162- 168- retake? Forum

[OrdinarilySkilled]

I took the LSAT twice, once a few years ago and once this year. The problem- I got a 162 the first time with minimal prep (law school wasn't really an option at the time) and a 168 this time, incorrectly bubbling 5 answers (%#^@!) at the end of a section that would have been correct. My PT average is in the 173 area. GPA -3.69.

I can probably get into some of the schools I want to go to, but I can't help but feel like I would be selling myself short with my LSAT score (especially if its averaged).

It seems like there are mixed feelings on a third try so I'm not really sure what to do.
Would, say, 162-168-172 make a difference (as far as getting into better schools or getting more money at schools I would get in to)? Should I retake in Oct or just apply as early as possible and see what happens?

Don't really have a school or area preference, just best mix of rank and $.

I know I have plenty of time but I am asking now because I would like to try to get a test site that isn't super far from home if I decide to retake.

[se5896]

Don't retake. 162-168-and? Looks like 170+ is definitely within your reach, but too many unknowns. I'm sure the five-bubble blunder stings, but you've got a high end of 168 and avg of 165. Take your scores and run. Strike while your iron is hot.

[jks289]

I would retake. You have the obvious potential to do better and it is unlikely you'd do worse. With those number you are at the bottom of the T14 without any cash (I am there, and it isn't all that bad ) but with a 172+ you would be opening up your options in a big way and it would amount to significantly more money wherever you might have ended up pre-retake. It's win-win. Good luck.

Also, I was 163-168-169. There is no indication in my cycle that the 163 counted against me at all. In terms of money or where I was in or out. So I wouldn't worry too much.

[danr2040]

Since you were averaging a 173 (assuming you did 5 section uninterrupted practice tests?) and have a clear reason why you were below your average, retake.

For encouragement, I was 164->168->170, PT'ed around 170. Going from 168 to 170 got me a T-14 with $$$ instead of a T-17 at sticker, big improvement ITE.

[OrdinarilySkilled]

Thanks for the responses - good to know a 3rd score has helped some people. I don't forsee a scenario where I would do worse (as long as I look at the effing section I am bubbling in), especially with some more prep, so I am leaning towards retaking, if for no other reason than to exact some revenge.

[lawduder]

You'd be a fool to settle for a score you don't feel reflects your ability with one more retake available.

[danr2040]

You're welcome. Also, did you ask for a handscore of your answer sheet? I don't know of any specific examples, but I think I have read on here that LSDAS will correct for some types of bubbling mistakes. Probably worth looking into.

[OrdinarilySkilled]

You're welcome. Also, did you ask for a handscore of your answer sheet? I don't know of any specific examples, but I think I have read on here that LSDAS will correct for some types of bubbling mistakes. Probably worth looking into.

Yea, I contacted them immediately afterward and they reviewed it but ultimately it only resulted in giving me an additional chance to cancel if I wanted. I think the handscoring only helps if you clearly put the right answer and the machine doesn't recognize it for whatever reason.
I registered for Oct so we'll see what happens.