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I just got my scores back from the October 2012 LSAT - I got a 169, and was pretty bummed. I had regularly been scoring in the 176-180 range on practice tests, so this felt a bit out of character for me. My GPA is 3.4 from NYU, and I have been out of school for about 3 and a half years now working full time in television. My goal is to go to Columbia or NYU if at all possible, and I know 169 is not going to cut it with my GPA...

So, my question is, is it worth retaking to try to get into one of those two schools? I'm pretty convinced with a bit more studying I can get at least a 175 - but I do know that NYU averages. The other option would be to apply as is, and lower my expectations to some of the lower T-14 or even T2 schools...

Hoping for some opinions from you guys that have been there!

Retake!

With PT scores like those, absolutely retake. Don't worry about averaging.

The answer is obvious; you know it, we all know it. You're looking for us to confirm it.

Retake.

You're right, I probably did know the right answer...I just didn't want to put in all that work if there was no chance I could get into those two schools anyway with a retake. Thanks for quelling my fears!

That could happen to anyone, I wouldn't let one bad test day experience hurt your future considering you've demonstrated multiple times that you have what it takes to score considerably higher. If the difference between better career choices and more scholarship money is a few months of review and LSAT test fees, there's clearly only one thing to do.

And on the bright side you have the 169 to fall back on which is still a decent score in its own right.

NYU almost certainly doesn't average, they just say they do. Retake and best of luck!