Retaking LSAT after Acceptances and Seat Deposit? Forum

[Kchuck]

So I did a search and I couldn't exactly find what I am looking for. There's too many damn 'Should I retake because of X posts'.

So the question I pose to the infinite wisdom of the internet is:

Is it allowed and/or worth it to retake the LSAT in June if you have already been accepted and are planning on attending a Law School in the fall. In my case, I've taken the LSAT twice and see it as a nothing to lose situation by taking the LSAT for the last time in June of 2010. If I score like I think I can than I lose the seat deposit I put down, and reapply for the 2011 cycle and open myself to better schools, more scholarships. I was wondering if this allowed or frowned upon or what the sentiment is from law schools. And on the chance I just improve by a few points, then I just stick with the school I've been accepted to and they get to report a higher score. Does anyone have experience with doing this, and if so what was your outcome?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[danr2040]

Yes it is allowed and taking the June test after being admitted/WLed at places can pay off big time. By improving a few points, I got in off of the WL at a better school than I had placed my seat deposit at. A few others on TLS got similar great results.

Before doing this, I ran the retaking in June plan by Dean Pless (former?), Univ. of Illinois admissions director who posted here. (Paraphrasing) He said he would not hold it against an applicant, given how much of a numbers game most of admissions is.

Why not give it a try? Worst case you score lower, and the schools you are already in at have no reason to hold it against you, because they only need to report your higher score. Do better, you can get more $/into a better school.

Also of interest: based on my conversation with an LSAC rep, schools don't know you are taking the LSAT unless you tell them ahead of time. It won't even show up on the LSDAS report until you have a reportable score, in mid to late June in this case.

While most applications ask you to reveal if you are registered to take the LSAT in the future at the time you submit the application, I don't think there is an obligation to reveal any subsequent plans to retake the LSAT after you have already submitted your application. Again, this is based on my opinion and one convo with an LSAC rep, I welcome any opinions to the contrary.

[champ33]

Bumping this after finding it in a search. Does anyone else have experience with the OP's question? I'm beginning to think this is a good plan.

[Pricer]

I've looked into this as well, and cannot find any negative consequences. From what I have been reading, it can't hurt. It looks like if you are in at a school and have paid a seat deposit, they will not retract that admission if you make a lower score in June. I plan to do this just to see if I could do better.

[eye]

I'm in the same boat as you guys, registered for June, retaking a 165. Maybe we should start a thread?

Anyways, I'm already in my target school with a good chance of $$ coming in. I had an LSAC waiver for another LSAT exam, so I decided to use it. We have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. I'm hoping to hit at least a 168. With a 3.9 gpa, I'll take a gap year and try my luck with the 2011 cycle.

[keg411]

Nothing to lose at all, OP. I think it's fine.

I'm hoping to do well enough on my Saturday make-up to "re"cycle or at least get some $$$.

[minuit]

I'm thinking of doing the same thing... I just really feel like I can do better, and I don't want to waste my GPA. It would be nice to get some real scholarship money!! The only bump in the road I can think of is having to asking my profs to either re-write my LOR or finding new profs to do so.

[champ33]

from what i've heard there is no harm in using the same LOR's in the next cycle, but don't quote me. anyone else know?

[eye]

I plan on using the same LOR's if I wait until next cycle, doesn't seem like there is any harm in that.

Minuit, that is a very awesome GPA! I say go for the retake!

[Pricer]

I thought the LoRs submitted to the credential assembly service were good until your membership expired, which is like five years.