably don't have 160 in the tank.

OP be trollin', though.

Not true. My diagnostic was a 137, and Currently pting in mid to upper 160 range. It's hard as hell, but possible, and it takes work.

[Socialista77]

A 136 is low, most ABA accredited schools require higher scores. I would retake, if I knew I could improve my score with study and practice. That said, there are law schools that do not look at LSAT scores , but there your undergraduate GPA would be the primary concern ( most, but not all law schools require a 4-year B.A.). If you are willing to put in the effort to score higher, and I know you can, then I would look at schools with programs for non-traditional students. Best advice talk to a pre-law advisor at a brick and mortar school, not someone who will charge you $4,000 for common sense advice. There is more than one way into law school, just keep in mind with a low score your options are limited, which will lead to limited employment opportunities and you probably will end up owing ALOT in loans, though if you're like myself law school isn't about how the $$$.

[midwest17]

I don't get whats so amusing to trolls who post bad stats.

All that happens is everyone says retake or don't go.

And those who give "retake, waste six months of your life" advice to someone with LSAT 136 are absolutely clueless. I, actually, like this troll.

Agreed. People who blithely go "Well, just retake for 170+" need to look at the data for LSAT retakers. If you score a 136 diagnostic without some obvious explanation (had a heart attack halfway through the test), you almost certainly don't have 170 in the tank. Hell, you probably don't have 160 in the tank.

OP be trollin', though.

The data on LSAT retakers that I'm aware of isn't necessarily relevant. It's polluted by people who studied initially and for the retake, people who didn't study either time, and people who studied for the first test and not for the retake. It's hard to discern from that the chances of someone who doesn't study at all for the initial test and then actually dedicates them to studying for the retake.

But yes, OP is a troll.

[tofuspeedstar]

I don't get whats so amusing to trolls who post bad stats.

All that happens is everyone says retake or don't go.

And those who give "retake, waste six months of your life" advice to someone with LSAT 136 are absolutely clueless. I, actually, like this troll.

Agreed. People who blithely go "Well, just retake for 170+" need to look at the data for LSAT retakers. If you score a 136 diagnostic without some obvious explanation (had a heart attack halfway through the test), you almost certainly don't have 170 in the tank. Hell, you probably don't have 160 in the tank.

OP be trollin', though.

Crock of shit, diagnostic here was 136. Oct '13 score was 167. lulz. We just have to do more work than those who diag 145+.

[michiganturtle]

Well, you've all provided plenty to think about, thank you for those with sincere responses.

I'm sorry if I'm not following trolls and such, I'm not sure what exactly you are referring to. Is it me because of how low my LSAT score was? I can handle that; I don't mind taking a "ribbing" where it's due.

Maybe I should explain myself a little further? I am a wife and mother of 1 recently graduated daughter. I chose to stay home and be the dutiful wife/mother and now have time to think about me. A couple years ago, I decided I wanted to get a jump start on my future plans however with no ability to travel to college, I enrolled and earned my associates via National Paralegal College....online. Yes I know how bad that sounds to most of you. I'm doing what I can and will never be ashamed for it.

After finishing my associates, during which I moved from Florida to Michigan, I really questioned what direction I truly wanted to go and decided that I would take a stab at the LSAT and just "see" what happens. I posted here because I really wanted some insight from the "big dogs". I am still coming to terms within myself as to what direction I should choose. Since I was in high school, I always wanted to learn law. I think more as a satisfaction to my father. Possibly in an effort to still earn his approval, I am continuing to considering this idea.

I chose Cooley as it is close to where I live now, they recently signed an agreement with Western Michigan University to offer classes - which is even closer to me, and offers good discounts to those with a higher LSAT score. A good discount is certainly something I need to keep in mind. After taking the LSAT I see zero discounts in my future.

I hope I've provided clarity. Thanks again for the response.

[tofuspeedstar]

Go back for your bachelor's at WMU first. You might find something else there.

[northwood]

you need a bachelors degree to get admitted to law school

[Nonconsecutive]

Crock of shit, diagnostic here was 136. Oct '13 score was 167. lulz. We just have to do more work than those who diag 145+.

OP aside, I completely agree with the above.

[Nova]

My diagnostic was a 137, and Currently pting in mid to upper 160 range. It's hard as hell, but possible, and it takes work.

Crock of shit, diagnostic here was 136. Oct '13 score was 167. lulz. We just have to do more work than those who diag 145+.

OP aside, I completely agree with the above.

+1

& good work yall

[Finnpower]

Well, you've all provided plenty to think about, thank you for those with sincere responses.

I'm sorry if I'm not following trolls and such, I'm not sure what exactly you are referring to. Is it me because of how low my LSAT score was? I can handle that; I don't mind taking a "ribbing" where it's due.

Maybe I should explain myself a little further? I am a wife and mother of 1 recently graduated daughter. I chose to stay home and be the dutiful wife/mother and now have time to think about me. A couple years ago, I decided I wanted to get a jump start on my future plans however with no ability to travel to college, I enrolled and earned my associates via National Paralegal College....online. Yes I know how bad that sounds to most of you. I'm doing what I can and will never be ashamed for it.

After finishing my associates, during which I moved from Florida to Michigan, I really questioned what direction I truly wanted to go and decided that I would take a stab at the LSAT and just "see" what happens. I posted here because I really wanted some insight from the "big dogs". I am still coming to terms within myself as to what direction I should choose. Since I was in high school, I always wanted to learn law. I think more as a satisfaction to my father. Possibly in an effort to still earn his approval, I am continuing to considering this idea.

I chose Cooley as it is close to where I live now, they recently signed an agreement with Western Michigan University to offer classes - which is even closer to me, and offers good discounts to those with a higher LSAT score. A good discount is certainly something I need to keep in mind. After taking the LSAT I see zero discounts in my future.

I hope I've provided clarity. Thanks again for the response.

Hi Ms Turtle. You don't seem like a troll to me. A troll is just someone who likes to post controversial things on the internet to get a rise out of people.

Anyway, probably the most important advice I can give is to not go to Cooley unless it is free. There is a guy at my work who is works in the legal department that graduated at the top of his class from Cooley. But a story like his is incredible rare.

Oh and another thing- don't go if you have significant opportunity costs. In other words if you are working already and making an average salary and you quit your job to go to law school? Terrible. You might as well burn your money.

You will probably have better options than law school if you go to school somewhere and finish your bachelors. You might find something you like in your continued studies.

[RhymesLikeDimes]

Since I was in high school, I always wanted to learn law. I think more as a satisfaction to my father. Possibly in an effort to still earn his approval, I am continuing to considering this idea.

lmao, this doesn't strike you as trolling?

[midwest17]

Anyway, probably the most important advice I can give is to not go to Cooley unless it is free.

FTFY.

Seriously, even free Cooley has opportunity cost. Even if you don't currently have a job, free Cooley has opportunity cost. A law degree limits your career options outside of law, and a law degree from Cooley limits your career options inside of law.