Retaking LSAT Forum

[sngilbert]

I scored a 162 on the June 2010 LSAT. On my last, say, 5 practice tests I was scoring in the 160-165 range, so this score certainly seems representative of my LSAT ability. However, I obviously would like to score even higher than this.

If I retake the LSAT, it won't be for at least another year. (The hope would be that I could improve my reading comprehension - worst section - during that time). With this in mind, would you recommend retaking the test? Also, how do law schools view a drop in score (why I am skeptical about retaking)? Thanks.

[Gemini]

I'm in your boat. If you feel, after you've retaken, that you did worse, cancel the score.

I think that's better than a lower score. You can always say you felt really sick that day and hence, the score would not have been an accurate assessment of your abilities. This DOES happen from time to time.

Im really worried about this aspect because I'm a third-time taker (this October), and thus, I have no more chances. Yikes!

[vespertiliovir]

If you're willing to put in the time and effort, and you realistically (after studying and seeing PT score improvements) expect to score higher, then definitely!

If not, don't waste your money.

[Jeffort]

I scored a 162 on the June 2010 LSAT. On my last, say, 5 practice tests I was scoring in the 160-165 range, so this score certainly seems representative of my LSAT ability. However, I obviously would like to score even higher than this.

If I retake the LSAT, it won't be for at least another year. (The hope would be that I could improve my reading comprehension - worst section - during that time). With this in mind, would you recommend retaking the test? Also, how do law schools view a drop in score (why I am skeptical about retaking)? Thanks.

With a 162 already it depends mostly on which LS's you really want to attend and what their admission index ranges (LSAT & GPA) are as compared to your numbers. 162 is an excellent score that is in range and at or above the median LSAT score of accepted students at many well ranked LS's, however it is not likely to get you into a top 10.

Of course your GPA matters as well.

Relevant information needed to evaluate your question: Your GPA and the LS's you want to attend/would attend if accepted.
Then look up the admissions stats for those schools and compare your numbers to their stats.

If both your numbers are comfortably within the ranges (at or preferably above their medians) for several of your top choices, then you breakup with and dump the LSAT like you would a bad BF/GF. "It's not me, it's you, this relationship is over. Get out of my life now, I never want to see you or hear from you ever again. Go away and have a nice life torturing somebody else." and then you are done with the LSAT, put it behind you and don't look back. Then you focus on putting together your apps (LOR's, personal statement, etc.).

If your numbers are not comfortably in range for several of your LS picks, then you need to think things through more and re-evaluate your goals. Are you reasonably close to some of your choices so that a few extra LSAT points, say a 165, would put you above the median accepted stats?

If so, based on your practice score range and test day score, with more good dedicated prep it is reasonable to expect you to be able to score higher on a re-take and it would be worth the risk to give it another shot, assuming you are willing to go through a heavy prep cycle again.

If not, then perhaps re-evaluate which schools you would be willing to attend and also re-evaluate how much you do or do not believe you really can improve above that 162. If you need 170+ for your choice schools with your GPA then you would be counting on a substantial LSAT score jump, which is pretty hard from 162 to 170+

[sngilbert]

Hey, thanks a lot. Will do some pondering.