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I took the test in September and cancelled because it felt like a major screwup, so I took it again in December as was very disappointed last night to see that I got a 171 - out of 30+ practice tests only two of them were that low (one being my first ever PT, four years ago). Generally I'm between 173 and 177. I've had about 5 months of studying.

My UG GPA sucks (3.1) so the LSAT is what needs to carry me. I'm just torn because I'm so burned out I'm not sure how much I can really learn, and the LSAT+studying is expensive and time consuming for a person trying to provide for a family while doing a master's. I could get into some decent schools with my 171, but it would be so much better to get into some great schools (and get scholarships at decent/great schools).

Also, if I were to retake I'm not sure whether to shoot for February and just 'continue' studying, or June to give more time for in-depth studying. I've about decided if I retake I surely better get close to a 180.

Are you applying this cycle?

What are your career goals?

Philafaler wrote:Are you applying this cycle?

What are your career goals?

I'm planning to apply next cycle (begin LS fall 2016).

I'd like to be in house counsel for a bank or corporation, but I'll likely need some good firm experience first. SEC or something could be interesting too. I'm not too picky about where I live. Oh, and I want to rule the world.

skidoo1066 wrote:

Philafaler wrote:Are you applying this cycle?

What are your career goals?

I'm planning to apply next cycle (begin LS fall 2016).

I'd like to be in house counsel for a bank or corporation, but I'll likely need some good firm experience first. SEC or something could be interesting too. I'm not too picky about where I live. Oh, and I want to rule the world.

retake, if you were scoring in the 177 range consistently with timed and simulated PT's and you are already planning on sitting out a cycle why not retake

Jgoods wrote:

skidoo1066 wrote:

Philafaler wrote:Are you applying this cycle?

What are your career goals?

I'm planning to apply next cycle (begin LS fall 2016).

I'd like to be in house counsel for a bank or corporation, but I'll likely need some good firm experience first. SEC or something could be interesting too. I'm not too picky about where I live. Oh, and I want to rule the world.

retake, if you were scoring in the 177 range consistently with timed and simulated PT's and you are already planning on sitting out a cycle why not retake

Absolutely right.

Retake in June and apply very early in the next cycle. If you're scoring in that range you should shoot for a 175+.

Definitely retake. You're leaving way too many points on the table.

I would retake if I were you. Those few points can make a big difference for your law school options.

Any thoughts on Feb vs June?

skidoo1066 wrote:Any thoughts on Feb vs June?

Should mostly depend on you and your schedule. Which of these exams can you give yourself enough time to be in the right mindset for the exam?

A small point, but may be worth considering. If there is ANY chance that you might opt to take the exam again after this take (as you said, you do not intend to start school until 2016) keep in mind that the Feb test is undisclosed, so you would not get the benifit of getting back your exam for review purposes.

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Definitely retake. I would study very little if I were you if you're scoring so well on PTs and feel so burnt out. Start doing a few PTs to get back into gear in May, but being in the right frame of mind sounds like the most important thing for you.

skidoo1066 wrote:I took the test in September and cancelled because it felt like a major screwup, so I took it again in December as was very disappointed last night to see that I got a 171 - out of 30+ practice tests only two of them were that low (one being my first ever PT, four years ago). Generally I'm between 173 and 177. I've had about 5 months of studying.

My UG GPA sucks (3.1) so the LSAT is what needs to carry me. I'm just torn because I'm so burned out I'm not sure how much I can really learn, and the LSAT+studying is expensive and time consuming for a person trying to provide for a family while doing a master's. I could get into some decent schools with my 171, but it would be so much better to get into some great schools (and get scholarships at decent/great schools).

Also, if I were to retake I'm not sure whether to shoot for February and just 'continue' studying, or June to give more time for in-depth studying. I've about decided if I retake I surely better get close to a 180.

Retake for sure!

I did the same thing + The Trainer + Cambridge Packets and it worked out well for me!