Retaking the LSAT - waste of time? Forum

[cantyoloforever]

I’m torn on retaking the LSAT. I scored a 169 in June, which is good and was my PT average for about 8 months leading into the test. However, with my GPA, it puts me at 50% chance of getting into the lower portion of t14, and makes dream schools like Penn or Duke very hard to get into. So, I figured a retake with even a 1 or 2 point increase would be great. But now I’m starting to doubt that it’s worth the effort.

After all, I did study for a year and took 50 practice tests. And now I’m mostly doing retakes, along with the older tests for drilling. I just kind of feel like I’m wasting my time, that I should be focusing on working on other things like my application or getting a job (recently lost my job, so I'm worried that I should be spending more time focusing on getting a new one so I can be a more well-rounded applicant; though I was assured in one of my other threads not to even worry about that).

Does anyone else feel this way? Or should I stop worrying and get back to studying?

[Mikey]

There's been so many people who have retaken the LSAT and reused all of their study materials and did better on their retake. If you think you can do better, then it's not a waste of time.

[cantyoloforever]

There's been so many people who have retaken the LSAT and reused all of their study materials and did better on their retake. If you think you can do better, then it's not a waste of time.

I guess that's where my anxiety comes in, as I'm not sure if I can do better; my 8 month plateau makes me think this. However, I have gotten a 175 and 176 on retakes since I started studying again, so it's very hard to say.

[Mikey]

There's been so many people who have retaken the LSAT and reused all of their study materials and did better on their retake. If you think you can do better, then it's not a waste of time.

I guess that's where my anxiety comes in, as I'm not sure if I can do better; my 8 month plateau makes me think this. However, I have gotten a 175 and 176 on retakes since I started studying again, so it's very hard to say.

Are you remembering some answers? If so, that may be influencing those scores. Either way, if you're not maxed out on takes, I don't see why you shouldn't at least try to get a higher score. Go for it, you may do a lot better than you did previously.

[josh9308]

Are there any good threads around here about good methods to use for retaking? I have about 2-3 fresh tests available, and I'll get the Super Test booklet for more fresh tests.

[cantyoloforever]

There's been so many people who have retaken the LSAT and reused all of their study materials and did better on their retake. If you think you can do better, then it's not a waste of time.

I guess that's where my anxiety comes in, as I'm not sure if I can do better; my 8 month plateau makes me think this. However, I have gotten a 175 and 176 on retakes since I started studying again, so it's very hard to say.

Are you remembering some answers? If so, that may be influencing those scores. Either way, if you're not maxed out on takes, I don't see why you shouldn't at least try to get a higher score. Go for it, you may do a lot better than you did previously.

I don't think so......with that said, before the last test, I even scored as high a 178 on a retake; never above a 171 on a fresh test though. I did have bad nerves before my first real take, so I'm hoping that going into Sept. with a good score will help relax me haha.

[cantyoloforever]

Are there any good threads around here about good methods to use for retaking? I have about 2-3 fresh tests available, and I'll get the Super Test booklet for more fresh tests.

I'm getting the Super Test booklets too!

[Mikey]

There's been so many people who have retaken the LSAT and reused all of their study materials and did better on their retake. If you think you can do better, then it's not a waste of time.

I guess that's where my anxiety comes in, as I'm not sure if I can do better; my 8 month plateau makes me think this. However, I have gotten a 175 and 176 on retakes since I started studying again, so it's very hard to say.

Are you remembering some answers? If so, that may be influencing those scores. Either way, if you're not maxed out on takes, I don't see why you shouldn't at least try to get a higher score. Go for it, you may do a lot better than you did previously.

I don't think so......with that said, before the last test, I even scored as high a 178 on a retake; never above a 171 on a fresh test though. I did have bad nerves before my first real take, so I'm hoping that going into Sept. with a good score will help relax me haha.

Lmao I understand, June was my first take as well and I was beyond nervous and bombed it. I'm with you on hopefully not feeling nervous for our second take.

[RamTitan]

There's been so many people who have retaken the LSAT and reused all of their study materials and did better on their retake. If you think you can do better, then it's not a waste of time.

I guess that's where my anxiety comes in, as I'm not sure if I can do better; my 8 month plateau makes me think this. However, I have gotten a 175 and 176 on retakes since I started studying again, so it's very hard to say.

Are you remembering some answers? If so, that may be influencing those scores. Either way, if you're not maxed out on takes, I don't see why you shouldn't at least try to get a higher score. Go for it, you may do a lot better than you did previously.

I don't think so......with that said, before the last test, I even scored as high a 178 on a retake; never above a 171 on a fresh test though. I did have bad nerves before my first real take, so I'm hoping that going into Sept. with a good score will help relax me haha.

Lmao I understand, June was my first take as well and I was beyond nervous and bombed it. I'm with you on hopefully not feeling nervous for our second take.

I feel a lot better than I was earlier. We've got this

[Mikey]

There's been so many people who have retaken the LSAT and reused all of their study materials and did better on their retake. If you think you can do better, then it's not a waste of time.

I guess that's where my anxiety comes in, as I'm not sure if I can do better; my 8 month plateau makes me think this. However, I have gotten a 175 and 176 on retakes since I started studying again, so it's very hard to say.

Are you remembering some answers? If so, that may be influencing those scores. Either way, if you're not maxed out on takes, I don't see why you shouldn't at least try to get a higher score. Go for it, you may do a lot better than you did previously.

I don't think so......with that said, before the last test, I even scored as high a 178 on a retake; never above a 171 on a fresh test though. I did have bad nerves before my first real take, so I'm hoping that going into Sept. with a good score will help relax me haha.

Lmao I understand, June was my first take as well and I was beyond nervous and bombed it. I'm with you on hopefully not feeling nervous for our second take.

I feel a lot better than I was earlier. We've got this

YEP! We're all going to destroy this test this time. I mean Ram, you got the same score as OP right? I think I remember seeing some of your posts. You guys didn't do so bad, imo, but I see the want to retake since 169 is RIGHT there next to breaking that 170.

[Jordan Catalano]

It might be useful to consider the fact that most people who retake the LSAT score 2-3 points higher than their first score. I know you are pt'ing higher than 2-3 point difference, but if you consider the average outcome of what could happen - getting a 171 or 172 - and then comparing your new stats for admission to T14's it might help you figure out if it's worth your time or not. Just a thought.

[RamTitan]

There's been so many people who have retaken the LSAT and reused all of their study materials and did better on their retake. If you think you can do better, then it's not a waste of time.

I guess that's where my anxiety comes in, as I'm not sure if I can do better; my 8 month plateau makes me think this. However, I have gotten a 175 and 176 on retakes since I started studying again, so it's very hard to say.

Are you remembering some answers? If so, that may be influencing those scores. Either way, if you're not maxed out on takes, I don't see why you shouldn't at least try to get a higher score. Go for it, you may do a lot better than you did previously.

I don't think so......with that said, before the last test, I even scored as high a 178 on a retake; never above a 171 on a fresh test though. I did have bad nerves before my first real take, so I'm hoping that going into Sept. with a good score will help relax me haha.

Lmao I understand, June was my first take as well and I was beyond nervous and bombed it. I'm with you on hopefully not feeling nervous for our second take.

I feel a lot better than I was earlier. We've got this

YEP! We're all going to destroy this test this time. I mean Ram, you got the same score as OP right? I think I remember seeing some of your posts. You guys didn't do so bad, imo, but I see the want to retake since 169 is RIGHT there next to breaking that 170.

Yup, exact same score. There's such a big drop off between a 169 and a 170 in terms of people who get it (think it goes from 4% to 2.5% of test takers) that even eeking out a point seems to be worth it.

With that said OP, maybe you don't need to take as many tests? I'd focus more on drilling problem areas.

[Mikey]

Yup, exact same score. There's such a big drop off between a 169 and a 170 in terms of people who get it (think it goes from 4% to 2.5% of test takers) that even eeking out a point seems to be worth it.

With that said OP, maybe you don't need to take as many tests? I'd focus more on drilling problem areas.

Yeah that 1 point, imo can make a difference. What were you PTing at?

[brinicolec]

Do you have ANY fresh tests? I'd recommend taking a couple fresh tests to see how you're scoring on those. If you're seeing big score differences, you might be subconsciously remembering answers or even methods of how you approached the question. But, if you're PTing over 170 on fresh tests consistently as well, it's probably worth the retake.

[cantyoloforever]

Do you have ANY fresh tests? I'd recommend taking a couple fresh tests to see how you're scoring on those. If you're seeing big score differences, you might be subconsciously remembering answers or even methods of how you approached the question. But, if you're PTing over 170 on fresh tests consistently as well, it's probably worth the retake.

Only fresh tests are 29-38. The June test is relatively fresh (I never went over it for these purposes), so I may use that as a barometer. Also, only drilled PT 72 once, so that may be a decent indicator, though I know it's a harder one.

[cantyoloforever]

There's been so many people who have retaken the LSAT and reused all of their study materials and did better on their retake. If you think you can do better, then it's not a waste of time.

I guess that's where my anxiety comes in, as I'm not sure if I can do better; my 8 month plateau makes me think this. However, I have gotten a 175 and 176 on retakes since I started studying again, so it's very hard to say.

Are you remembering some answers? If so, that may be influencing those scores. Either way, if you're not maxed out on takes, I don't see why you shouldn't at least try to get a higher score. Go for it, you may do a lot better than you did previously.

I don't think so......with that said, before the last test, I even scored as high a 178 on a retake; never above a 171 on a fresh test though. I did have bad nerves before my first real take, so I'm hoping that going into Sept. with a good score will help relax me haha.

Lmao I understand, June was my first take as well and I was beyond nervous and bombed it. I'm with you on hopefully not feeling nervous for our second take.

Thanks for the advice! I think I am going to spend a lot of my time drilling the hardest LR problems, while doing 2 practice tests a week just to keep my test taking skills sharp.

[RamTitan]

Yup, exact same score. There's such a big drop off between a 169 and a 170 in terms of people who get it (think it goes from 4% to 2.5% of test takers) that even eeking out a point seems to be worth it.

With that said OP, maybe you don't need to take as many tests? I'd focus more on drilling problem areas.

Yeah that 1 point, imo can make a difference. What were you PTing at?

I was PTing at 167-171 on fresh tests, so 169 isn't that bad for me. With that said, I missed two on games and didn't even answer one of the LR questions (completely forgot about it), so......I think just going in not stressed out of my mind will make a big difference. Also, spending way more time drilling the hardest LR problems and logic games and less time taking practice tests.

Was this past test your first take? How do you feel about your current situation?

[Mikey]

Yup, exact same score. There's such a big drop off between a 169 and a 170 in terms of people who get it (think it goes from 4% to 2.5% of test takers) that even eeking out a point seems to be worth it.

With that said OP, maybe you don't need to take as many tests? I'd focus more on drilling problem areas.

Yeah that 1 point, imo can make a difference. What were you PTing at?

I was PTing at 167-171 on fresh tests, so 169 isn't that bad for me. With that said, I missed two on games and didn't even answer one of the LR questions (completely forgot about it), so......I think just going in not stressed out of my mind will make a big difference. Also, spending way more time drilling the hardest LR problems and logic games and less time taking practice tests.

Was this past test your first take? How do you feel about your current situation?

169 isn't bad imo, I would've been happy with that in all honesty haha.

Well my current situation is actually quite bad. I was PTing between the low 160's and 167, with my highest score being a 168. I scored no where near my range in June due to test anxiety and an extreme amount of nervousness, as well as somewhat under-preparing by not taking enough PTs, which I knew would screw me but I did it anyways. So I'm banking on September being it for me since I know I have the potential to do well.

[RamTitan]

Yup, exact same score. There's such a big drop off between a 169 and a 170 in terms of people who get it (think it goes from 4% to 2.5% of test takers) that even eeking out a point seems to be worth it.

With that said OP, maybe you don't need to take as many tests? I'd focus more on drilling problem areas.

Yeah that 1 point, imo can make a difference. What were you PTing at?

I was PTing at 167-171 on fresh tests, so 169 isn't that bad for me. With that said, I missed two on games and didn't even answer one of the LR questions (completely forgot about it), so......I think just going in not stressed out of my mind will make a big difference. Also, spending way more time drilling the hardest LR problems and logic games and less time taking practice tests.

Was this past test your first take? How do you feel about your current situation?

169 isn't bad imo, I would've been happy with that in all honesty haha.

Well my current situation is actually quite bad. I was PTing between the low 160's and 167, with my highest score being a 168. I scored no where near my range in June due to test anxiety and an extreme amount of nervousness, as well as somewhat under-preparing by not taking enough PTs, which I knew would screw me but I did it anyways. So I'm banking on September being it for me since I know I have the potential to do well.

Honestly, retaking could end up being for a blessing for you, especially if you are able to up your practice test average. Sounds like you have a lot of untapped potential.

Edit - thanks for the compliment btw!