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I'm supposed to take the test on Oct 1. But at this point, I'm not so sure I'll be ready by then. I'm going to study my ass off between now and then, but I'm aiming for a 170+ score. If I don't get the score I want, I guess I'll have to retake in December. But will that severely affect my chances for admission?

Taking December puts you really late in the admissions cycle, so a lot of the seats you could have filled will be gone. That may mean settling for a school that's not your first choice.

It's hard to quantify. Obviously it means applying late (which hurts because of rolling admissions)

Also, I've heard that it's about the same as a 2 point deduction on your LSAT. For example, if you get a 173 it is effectively like having a 171 and applying at the front-end of the admissions cycle.

Disclaimer: This is what i've heard. Personally, i'm a little skeptical of this because it seems like an odd way to quantify the december LSAT administration.

Take it for what it's worth

Having a high LSAT score is important, but by december a lot of slots will be taken. You still have a shot, but your cycle may not go the way you want.

If you don't get into your top choice school, are you willing to wait an extra year? I know it's not ideal, but applying in Sept/Oct will definitely give you a better shot.

freestallion wrote:I know it's not ideal, but applying in Sept/Oct will definitely give you a better shot.

Yeah, all things being equal. If OP knocks out, say, a 175 in December, spots could become available that weren't with a 165 in October.