LSAT retake decrease--how will adcoms view it? Forum

[DebbieDowner77]

I've had a pretty dismal experience with the LSAT.

Scores: 163 (October 2013)->Cancel (February 2014)->161 (September 2014)

I was consistently scoring at my goal range of 165-171 before September 2014. I've always had one section go horribly, horribly wrong each time I've taken this exam. Whatever, I'm done with it now. I'm obviously extremely disappointed, but I've studied as hard as I possibly can for this exam. I'm stuck with what I've got. I'd like to know how the following schools will view my decrease:

BU/BC/Fordham (in case I decide to stay in the northeast, where I currently live)
UNC/Wake Forest/W&M/Washington and Lee (in case I decide to return to the VA/NC region where I'm originally from)

I'm not interested in big law, and I totally understand I'm unlikely to get it coming from one of these schools. Solely interested in how you guys think this score trajectory will be viewed. Thanks guys for any and all help.

[bugsy33]

I've had a pretty dismal experience with the LSAT.

Scores: 163 (October 2013)->Cancel (February 2014)->161 (September 2014)

I was consistently scoring at my goal range of 165-171 before September 2014. I've always had one section go horribly, horribly wrong each time I've taken this exam. Whatever, I'm done with it now. I'm obviously extremely disappointed, but I've studied as hard as I possibly can for this exam. I'm stuck with what I've got. I'd like to know how the following schools will view my decrease:

BU/BC/Fordham (in case I decide to stay in the northeast, where I currently live)
UNC/Wake Forest/W&M/Washington and Lee (in case I decide to return to the VA/NC region where I'm originally from)

I'm not interested in big law, and I totally understand unlikely to get it coming from one of these schools. Solely interested in how you guys think this score trajectory will be viewed. Thanks guys for any and all help.

You are just a number to most adcomms. It would only matter if they were between two identical students/stats and had to find a reason to pick one over the other. Schools in the 163 range won't give a crap about your lower score.

[DebbieDowner77]

Thanks so much, that's good to hear! Any reason to write an addendum over 2 points? There is no reason behind this decrease except terrible luck and anxiety. I feel like writing one would be making excuses for myself, but interested to know what you guys think.

[musedreverie]

No reason at all. They get that your conditions may fluctuate on differemt days and 2 points is within the range of error

[BP Robert]

Those two points will likely be interpreted more as "scored the same" than "score went down" really.

I wouldn't worry about it much at all -- it's certainly not going to do you any favors but it won't be a hindrance on your applications. Just plan on them perceiving you to be a ~162 LSAT.

Best luck,

BP LSAT Prep