Oct. LSAT early enough? Forum

[Underdog180]

I know this is probably asked on here a lot, but I was wondering if taking the Oct. LSAT will put me at a disadvantage? I'm debating whether I should go for the June or Oct. testing. Since the new year, I've been somewhat practicing and studying for the LSAT but mainly absorbing the information opposed to really doing a lot of practice tests (something I plan to do in the whole month of May after my semester ends). It's bugging because I want to apply very very early, but at the same time I feel that if I take the Oct. LSAT I will probably be more prepared than the June testing, as ill have time in the summer to really study. On the other hand, I could start doing practice test in the beginning of May and really just study to the max everyday till the June test, and maybe that might be better for me than having the summer to do little by little till Oct (I think I work better as a crammer). The point is, there's pros and cons in terms of getting in my application early or feeling like i'll be more prepared for the Oct. testing when maybe I won't be in reality. Any advice?

[bport hopeful]

If you feel that youre ready, take the June test. Dont go in blind though. I mean even if you dont do as well as youd like, theres always Oct. But if you do well you will have some advantage.

[bhan87]

I know this is probably asked on here a lot, but I was wondering if taking the Oct. LSAT will put me at a disadvantage? I'm debating whether I should go for the June or Oct. testing. Since the new year, I've been somewhat practicing and studying for the LSAT but mainly absorbing the information opposed to really doing a lot of practice tests (something I plan to do in the whole month of May after my semester ends). It's bugging because I want to apply very very early, but at the same time I feel that if I take the Oct. LSAT I will probably be more prepared than the June testing, as ill have time in the summer to really study. On the other hand, I could start doing practice test in the beginning of May and really just study to the max everyday till the June test, and maybe that might be better for me than having the summer to do little by little till Oct (I think I work better as a crammer). The point is, there's pros and cons in terms of getting in my application early or feeling like i'll be more prepared for the Oct. testing when maybe I won't be in reality. Any advice?

Don't rush your preparation. Cramming it all into May is a very terrible idea. You need to space out your tests to give you adequate time to go over all your responses. I would never recommend taking more than 3 tests a week. If you won't feel prepared in time for June, hold off till October. You won't be at a severe disadvantage. Even applying with a December LSAT is alright for most schools.

[bport hopeful]

I would pretty much agree with that. Its not a huge advantage, but if you feel ready in June, no reason to hold off.

[fish52]

You want to leave yourself the option to retake. If you feel bad about Oct be sure to take in December-- most decisions won't have been made yet and you can still take the December LSAT and update your application to most places. (I wish I had known this, I took the Oct LSAT, was disappointed, but thought the December would be too late, so I was stuck with my Oct LSAT...)

[bp shinners]

The two big advantages to the June LSAT are:
1) You can get the applications in the first day. Not a huge deal, but it's a bump, and sometimes you need every little bit you can get.
2) You have two exams that you can fall back on for a retake. With October, you're stuck with just December (as you really shouldn't apply with a February score).

However, if you won't be fully prepped for June, don't take it then. The benefits of the earlier test are outweighed by a score reflecting your full potential, not your "I'm free for the month of May" potential.