Top Law Schools

Hello everyone!

I want to ask for some advice. I am not sure if I should sit for this September's LSAT since I have not yet hit my goal score of 170+. I am currently in the low-mid 160's (up from a low 150's diagnostic back in February) and am just finishing up an accelerated course through Manhattan Prep.

Anyone have any advice on what I should do? Is it better to take the test only once? Or should I sit for it in a couple of weeks and retake in December if I don't get above a 170 the first time around? I'm not sure if it makes too much of a difference in your application.

Just a little bit of background, I have a 3.3 GPA, non URM, and want to get into a T-14 so I am leaning HEAVY on my LSAT score.

Thanks !

Wait. Considering your goals, no question

You can take the test 3x and it's not "better" or "worse" to take it once or three times. Take it until you hit your score and only waste a take when you're ready.

maybeman wrote:Wait. Considering your goals, no question

Postpone. You aren't ready. Don't sign up for another take until you are ready.

Barack O'Drama wrote:

maybeman wrote:Wait. Considering your goals, no question

Postpone. You aren't ready. Don't sign up for another take until you are ready.

100% agree. Honestly studying for the LSAT isn't very effective when you're rushed anyways. Just postpone and give yourself some more time to really understand the material. Just because the LSAT can be learned doesn't mean it's particularly easy to do so!

Csta5315 wrote:Hello everyone!

I want to ask for some advice. I am not sure if I should sit for this September's LSAT since I have not yet hit my goal score of 170+. I am currently in the low-mid 160's (up from a low 150's diagnostic back in February) and am just finishing up an accelerated course through Manhattan Prep.

Anyone have any advice on what I should do? Is it better to take the test only once? Or should I sit for it in a couple of weeks and retake in December if I don't get above a 170 the first time around? I'm not sure if it makes too much of a difference in your application.

Just a little bit of background, I have a 3.3 GPA, non URM, and want to get into a T-14 so I am leaning HEAVY on my LSAT score.

Thanks !

Wait and take a later exam when you're ready. As somebody who took the exam 3 times, I can say that it's not worth using up one of your 3 takes to "feel it out." I did that for my first take, and wish I could've saved it for when I was completely ready to maximize my score potential.

The date change deadline has already passed, so it's too late to change your registration to a later date. Your $170 is a sunk cost at this point and cannot be recovered. You have only three options: withdraw, take the test, or just not show up on test day. If you don't show up, it counts as one of your three attempts, so absolutely do not do that. If you withdraw, it does not count as an attempt, so you would still have three tries left. All you lose is $170, which is already spent anyway.

However, you should definitely not withdraw yet. You can withdraw without penalty at any time up to midnight EST the night before the test. You should spend the next two and a half weeks studying diligently, and it is possible that you will have a breakthrough and you may be able to achieve or come close to your goal score by test time. It's unlikely, as noted in the other replies to this thread, but not impossible. Since there is no additional penalty for withdrawing at the last minute, you should give yourself every chance to improve before deciding. Good luck!

Shemp wrote:The date change deadline has already passed, so it's too late to change your registration to a later date. Your $170 is a sunk cost at this point and cannot be recovered. You have only three options: withdraw, take the test, or just not show up on test day. If you don't show up, it counts as one of your three attempts, so absolutely do not do that. If you withdraw, it does not count as an attempt, so you would still have three tries left. All you lose is $170, which is already spent anyway.

However, you should definitely not withdraw yet. You can withdraw without penalty at any time up to midnight EST the night before the test. You should spend the next two and a half weeks studying diligently, and it is possible that you will have a breakthrough and you may be able to achieve or come close to your goal score by test time. It's unlikely, as noted in the other replies to this thread, but not impossible. Since there is no additional penalty for withdrawing at the last minute, you should give yourself every chance to improve before deciding. Good luck!

Yes, that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'll PT and review my course material over the next two weeks and a few days before the test I'll make the decision and withdraw if I haven't hit my goal score at least a few times. Thanks for the input !!