Take a third time? Forum

[jwg6x6]

I took the Feb test and scored about 8 points lower than my PTs (which i took many of in realistic conditions). Just took the June test and obviuosly have not received the score yet. If i score low, is there any way it would be worth it to take the test a third time?

[crumpetsandtea]

I took the Feb test and scored about 8 points lower than my PTs (which i took many of in realistic conditions). Just took the June test and obviuosly have not received the score yet. If i score low, is there any way it would be worth it to take the test a third time?

Depends on a variety of things:

1) What is your ideal score
2) How did you prepare for each test
3) How many PTs did you do and what were the "Realistic conditions" you did them under and what was your PT average
4) What was your Feb score? What is your June score?
5) What is your GPA

Typically a retake is worth it though.

[Daily_Double]

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[magickware]

My understanding is that retakes don't matter for most schools, provided that you don't have bizarre-ass fluctuations (First is 170, second is 164ish, third is 170+) and you don't take an excessive amount of tests (4 or more from what I've read through TLS).

Basically, anything that forces admissions to question your highest LSAT score is bad.

[bp shinners]

My understanding is that retakes don't matter for most schools, provided that you don't have bizarre-ass fluctuations (First is 170, second is 164ish, third is 170+) and you don't take an excessive amount of tests (4 or more from what I've read through TLS).

Basically, anything that forces admissions to question your highest LSAT score is bad.

That fluctuation isn't bizarre enough to worry about (a 165, 143, 179 would probably raise some eyebrows). And it's very difficult these days to take the test more than 3 times, unless you wait a couple years.

So, to OP, I would retake if you're substantially (3 or more points) below your PT average. Heck, I might suggest a retake if you're 2 points below it.

[kiyoku]

I think you should retake. Not only did you get your score as something far far below what your PT's indicate as your potential, but there's also a solid chance that you can even improve your work before the next test comes up.

[stuckinthemiddle]

If the score is low, you need to do some SERIOUS self reflection on why you can't seem to perform under test conditions and then change something.

Going in and doing the same thing and expecting a higher score will likely be fruitless. Changing something about how you take the test is more likely to yield results.

Wait until you get your score and then analyze.

[myscoreonmysleeve]

I took the Feb test and scored about 8 points lower than my PTs (which i took many of in realistic conditions). Just took the June test and obviuosly have not received the score yet. If i score low, is there any way it would be worth it to take the test a third time?

Depends on a variety of things:
1) What is your ideal score
2) How did you prepare for each test
3) How many PTs did you do and what were the "Realistic conditions" you did them under and what was your PT average
4) What was your Feb score? What is your June score?
5) What is your GPA

Typically a retake is worth it though.

Statistically speaking, a retake is only worth it above the mid 160s..

if your score is about the same as before, I'd put some more time between yourself and the next test or reevaluate your options.

[myscoreonmysleeve]

If the score is low, you need to do some SERIOUS self reflection on why you can't seem to perform under test conditions and then change something.

Going in and doing the same thing and expecting a higher score will likely be fruitless. Changing something about how you take the test is more likely to yield results.

Wait until you get your score and then analyze.

Good advice.

[crumpetsandtea]

I took the Feb test and scored about 8 points lower than my PTs (which i took many of in realistic conditions). Just took the June test and obviuosly have not received the score yet. If i score low, is there any way it would be worth it to take the test a third time?

Depends on a variety of things:
1) What is your ideal score
2) How did you prepare for each test
3) How many PTs did you do and what were the "Realistic conditions" you did them under and what was your PT average
4) What was your Feb score? What is your June score?
5) What is your GPA

Typically a retake is worth it though.

Statistically speaking, a retake is only worth it above the mid 160s..

if your score is about the same as before, I'd put some more time between yourself and the next test or reevaluate your options.

Annnd that's why his ideal score, his PT average, and his Feb/June score matter. Typically the people asking for retakes on this site tend to be scoring in the low to mid 160s or higher -- at least, that's from what I've seen (not a super frequent on-topic poster).

[myscoreonmysleeve]

Crumpets, we don't disagree. I honestly just doubt OP realistically simulated testing conditions. Did he take 5 section ptests, and how long were the breaks between sections?

I am not sure about GPA, but maybe it can tell us something about their commitment to studying. "Splitters" are pretty common on this site as well.

[myscoreonmysleeve]

Edit

[myscoreonmysleeve]

I stick by my advice. Either your ptest scores were unrepresentative, or you had two major hindrances to your performance. It is likely the first, which can possibly be corrected. Addressing any psychology obstacles to taking the actual test, also, is part of test prep.

Edit: Give yourself more time to analyze your real performance. What was your first score, btw?

[Clearly]

Cool your jets. Get your score back first.