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Since the September scores were released, I've been struggling with the decision of whether or not to retake in December. I have a 4.0, and scored a 162 in June (with a PT average of 168) and a 166 in September (with a PT average of 171). Obviously both were very disappointing, I really wanted to be right around 170. I know most people will tell me to retake since I have a good GPA, but I'm struggling because I'm not sure that between term papers and finals, I would have time to study for a retake in December. Also, I continue to score disappointingly low compared to my PT averages.

If it helps - I'm not entirely sure where I want to go to school...it's a cross between wanting to go to a good regional, like Vanderbilt or BC (from the North but went to school in the South, so I have ties in both), or to try and go to a lower T14. Definitely can't afford sticker anywhere though.

166/4.0 won't be good enough for your goals, particularly because you (rightly) value good scholarships. Glancing over LSN profiles from last cycle, it looks like your numbers will get around a half scholarship at Vanderbilt. If you don't feel that you'll be ready for the December test, you should take in February or June and sit out a year. This will enable you to really bump your score up, get great money in the T14, and enjoy your senior year.

Definitely retake and sit out a year if need be.

You don't really have ties to the monolithic "North" and the monolithic "South." If anything you have ties to the area (state?) you grew up and maybe the area (state?) where you went to college. So, if you're from New York but went to college in Atlanta, you might have ties to NY and Atlanta, but not Boston or Mississippi or Florida and probably not anywhere in Georgia that is not Atlanta. I wouldn't necessarily expect law school to help you establish any more ties either.

It's good that you're thinking about ties, they generally matter.

Always retake:)

High LSAT scores equate to piles of money, and obviously better schools. I'd also strongly encourage you to take a year off so that you can gain some work experience (which also is huge for apps) and, more importantly, study for the LSAT and knock it out of the park.

Best luck,

Blueprint LSAT Prep

BigZuck wrote:Definitely retake and sit out a yearif need be.

^^
if your scoring that high avg and game day falling a little short(totally normal) theres plenty of room to increase. If your falling short before finals and such I wouldn't expect something spectacular this time around. There is nothing wrong with sitting out a year(as long as you do something with that time off). wait till feb or even june(read:wait till you feel ready to score your absolute best) kill it, get a job and get some work exp for a year while getting your app together and being ready to apply come time... that way you can allow yourself the best prep with least amount of stress between finals, LSAT, and applications