Should I study for the December LSAT or wait until next yr Forum

[MattM]

I'm currently a Senior in college aiming to go to a T14 school or UT Austin

I have a low GPA though for a T14 (3.55) and could bring it up to a 3.6 if I got all A's at the end of the fall semester when I would be applying ......should I take the December LSAT if it could bring down my GPA studying for it ?

Unfortunately the difficult of my undergrad school means good grades are hard to come by ( which I know law schools won't factor in )

Do you think I'm better off focusing on school this year and focusing on the LSAT later? I'm not sure I can get a 170 without causing damage to my GPA

[MattM]

Next year seems like the better call as I can study more to get a 170 IMO

I could graduate with a 3.62-.365 ish which isn't great but every boost would count.

Also I wouldn't be working after I graduate ....so my sole focus could be the LSAT as I could have already taken it once ......I think the better call is not taking in December so I can have two tries at it next year ( oct and dec 2015) instead of just one

My highest PT is a 168 so next year seems like the better call in my view

[BP Robert]

I think yours is a fair assessment. You want to take the LSAT when you have the most time to devote to it. Also worth noting that your admissions chances improve if you've taken a year after undergrad to work, research, etc.

Preserve that gpa (which, I think you'll find, is not problematically low for most of the T14s) and kick ass on the LSAT down the line.

[msp8]

You seem to be leaning toward taking the time to do it. Go with what feels comfortable to you when it comes to issues like this. If you're already worried about your GPA, and you're in a tougher undergrad, then prioritise that GPA. Similarly, prioritise the LSAT when you have time to do so. No need to rush this.

[MattM]

I agree I think a year off could be the best thing in a sense

While there is plenty of time for the LSAT , there is less time for the GPA since once I graduate I won't be able to work on it anymore.....so the GPA should be the focus now

I would rather be the applicant with a 3.6 and a 170 by sitting out a year then forcing things this year and applying to Law school with a 3.5 and a 162

[msp8]

Precisely. Good, well-considered decision! Hope it works well for you.