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Hey guys--- do you think I should retake after my first score of 165? Some background: My initial cold diagnostic was a 150. I did not take a class or anything, everything was self study. Before the June test I was averaging right around 165, with a few 168's right before the test, but never a 170. I studied total for 3 months but only seriously for only about 1.5-2 of those. I have a 3.95 gpa and I really want to go to a T-14 and if I am going to retake I want a 170 for it to be worth it, but is it worth my time and is it realistic to expect another 5 point jump?

kingjones59 wrote:Hey guys--- do you think I should retake after my first score of 165? Some background: My initial cold diagnostic was a 150. I did not take a class or anything, everything was self study. Before the June test I was averaging right around 165, with a few 168's right before the test, but never a 170. I studied total for 3 months but only seriously for only about 1.5-2 of those. I have a 3.95 gpa and I really want to go to a T-14 and if I am going to retake I want a 170 for it to be worth it, but is it worth my time and is it realistic to expect another 5 point jump?

Yes. Study hard. You busted ass for 4 years to get a great GPA. Don't waste it. You can bust ass for another few months to get an LSAT score to match and go to a T6.

kingjones59 wrote:Hey guys--- do you think I should retake after my first score of 165? Some background: My initial cold diagnostic was a 150. I did not take a class or anything, everything was self study. Before the June test I was averaging right around 165, with a few 168's right before the test, but never a 170. I studied total for 3 months but only seriously for only about 1.5-2 of those. I have a 3.95 gpa and I really want to go to a T-14 and if I am going to retake I want a 170 for it to be worth it, but is it worth my time and is it realistic to expect another 5 point jump?

You should be able to get a T-14 with that GPA (if it's from a decent undergrad IMO), but it might take some work - why x school essays, dealing with wait lists, early decision, etc.

If you actually study seriously for a prolonged period of time, then yes, it's possible to improve your score. But you also need to evaluate whether you have the drive to put in the hours & whether you've hit a ceiling - questions that I don't think posters can answer as well as you can.

You could always apply and then take the October test. LSAC will automatically update the schools you've applied to w/ the Oct score.

I don't see the downside of re-taking. Worst case scenario is you bust your ass and realize 165 is the best you can do. If that's the case, it's cool (still better than 90% of test takers) but if your goal is T-14 you gotta give it all you got.

urm?

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Blessedassurance wrote:

shoeshine wrote:urm?

What if he was a URM? I have somewhat similar numbers, same LSAT score (165) and a 3.93 from a State Flagship University. Work experience, AA male. Care to assess my chances or should I retake?

You, my friend, have a shot at HYS and are definitely guaranteed to get into multiple T14s. Probably some money at a bottom T14.

AA Male is the holy grail of URMs. You still need a strong app though. That W/E will also help.

Blessedassurance wrote:Care to assess my chances or should I retake?

Feel like this is a flame...?

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Blessedassurance wrote:

glewz wrote:

Blessedassurance wrote:Care to assess my chances or should I retake?

Feel like this is a flame...?

I'm not. I don't know why you would think so. How does one post a score, show me and I will post.

Oh ok, my apologies - thought I spotted a subtle bit of sarcasm in your tone.

shoeshine is right, you are likely in at H; and you shouldn't have any problem with schools ranked lower. congrats

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It might hurt you a bit but there are so few AAs out there that these schools will look for reasons to admit you. A 165 should be that reason.

Tiago Splitter wrote:I don't see the downside of re-taking. Worst case scenario is you bust your ass and realize 165 is the best you can do. If that's the case, it's cool (still better than 90% of test takers) but if your goal is T-14 you gotta give it all you got.

This. There's really no reason not to.

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Im not a URM...say I didn't retake and shot a bunch of apps accross the board, where can I expect to go best case scenario?

http://search.lawschoolnumbers.com/user ... Cycle=1011

Looks like you would be in at some T-20 schools, probably not in the T-14 without ED.