Retaking in December Journal Forum

[Cochran]

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[Rigo]

After taking a prep course with Blueprint, I was unable to see the results I desired. While my scores improved a little bit, I didn't see that huge boost I wanted and continue to struggle greatly with time (scored 153, 151, & 149 on final 3 practice tests respectively).

1. I'm currently signed up for the test tomorrow, should I withdraw or still take it with the idea of retaking in December anyways? I am applying this cycle no matter what, so I thought it may be good for me to have a score now even if it's not exactly what I want (most schools just take highest?)

Definitely withdraw today.

2. Do law schools know if you withdrew from a test? If so, does it matter? I have been getting emails from schools indicating their knowledge of my test registration.

Schools do not see that you withdrew.

3. How much of a disadvantage would my application be at if I applied in late December/ early January as opposed to October? (Was really trying to get that extra boost with an early application, super pissed)

A higher score in December >>> a lower score in September. Always.

4. I really struggle with time and finishing questions. That was probably my biggest issue with blueprint, as time wasn't factored until the end of the course. I usually get to 20 LR questions, 3 RC passages, and 3-1/2 LG sections before time runs out. Any strategies for improving speed?

Drilling.

5. Any highly recommended RC strategies on the forum? I usually get 11-12 of them correct out of 27. Abysmal.

RC is tricky, but drilling. (See the December thread for drilling advice)

I'm a AA Male with a 3.42 GPA from a top 60 Undergrad (class of 2013). I'm shooting for a +160 to try to get into a top 30 school (Preferably in the south), so any application advice would be great as well!

Get a high LSAT score. That needs to be your priority.
Also, please don't say "top 60 undergrad." Such a weird cutoff.

[Rigo]

No matter the vote total, withdraw. If something goes wrong in December, you're completely screwed because that's your third take.

[Cochran]

Thanks for the input so far voters & Dirigo!

Dirigo: Due to the fact that this is it for my cycle anyways, I don't think I'm in the position to have anything mess up in December. Unless you're saying try again in Feb., which I believe is too late? In this case, would you still consider withdrawing over taking September's test?

[Rigo]

Thanks for the input so far voters & Dirigo!

Dirigo: Due to the fact that this is it for my cycle anyways, I don't think I'm in the position to have anything mess up in December. Unless you're saying try again in Feb., which I believe is too late? In this case, would you still consider withdrawing over taking September's test?

I'd rather have the option for a retake than not have that option.
Your score is so far from where it needs to be. Even if you luck out and score your high of 153, you're still out at Emory, UGA, Bama, UNC, Wake, etc.
Unless your goal is to get across the board reject letters early in the cycle, you would be applying in January anyways.
There is no upside to taking the test tomorrow.

[peppermint]

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[Cochran]

2. Do law schools know if you withdrew from a test? If so, does it matter? I have been getting emails from schools indicating their knowledge of my test registration.

Schools do not see that you withdrew.
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Are you sure they don't see, because I got some "good luck tomorrow on lsat" and fee waiver emails from some schools of interest. Either way, it's done. I have officially withdrawn from the September LSAT. I can't remember the last time I've been this upset, disappointed, and down right depressed. All I know is that come December, that test is going to fear me.

I'm going to at least reenact tomorrow's test by driving out to the library early in the morning and taking a practice test. I had some quick questions regarding my study plan going forward:

1. What's the best way to utilize PTs? I hadn't really been good about looking over past tests and analyzing missed questions and reasoning, so I'm definitively going to do that. (Plan on taking 3 a week until test day)

2. Would you guys recommend continuing my online service for blueprint. The service has tons of practice problems I didn't get to, additional video explanations of problems, and PT analytics that help point out my weak question areas. I believe this would cost around $300 and may not be worth it, so if anyone knows any alternatives, I'm all ears.

3. I was also planning on reviewing all my prep books, and going back to finish problems that I didn't get to. Other than that, I was just going to drill/analyze over and over again. Any additional suggestions?

[Rigo]

Schools do not see that you withdrew.
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Are you sure they don't see, because I got some "good luck tomorrow on lsat" and fee waiver emails from some schools of interest.

Those are just automated emails that go out because you were signed up earlier today.

Either way, it's done. I have officially withdrawn from the September LSAT. I can't remember the last time I've been this upset, disappointed, and down right depressed. All I know is that come December, that test is going to fear me.

I understand your feelings of disappointment. I've withdrawn before and it sucks. But I knew it was the right decision. I refuse to not live up to my full potential.

1. What's the best way to utilize PTs? I hadn't really been good about looking over past tests and analyzing missed questions and reasoning, so I'm definitively going to do that. (Plan on taking 3 a week until test day)

Prep is more about quality than quantity. Focused drilling and really learning about each section and question type is often more useful than taking PT after PT after PT and not truly learning anything.
I'm doing two PTs a week starting next week. 3 is the absolute max I recommend. Be wary of burnout though.

2. Would you guys recommend continuing my online service for blueprint. The service has tons of practice problems I didn't get to, additional video explanations of problems, and PT analytics that help point out my weak question areas. I believe this would cost around $300 and may not be worth it, so if anyone knows any alternatives, I'm all ears.

I don't know what Blueprint entails but I've always thought their cost was too much. $300 could probably be better spent elsewhere.
Read the first post in the December thread and seriously consider joining. Everybody is extremely supportive of each other.
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 6&t=224012
Specifically look into the Cambridge products I link to.

[Cochran]

Thanks for the info man, I'll definitely join the group. I just couldn't rationalize taking it now over December, the latter will obviously be better than the former. But I'm more determined than ever to finally put this test to bed, and know that I did everything I could to get the score I want.

I now plan on printing out/viewing everything I can on blueprint until it runs out and then supplement with Cambridge. Those 5 & 6 section tests look like great practice. And I'm with you, I definitely plan on focusing more on the analysis aspect rather than just the testing. And with blueprint books for the theory (which did help greatly), I should be in much better shape.

[gatesome]

didn't read your wall of text because it won't affect my maxim:

Do your best to take the LSAT only one time and kill it that one time.