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Hey guys, long time lurker here. I already searched on TLS and elsewhere for insight into my situation, but I also wanted to hear some personalized input on this matter. I am a MA/PR URM with an LSAC GPA of 3.6, and I want to go to a T14 school (T6 especially). At this point, if I take the October LSAT next Saturday, I will likely score within my range of 163-167. I realize that those are not bad scores, but I really want to achieve a 170+, and I know that will not happen next Saturday at my current skill level. My RC section scores are consistently -3 each, my LR scores average around -3 or -4, but the other day I got a -6 on an LR section, so I know there are definitely some major weaknesses that I need to still eliminate. As for LG's, my scores are all over the place (between -1 and -7). I know that LG is the section that is easiest to improve upon, and many work their way to a point where they earn -0 or -1 almost every time. Obviously, I will not be able to reach that point in a week, but I am confident that I can work my way up to that point with more than a month of extra study. I want to know if my chances for the T14 be substantially harmed if I wait until December to take the LSAT, but earn a 170+? And, in case I fall short of my goal, am I in a much worse position as a URM applying at the end of December with a 163-167, than I would be if I just sucked it up and took the exam next Saturday and achieved the same score? My diagnostic was a 150, and my highest timed PT was a 168, if that helps. Also, my personal statement and LORs are completed, but I need to write a diversity statement and a couple of addenda still.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Strategy depends on the school. Some schools average your scores, others only consider your highest score. Some schools won't take December LSAT, and even if they do, that means you are applying late in the admission cycle. Law schools admit on a rolling basis, so it is better to apply early. Even if you get a lower score in Oct, you can submit the new score in Dec to update your file. And if it is.drastically different, include an addendum to explain why (i.e. you finished a prep course).

I think it's always a bad idea to take the test when you know you're not ready.

snd1988 wrote:Strategy depends on the school. Some schools average your scores, others only consider your highest score. Some schools won't take December LSAT, and even if they do, that means you are applying late in the admission cycle. Law schools admit on a rolling basis, so it is better to apply early. Even if you get a lower score in Oct, you can submit the new score in Dec to update your file. And if it is.drastically different, include an addendum to explain why (i.e. you finished a prep course).

First thing is that is a misstatement. The first thing is ALL T14 schools take December LSAT scores, and to my knowledge, all law schools, that I know of, also take December LSAT scores. So that is your first misstatement and the other one is while it is ALWAYS better to apply early a higher score in December is almost always better than a lower one in October.