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I got a 170 on the June test, and am debating retaking... how much would it hurt me if I retook and then ended up scoring the same or a few points below? Or if I don't finish a section (again) how bad does it look canceling my score? Do schools even notice of the test is taken after I apply? In practice, I'm scoring 175-180, but shit happens. With my stats, I'm a shoe-in at BC and BU and Fordham, but I'd like to get into either Columbia or NYU.

I am in the exact position, 170 in June and want to go to school in NYC. Several people told me to retake, would be interesting to see what other people think.

What is your GPA? (to OP)

i was in your position last summer...except i had a cancel + 170 already. i decided to retake because my gpa isn't that stellar (3.62) and i was dead set on t6. i retook and got a 176, and was accepted to nyu (attending) within like 3 weeks of going complete. i've been waitlisted everywhere else, but i did apply late (january). take all of that for what you will...

PierceFromCT wrote:I got a 170 on the June test, and am debating retaking... how much would it hurt me if I retook and then ended up scoring the same or a few points below? Or if I don't finish a section (again) how bad does it look canceling my score? Do schools even notice of the test is taken after I apply? In practice, I'm scoring 175-180, but shit happens. With my stats, I'm a shoe-in at BC and BU and Fordham, but I'd like to get into either Columbia or NYU.

Depends on your GPA and your softs... how good are they?

I'm retaking a 170 as well.

3.96 GPA, but I want Columbia and I know I can get it up a few points.

PierceFromCT wrote:I got a 170 on the June test, and am debating retaking... how much would it hurt me if I retook and then ended up scoring the same or a few points below? Or if I don't finish a section (again) how bad does it look canceling my score? Do schools even notice of the test is taken after I apply? In practice, I'm scoring 175-180, but shit happens. With my stats, I'm a shoe-in at BC and BU and Fordham, but I'd like to get into either Columbia or NYU.

Columbia and NYU both average LSAT scores if you take it multiple times. So, retaking it and doing worse will fuck you over royally for those schools. Only retake if you are 100% certain that your score will be >170

Bildungsroman wrote:

PierceFromCT wrote:I got a 170 on the June test, and am debating retaking... how much would it hurt me if I retook and then ended up scoring the same or a few points below? Or if I don't finish a section (again) how bad does it look canceling my score? Do schools even notice of the test is taken after I apply? In practice, I'm scoring 175-180, but shit happens. With my stats, I'm a shoe-in at BC and BU and Fordham, but I'd like to get into either Columbia or NYU.

Columbia and NYU both average LSAT scores if you take it multiple times. So, retaking it and doing worse will fuck you over royally for those schools. Only retake if you are 100% certain that your score will be >170

False, NYU and Columbia dont average.. in fact looking at LSN data they put 80 to 90% weight on the highest LSAT. I'd recommend retaking, not much u can lose

Nom Sawyer wrote: False, NYU and Columbia dont average..

At least that's what they say officially I think.

I was debating this a couple of months ago (170 Feb first time). I decided against it. I have been tutoring for last couple of months and I have to say I'd hate to take that test again. I feel like I am doing a lot more in other areas to enhance my already very strong softs, so I don't feel like the risk/award ratio is that good for me to retake. That said, if this cycle doesn't work out I will retake and reapply again. I can't see too downside to retaking unless , the only 3 schools that care about retakes, you are not going to get in without strong GPA and softs anyway. I just personally don't want to go through with that again unless I have to.

i've thought about doing this. i have a 171 and would really like to get into columbia or nyu. one thing i'll say, though, is that your GPA is pretty low, so i'm guessing you'd need a 3-4+ point increase to make this worthwhile.