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Take it whenever you're ready.

PJam1989 wrote:October Pros: earlier application and more scholarship funds available. Off work 100%.
October Cons: less study time

December Pros: More time to study, but not sure if this would make a difference.
December Cons: Not 100% sure I can get off work, though I should be fine. Less funds available.

This is a re-test for me. I scored a 154 in June, and am simply looking to score a 159 or higher. My biggest fear with December is the wait...and potential loss of funds. If its any consolation, I am not expecting the extra 2 months to result in an increase by more than 2 points. What do you think?

I think you're selling yourself short with the gains you're anticipating. Look into a class or something and give it a shot. I used the online blueprint and was able to study while working full time.

I'm in the same boat.

This is how I reasoned it:
The issue was between getting a higher score, vs submitting applications on time/early enough. I know that the longer I push back my submissions, the more likely it is that I will be placed on waitlist/reject lists. But, if I take the LSAT in October, then I might not score high enough to expect an acceptance anyways.

This is what I decided to do:
I had already registered for the October LSAT. I checked to see when the deadline for rescheduling the test is (for me it is 9/11) and decided that I was going to put all I could into studying during August. If my score was not at least a consistent 167 (I'm aiming for a final score of 170+ because of a lower GPA) by the end of August, then I would reschedule the test for December. If I get a 167+ by the end of August, then I have another month to bring it up at least 3 points, which is feasible. In short: everyone knows their own application best. I know I have a lower GPA which means that, for me at least, I would rather get the highest score possible because I know that if I get rejected this cycle: 1) I wont need to retake the LSAT and, 2) I can use that score to apply next cycle, and at that point I won't have to worry about late submission holding me back.

What I'm saying is:
The higher score will likely help you more in the long run. But, you're not necessarily looking for the "highest" score, you're just looking for what is sufficient. I'm not sure what that might be for you since I don't know which schools you're applying to. I know if you're aiming for T14 it might be helpful for you to try and get a higher score than you are currently aiming for, though I don't know what your situation is.

Hope this helped.

splitsohard wrote:I'm in the same boat.

This is how I reasoned it:
The issue was between getting a higher score, vs submitting applications on time/early enough. I know that the longer I push back my submissions, the more likely it is that I will be placed on waitlist/reject lists. But, if I take the LSAT in October, then I might not score high enough to expect an acceptance anyways.

This is what I decided to do:
I had already registered for the October LSAT. I checked to see when the deadline for rescheduling the test is (for me it is 9/11) and decided that I was going to put all I could into studying during August. If my score was not at least a consistent 167 (I'm aiming for a final score of 170+ because of a lower GPA) by the end of August, then I would reschedule the test for December. If I get a 167+ by the end of August, then I have another month to bring it up at least 3 points, which is feasible. In short: everyone knows their own application best. I know I have a lower GPA which means that, for me at least, I would rather get the highest score possible because I know that if I get rejected this cycle: 1) I wont need to retake the LSAT and, 2) I can use that score to apply next cycle, and at that point I won't have to worry about late submission holding me back.

What I'm saying is:
The higher score will likely help you more in the long run. But, you're not necessarily looking for the "highest" score, you're just looking for what is sufficient. I'm not sure what that might be for you since I don't know which schools you're applying to. I know if you're aiming for T14 it might be helpful for you to try and get a higher score than you are currently aiming for, though I don't know what your situation is.

Hope this helped.

I agree with this. Remember, some schools are STILL accepting people for theisfall. Being early doesn't matter nearly as much as a high score.

PJam1989 wrote: This is a re-test for me. I scored a 154 in June, and am simply looking to score a 159 or higher.

Aim higher. If you can't get a 160+, you need to switch up your study materials and/or study habits.

My advice would be to either take it in October (that is still two months of studying away) or to wait out another cycle. I applied last cycle with a December test and it was a pain in the ass. I guess if you have the apps 99% complete and can just put in the LSAT score and submit then it won't be a big deal but definitely don't wait until getting your results in January to start applying.

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PJam1989 wrote:Why a pain in the ass?

Because starting from zero on the apps takes a lot more time than you would think. You only really have until the end of Feb. to apply so starting mid Jan. doesn't leave much time. If you don't anticipate scoring above the mid 160s it will be even more important to apply early.

Sorry to interrupt, but can I take it this December and apply for next cycle?

Thanks

yunjh1066 wrote:Sorry to interrupt, but can I take it this December and apply for next cycle?

Thanks

Scores are good for 5 years. So a test this December would be valid until December 2020.