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Someone please talk some sense into me... (Senior @ Rutgers-NB, GPA: 3.8, Puerto Rican, Desired school: UVA, generally T14)

I have taken the Kaplan prep course and my tests were generally coming back in an upward trend, but averaged mid 140s. I studied on and off during the summer and have not taken a practice test in a while. I am considering taking tomorrows test under the impression that if I am unhappy with the score it would not be the end of the world. Retaking in December is always available, or in June and applying next cycle. However, I'm pretty much in panic mode right now and second guessing myself with the feeling that I have not studied enough and/or that I may be setting myself up for a bad score.

sound off..



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withdrew

Definitely withdraw.
Also, ditch Kaplan.

To be completely honest it sounds like you haven't done nearly enough prep, especially if you want a shot at T14. Withdraw and take in December.

It's illogical to think that you can reach a score much higher than any of your PTs have shown, and while optimism and confidence is important, it's also important to supplement those emotions with demonstrable results (i.e. PTs within the range of where you want to be).

I'm not saying that because your PT average was X, you can't score X+1, X+2, or even X+3, but if you haven't done a lot of prep and your PTs were in the 140s then it's improbable that you'll break into T14 score ranges on this test.

Withdraw, commit to a steady study schedule, and grind through until the next test.

Good luck!

Please withdraw! Your gpa is way too valuable to be paired with a 140's LSAT score. If you're someone who insists on using a prep course, stick the reputable ones (Manhattan/blueprint/testmasters/7sage). With self-studying I improved from a 136 to 154. Now starting Blueprint to get me to the 160's in December.

Gap year. Get advice/inspiration from TLS. Retake.

Why UVA though? They give one of the weakest boosts to Hispanic URMs in the T14.

I was exactly where you are 1 year and 9 mos. ago. I took the Dec 2012 LSAT and regret that decision. I wasted one of my re-takes knowing I was unprepared. Trust me, it feels so much better walking into an exam knowing you have a chance to own it opposed to being owned by it. What I mean is go in as prepared as possible. There is no worse feeling then taking the exam and not knowing what to do. Law school will always be here. 140's means there's significant room for improvement if you put in the time and effort. Take the time to properly prep and obtain the best score possible. This site and ppl on it are an invaluable resource, use it.

3.8/URM?

Take a gap year, get 168-170 on the LSAT, go to HYS. Ezpz. Or CCN full ride.

LOL a 3.8 URM should not settle for anything less than HYS or a T-14 for free. Postpone and don't settle for an LSAT score less than 165.

DaRascal wrote:Why UVA though? They give one of the weakest boosts to Hispanic URMs in the T14.

I would like to pursue this program- http://www.law.virginia.edu/html/academ ... rogram.htm

Dirigo wrote:Definitely withdraw.
Also, ditch Kaplan.

What should i use? Is PowerScore better?

acr440 wrote:

Dirigo wrote:Definitely withdraw.
Also, ditch Kaplan.

What should i use? Is PowerScore better?

Definitely check out the The Trainer by Mike Kim. It's a very good introduction and you need to start from scratch here and learn credited methods.
http://www.thelsattrainer.com

Then:
Powerscore is good for LG
I prefer Manhattan for LR.
Either Powerscore or Manhattan for RC.

GOODLUCK!