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Looking for some TLS wisdom...

So, I took the Sept. LSAT after a decent amount of prep (in hindsight not the most effective schedule or use of time) with an average PT of about 172. However, on testing day I had the flu and my testing center was loud and I didn't cancel and ended up with a 158...

That being said, my GPA is a 3.88, double major, TFA, master's degree and my dream schools are HLS or CLS. I truly think I can get where I need to be, but I don't want to settle for a school without knowing I did all I could.

Thus, I am wondering what the advice is on re-taking the LSAT in December to get an improved score and risk the possibility of having to take it again in Feb. and June if the score is poor, or if I should just wait and study for a longer amount of time and then apply next cycle? Essentially, I am curious what another score in December would do to my chances at HLS or CLS if it was much better than a 158, but perhaps not quite at a 173/174?

Also, as an aside, would a 173/174 be enough to overcome the 158?

Feb. or June*

How much time do you have to commit to the December test? Are you willing to study mornings, nights, and weekends?

If your PT average truly was 172, then you definitely can solidify your prep and do well by December. 8 weeks was enough for me when I retook in September from June because I had already built a solid base, but it definitely required a little sacrifice of my social life and free time.

As for the 173/174, most people on TLS will tell you that HLS looks more favorably upon retakers than YLS/SLS. From what I know, you should be just fine at CLS regardless of if the schools say they average scores or whatever, your highest score should replace your lower ones. Schools may ask you to write an addendum about your LSAT performance and then you can discuss your illness/test center irregularities.