Top Law Schools

Hi friends,

After averaging 172 on 40 PT’s, I hit a 169 on the real deal. My LSDAS GPA is 3.71, I have fairly good softs, not an URM and these are the schools I am looking at, with NYU being my #1 and Georgetown #2.

NYU
Georgetown
UC Berkeley
UCLA
UPenn
UMich
Northwestern
BU
GW
BC

This is the question I am faced with: do I retake? On the June LSAT I missed two on the games when I’m usually almost always -0, and had a -6 RC, slightly higher than my average -3. My LR has been consistently -3 to -5. Realistically, the highest I’ll improve my score will probably be to a 171/172, which is only a few points higher than my current score. Additionally, I run the risk of doing worse, thereby shooting myself in the foot in terms of my chances at my top schools. This is making me lean towards not retaking. I have one more year to go at UG and I expect my GPA to improve, so even if this cycle doesn’t go as planned I can reapply next year with the same LSAT and a stronger GPA.

On the other hand, it’s more likely that I’ll do better than worse, given that most people score higher on their 2nd test. These extra points will improve my chances at my top schools and prospects for $$ at lower-ranked schools. Plus, I remember reading on the boards that NYU tends to take the higher score. These facts are constantly on my mind, though currently I’m still leaning towards chilling on my present score. I would really like to hear your opinions on the matter, as there’s a lot of great advice on these boards. Thank you guys!

Definitely retake, as it seems that you are confident in your ability to raise your score. Good luck!

XXX

IMHO, you should put in some serious studying and then retake. You sound like you are planning to stay at the same level and just take it again. I don't see why you would do it that way.

I know you are probably tired of studying, but every point counts and you need to maximize the probability of getting a higher score. Don't just go in with your fingers crossed.

I retook a 169. Didn't study much more, got a few points higher. My PT average was more in the 174 range though. The new score was the difference between getting shut out of the T14 and getting in to a T10. If you feel you didn't do your best retake. You will then never wonder.

Because one extra point puts you right on the median at a lot of schools, it seems worth it.

Thanks for the great advice, guys. I posted this thread in conjunction with a 'what are my chances' topic (http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 9&t=122234) to see how far my 169/3.71 can carry me.

From the looks of it I still have a decent shot at the law schools I'm aiming for, so for now I'm going to concentrate on writing a bomb PS, getting great LoRs and improving my grades. If this cycle doesn't work out, I'll reapply next year w/ a higher GPA and a potential LSAT retake. Again, thanks for the help

I think it's normal to score a few points lower on the real thing than you did in practice (I also lost three points from my PTs). If you're going to take it again, study again.