Really Sad, Depressed, and Crying Over Today's LSAT Forum

[CalAlumni]

I took the LSAT today and got crushed BIG TIME by the LG's. I had been PT'ing in the low 170's for PT's 60-66; although LG's were getting a bit harder, I've NEVER been crushed like this before.

First game had me stumped for a few minutes while drawing out the diagram and by the time I finished I was deep into the 35 min. and probably missed some there. Don't remember what happened in LG's 2-3 but upon hitting the last game--ZONES--I read it over and over but did not understand the game. This has never happened...I didn't get it. There are no words to describe it. I basically guessed on the last game and ended up writing the essay trying to hold back tears.

I did awesome on RC (super easy) probably -1 to -2. LR was easy except for the experimental which was first in the line up and crushed me, essentially destroying my confidence early: LR-RC-LR-LR-LG. I probably missed -2 to -4 in LR cumulatively max. but who really knows.

I'm Mexican-American URM and have a 3.7X from UC Berkeley. I don't know what to do, should I cancel?

[99.9luft]

I took the LSAT today and got crushed BIG TIME by the LG's. I had been PT'ing in the low 170's for PT's 60-66; although LG's were getting a bit harder, I've NEVER been crushed like this before.

First game had me stumped for a few minutes while drawing out the diagram and by the time I finished I was deep into the 35 min. and probably missed some there. Don't remember what happened in LG's 2-3 but upon hitting the last game--ZONES--I read it over and over but did not understand the game. This has never happened...I didn't get it. There are no words to describe it. I basically guessed on the last game and ended up writing the essay trying to hold back tears.

I did awesome on RC (super easy) probably -1 to -2. LR was easy except for the experimental which was first in the line up and crushed me, essentially destroying my confidence early: LR-RC-LR-LR-LG. I probably missed -2 to -4 in LR cumulatively max. but who really knows.

I'm Mexican-American URM and have a 3.7X from UC Berkeley. I don't know what to do, should I cancel?

1. really sorry to hear, man, i had the same exact experience today.
2. i would seriously consider canceling, given that it's your first shot at the lsat, correct?
3. go bears

[emkay625]

I took the LSAT today and got crushed BIG TIME by the LG's. I had been PT'ing in the low 170's for PT's 60-66; although LG's were getting a bit harder, I've NEVER been crushed like this before.

First game had me stumped for a few minutes while drawing out the diagram and by the time I finished I was deep into the 35 min. and probably missed some there. Don't remember what happened in LG's 2-3 but upon hitting the last game--ZONES--I read it over and over but did not understand the game. This has never happened...I didn't get it. There are no words to describe it. I basically guessed on the last game and ended up writing the essay trying to hold back tears.

I did awesome on RC (super easy) probably -1 to -2. LR was easy except for the experimental which was first in the line up and crushed me, essentially destroying my confidence early: LR-RC-LR-LR-LG. I probably missed -2 to -4 in LR cumulatively max. but who really knows.

I'm Mexican-American URM and have a 3.7X from UC Berkeley. I don't know what to do, should I cancel?

DO NOT CANCEL.

Your worst case scenario is -6 for LR/RC and then let's say -9 for games. That's -15, which will still be anywhere from a 166-169. That, combined with your URM status and high GPA will have a ton of T14 acceptances coming your way.

[skri65]

I don't know..if you got all of the last game wrong and only a couple wrong in the rest of the section, you could still get around a 170

[RCinDNA]

Do you recall being confidence with LGs 2 and 3, or were there issues with those, as well?

[Eberry]

I took the LSAT today and got crushed BIG TIME by the LG's. I had been PT'ing in the low 170's for PT's 60-66; although LG's were getting a bit harder, I've NEVER been crushed like this before.

First game had me stumped for a few minutes while drawing out the diagram and by the time I finished I was deep into the 35 min. and probably missed some there. Don't remember what happened in LG's 2-3 but upon hitting the last game--ZONES--I read it over and over but did not understand the game. This has never happened...I didn't get it. There are no words to describe it. I basically guessed on the last game and ended up writing the essay trying to hold back tears.

I did awesome on RC (super easy) probably -1 to -2. LR was easy except for the experimental which was first in the line up and crushed me, essentially destroying my confidence early: LR-RC-LR-LR-LG. I probably missed -2 to -4 in LR cumulatively max. but who really knows.

I'm Mexican-American URM and have a 3.7X from UC Berkeley. I don't know what to do, should I cancel?

Much sympathy, friend. With that said, please, Please, PLEASE do not misuse that GPA and URM status with a poor LSAT.

I'd recommend putting the LSAT off a year, clearing your head, and preparing like crazy for the next one. But only cancel if you really believe your score will be non representative of your ability. You never know, the curve could be generous and you might be too emotional to critically assess your performance.

[WanderingPondering]

Don't cancel. See what you got, you owe it to yourself. A 170+ is still in play.

[CalAlumni]

1. really sorry to hear, man, i had the same exact experience today.
2. i would seriously consider canceling, given that it's your first shot at the lsat, correct?
3. go bears

This is my first shot at the LSAT...prepped for 6 or so months non-stop daily. I take ADHD meds which have terrible side-effects and have run me down physically and emotionally...but I tolerated them prepping for this test... just until this LSAT...or so I told myself.

I really can't believe this.

Yup...Go Bears...once I thought my alma mater would be a safety for me...now I hope I can even get in. Oh Berkeley, I'm sorry I put Harvard on a pedestal...please, will you accept me one last time?

DO NOT CANCEL.

Your worst case scenario is -6 for LR/RC and then let's say -9 for games. That's -15, which will still be anywhere from a 166-169. That, combined with your URM status and high GPA will have a ton of T14 acceptances coming your way.

I'm considering this...but I may be wrong on LR and overestimated my performance...I can't be sure.

Thanks you guys...you've made me feel a bit better.

[CalAlumni]

Don't cancel. See what you got, you owe it to yourself. A 170+ is still in play.

I think you might be right. I'm really thinking hard about this right now.

[EvilClinton]

How set are you on going this cycle?

[CalAlumni]

I took the LSAT today and got crushed BIG TIME by the LG's. I had been PT'ing in the low 170's for PT's 60-66; although LG's were getting a bit harder, I've NEVER been crushed like this before.

First game had me stumped for a few minutes while drawing out the diagram and by the time I finished I was deep into the 35 min. and probably missed some there. Don't remember what happened in LG's 2-3 but upon hitting the last game--ZONES--I read it over and over but did not understand the game. This has never happened...I didn't get it. There are no words to describe it. I basically guessed on the last game and ended up writing the essay trying to hold back tears.

I did awesome on RC (super easy) probably -1 to -2. LR was easy except for the experimental which was first in the line up and crushed me, essentially destroying my confidence early: LR-RC-LR-LR-LG. I probably missed -2 to -4 in LR cumulatively max. but who really knows.

I'm Mexican-American URM and have a 3.7X from UC Berkeley. I don't know what to do, should I cancel?

Much sympathy, friend. With that said, please, Please, PLEASE do not misuse that GPA and URM status with a poor LSAT.

I'd recommend putting the LSAT off a year, clearing your head, and preparing like crazy for the next one. But only cancel if you really believe your score will be non representative of your ability. You never know, the curve could be generous and you might be too emotional to critically assess your performance.

Thanks for the sympathy and advice, it's much appreciated. I'm ping-ponging back and forth between canceling and not....I'm really trying to think hard about my performance...it's just hard because I don't really know for sure.

[EvilClinton]

Also, I felt the same way after my LSAT. I guessed on one LG game completely. I wanted to cancel. I ended up in the 170s. I took a scholarship at a middle T14 and things have worked out great. Don't give up hope.

[minnbills]

DO NOT CANCEL.

+1
Wait it out. It doesn't sound that bad from what you've said. You can always retake. The top few schools are the only ones that care about retakers any more.

You may surprise yourself, too.

[CalAlumni]

How set are you on going this cycle?

I was all ready to go. I'm already 23 years old and will be turning 24 in march next year. I don't want to put LS off...I'm getting old. I really really want to apply this cycle.

[WanderingPondering]

A not great score doesn't look any worse than a cancel in most cases. You really have nothing to lose.

This was a tough test. We really could see a -13 curve and a -20 for a 165.

[RCinDNA]

How set are you on going this cycle?

I was all ready to go. I'm already 23 years old and will be turning 24 in march next year. I don't want to put LS off...I'm getting old. I really really want to apply this cycle.

I turn 32 next March. You have quite a bit of time ahead of you. I had the same issue for the same section as you and am URM, as well. I'm sending you positive vibes from where I am whatever you decide.

[BullShitWithBravado]

During my LSAT I misread an LG problem and drew the wrong type of chart. Once I realized I messed up on the problem I freaked out and I ended up guessing on roughly half of the LG questions (which, ironically, was my strongest section during my PTs). I almost cancelled, but I'm really glad that I didn't because I ended up getting into my top choice without retaking.

Even if you don't cancel and don't break 170 the first time around, you can always retake. Many schools will just take the higher of the two scores.

[kwais]

How set are you on going this cycle?

I was all ready to go. I'm already 23 years old and will be turning 24 in march next year. I don't want to put LS off...I'm getting old. I really really want to apply this cycle.

already 23?! The law school ship has sailed. sorry bro

[MsAvocadoPit]

I don't think it will hurt you to KEEP your score.

I think you should not cancel and see what happens and maybe still plan on retaking...
You put too much effort in to not get a chance at this cycle at all. Just wait and see what happens then take it from there.

Fellow Cal alum here think positive!

[dxing]

I took the LSAT today and got crushed BIG TIME by the LG's. I had been PT'ing in the low 170's for PT's 60-66; although LG's were getting a bit harder, I've NEVER been crushed like this before.

First game had me stumped for a few minutes while drawing out the diagram and by the time I finished I was deep into the 35 min. and probably missed some there. Don't remember what happened in LG's 2-3 but upon hitting the last game--ZONES--I read it over and over but did not understand the game. This has never happened...I didn't get it. There are no words to describe it. I basically guessed on the last game and ended up writing the essay trying to hold back tears.

I did awesome on RC (super easy) probably -1 to -2. LR was easy except for the experimental which was first in the line up and crushed me, essentially destroying my confidence early: LR-RC-LR-LR-LG. I probably missed -2 to -4 in LR cumulatively max. but who really knows.

I'm Mexican-American URM and have a 3.7X from UC Berkeley. I don't know what to do, should I cancel?

You're not the only one, LG got me bad as well. I was getting around -5 for the 60's logic games, but they were mostly due to stupid mistakes. Usually, I would only miss 1 or 2 questions because I couldn't figure them out. I don't know if it was simply the anxiety that got to me, but I was a lot slower on the 1st 3 games and I had only about 6 minutes left for the last one. Just like you, I completely blanked and had a very difficult time getting the rules down. Attempted to answer 3 questions and guessed on the rest of the game.

[honeybadger12]

Idk here's my take: If I were in your shoes I'd cancel. Most T14s take your highest score, so you've got them in the bag (just retake til you hit your PT average). If I were a URM hitting 170s in the PTs, I'd know for sure I was in at most T14s so it's really just a question of HYS.
If you want HYS, I feel like a C/173 looks a lot better than 165/173. It sounds like you know you can do better if you retake. If you know you're gonna retake and do better, why not cancel?
I'm sure other people will feel differently and it's really a judgement call, but I cancelled in a similar situation and I think it was the right decision.

EDIT: If you care more about applying this cycle than getting into the best school, don't cancel.

[Br3v]

All I can say is don't be down. It's over, no reason to stress. My advice is wait it out.

[sunynp]

Don't cancel. At the worst use your score to understand how to do better next time. You sound quite prepared so you might have done better than you think.

Just keep your score. If it isn't what you want, retake.

[arcanecircle]

I'm with the above that you shouldn't cancel especially if you're dead set on applying this cycle.

You're not the only person who felt LG was difficult this time. Reading your description of the other sections, if you did as well as you thought on RC+LR, you could still hit the 170s.

[toothbrush]

I remember your success' from the study thread. We pt'd around the same for the whole cycle.

I had a lot of trouble with LG zoning but besides that nothing too out of the ordinary. I say this, because, while it is my experience and not yours, I feel that I might have scratched a 170 and I have faith in you too. Nothing too crazy from what we had been doing, and we have been doing quite well.

The next few weeks will be brutal, but wait it out. Worst case scenario is you peak in the high 160's and you retake and kill it like our noodleyone surely did.

Best