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Hey all!

I'm a little torn right now about whether to retake the LSAT. I got a 172 on the December LSAT (first try), which I was initially happy with. Now I've looked up a few statistics for HYS, and realized I'm right at the borderline/median-ish for those schools. To be safe, I'm considering a retake to hit their 75th percentile.

My goal is HYS. My LSAC GPA is about 4.05, with a double-major from UC Berkeley. My EC's are pretty focused, and I will have had 1 year of WE by the time I apply (WE from a pretty good economics firm). I've looked at a few statistics about retakes, and know I would only do a retake if and only if my score improves by an amount that makes it worth the effort.

I kind of took it the first time around with an okay amount of studying; it's been hard with work-- but I know I could definitely do a lot more (did about 12 practice tests total over a span of 3 months, which I know is pretty measly).

I'd appreciate your help with:
1) If I retake, what score should make this retake worth it? Should I be consistently scoring 178+ in practice tests for me to think about going back in?
2) Is it worth a retake generally, or am I just being cray?

Thank you in advance.

Very impressive score for a first try with little to no prep. I'd say retake if HYS is your target, but I wouldn't refrain from applying this cycle with those numbers too.

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Thank you both for the solid advice! If I do try and retake, do you think it's only worth it if I score above a certain number? It doesn't seem worth prepping again and only getting a 1 or 2 point increase (although a 174 does much better than 172 for some reason). Thanks again.

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flomotion wrote:Thank you both for the solid advice! If I do try and retake, do you think it's only worth it if I score above a certain number? It doesn't seem worth prepping again and only getting a 1 or 2 point increase (although a 174 does much better than 172 for some reason). Thanks again.

Just one point makes it worth it. I say retake if HYS is the goal.

As is, should get some fullys from some great schools.

Okay, makes sense. I think you're right-- I'll study for a while and retake in Feb depending on how things go. Good luck on your apps (if you're working on them)!

BerkeleyMan5 wrote:Seems like you only may have tapped your LSAT potential. I think with the way apps are down right now , it would be stupid not to apply with those numbers.

What on earth are you talking about? 12 PTS is not "tapping your potential"

rebexness wrote:

BerkeleyMan5 wrote:Seems like you only may have tapped your LSAT potential. I think with the way apps are down right now , it would be stupid not to apply with those numbers.

What on earth are you talking about? 12 PTS is not "tapping your potential"

I think that whole sentence sounds awkward...I feel like maybe the person was trying to say OP has barely tapped into his/her potential? or like barely "tipped" idk haha. But yea if it meant what rebexness is saying, then 12 PTs is nothing.

ETA: Op I think even if you increase by 1 point, the retake is worth it. Gluck!

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It wouldn't be crazy to retake, but you'll probably get H, at least.

Why not just apply now and see what happens? You won't get any money from them outside of grants if that's applicable to your situation. Your GPA is great and a 172 is nothing to scoff at. It's three applications and then the interviews with Harvard.

Further, if you submit applications this cycle, study your butt off and retake in June, for instance, then reapply and designate that you're a re-applicant, that may speak virtues to your desire of attending those schools.