Arguments for retaking LSAT Forum

[crunchy]

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[lurkerlarry]

http://www.lawschooltransparency.com/

[hairbear7]

http://mylsn.info/r/pre-law/admissions/search/

Keep upping the LSAT range and watch how drastically things change.

Retake! And I hope your health is better =)

[McJimJam]

Post removed.

[WhiskeyAndCupcakes]

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[Clyde Frog]

How much are your parents planning on paying you? What are the long term outcomes?

[Gooner91]

Are your parents fine paying sticker?

Are they not going to pay if you take a year off?

[downbeat14]

First off, wow, that's amazing what you've been through and I hope your health is ok now and stays that way. Echo what the above posters said, but maybe an emotional appeal could work well for you here?:

I can't possibly imagine what you've experienced, but I would imagine saying something like after what you've been through you want to get the most out of your life and career and attend a school that will give you the best educational experience and set you up for the best chance at success. The LSAT is the single largest determinate for said schools. You are going to have an incredible personal statement and compelling application I'm sure, so the only thing holding you back from the most elite schools is that one number. You've overcome a lot, and you can beat the LSAT too and achieve your more lofty goals.

Whatever you do, good luck to you OP! Update us on what happens pls!

[crunchy]

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[hairbear7]

They have scheduled an "emergency" family session with their therapist tomorrow so that they can gang up on me and try to figure out the "real" reason I'm trying to defer.

Oh my god this is nuts.

I think it'll be difficult for people to give advice because it seems like you have a…unique…family situation. But I hope it works out for you dude.

[HeirCroc]

hey crunchy,

I just experienced/am still sort of in a similar situation, though it sounds like my parents' reaction is not as extreme as yours. My numbers (3.3 166) got me a full ride at a regional and some decent scholarships from GW and USC. I've decided to turn down the full scholly. I'm gonna depo at a school or two and retake in June, hoping to negotiate after a score increase. If I don't get adequate $$, I will sit out until next year. I explained this to my my parents and they basically freaked out. They can't fathom why I would turn down a full scholarship and definitely do not want me to defer a year. I was accused of 'being scared'. After some heated conversations I wrote a long email explaining myself using LST data, the gist of which said the school I could goto for free is utterly terrible for my desired outcomes (biglaw/clerkship) and I don't feel comfortable with the current COA of USC GW or Wash U. It had no effect on their position. It was then suggested they would absorb the cost to avoid loans, but neither of us are very comfortable with that option. Although I don't live at home and I pay practically all my bills, they do support me in some ways (paid my car insurance and pay phone bill).

I'm still not sure where the deep opposition came from, as they are pretty understanding people, but what I learned and what I would say to you is that a quick turn around in attitude is unlikely. It's hard to explain to anyone not in the know why you would turn down a full ride or 75k from a good school. I think given some time my parents will accept it, if not understand it. Anyway, it seems your parents are even more entrenched/extreme. My advice is to just commit to your decision if you are willing to deal with all the consequences (like moving out if necessary). There's a good chance they break/get over it and if not you are still making the right decision IMO. Your parents are wrong about what your GPA/ a 167 can with respect to top twenty schools: I got $$ at GW and USC and I have a 166 3.3. You are four points away from that. You can score higher than that if you work for it. Just focus on the test. Worst case you have the option of a third take if your first retake is before next December, which I presume it will be.

[banjo]

They can't fathom why I would turn down a full scholarship and definitely do not want me to defer a year. I was accused of 'being scared'.

Yikes. Is this an Asian parent thing? My parents encouraged me to take another year off after I was already two years out.

OP, maybe the best argument is, "I know I can do better." All parents believe their children are brilliant and might support you if they thought you were not hitting your potential.

[HeirCroc]

nah caucasian. It wasn't a theme, just one comment my mom made, but still pissed me off lol.

[ub3r]

This thread makes me appreciate how much my parents have trusted my word on everything. I'm also glad they took the time to really look at the numbers and see the employment rates (and costs) themselves.

[Mullens]

This link has the applicant data for the cycle

[RunnerRunner]

Ultimately, I'm 23 and they can't control me. They are very controlling people and up until this point I've allowed them a certain level of control because they hold the purse strings and the prospect of free tuition for undergrad and law school was so enticing, but I'm an adult and this is a major life decision. I am going to do what is best for myself and my future and hopefully they will see reason.

This was actually going to be my advice, but you're way ahead of me! Def might have to just assert your independence at some point, can't let a decision this big be controlled by anyone but yourself. Glad to hear the health is on the upswing, good luck with everything!

[crunchy]

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[crunchy]

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[Albus Dumbledore]

It's nice to hear that the session was not as bad as you expected. When I read your post, I could not really figure out why your parents were so adamant in forcing you to go to law school this fall. But I think I figured out your parent's mindset. First, you're parents graduated from USD. If they had a great time at USD, then they would be fine if their child were to go there as well or to another school of the same caliber. Second, they seem to have a stable practice in your hometown that you could join once you graduate. This means you are pretty much set even before graduation. Employment data from the schools become irrelevant to them. Third, the financial aid you were offered were substantial, which make them difficult to turn down. Finally, they are offering to pay for the rest of your educational expenses including rent, so to them a higher LSAT score is not going to make your financial obligation smaller as they will be paying for the relevant expenses.

I'm most likely wrong about this, of course. But if these are the reasons they want you to attend this fall, then I don't think they are completely unreasonable. Having said that, I personally am on your side. I think we should always try to achieve our best in anything we do, so I support your decision to retake. You also seem to dislike the idea of working at your parents' firm, so you are right to worry about your employment prospects. Illinois is not a bad school though, and you will be graduating with almost no debt. That should provide you with some freedom after graduation. If you can't find a job, however, you can work for your parents for a few years to gain some experience.

Good luck on getting a higher score! But if you don't, just keep in mind that the alternative is actually still quite good. It is in fact better that what many law students face when they graduate.

[Rigo]

Was in the same situation dealing with stubborn parents who just didn't get it. I got them to respect my decision to sit out the cycle to retake.

It really boils down to you telling them it's your life and your choice. You know you can do better on the LSAT and your LSAT score can literally mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships. Why pay sticker price and take out a mortgage's worth of debt when you could attend a better law school for free/almost free?
Never again will you have such a huge payoff for so little effort (studying for the LSAT).

Just tell them that you want to set yourself up for a bright future. That means doing your best from the get-go and getting a LSAT score that accurately reflects your abilities.

Good luck!