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Hey all,

I am applying this year and registered for the Sep LSAT, which is coming in a week (this is also my first attempt). However, I consistently scored 160+ on the PTs and haven't reached my target (170+). I am thinking about taking the test and withdraw it right after if I don't feel good. That means I will probably not have a LSAT score when I apply for RD...I am wondering if that will affect my chances in any way. Thanks!!!

I don't know what your GPA is so I don't know if you'll "need" a 170+ or if you'll be okay with high 160s...but two things to keep in mind:
1. In most cases, a higher December score + a later application is better than a lower September score + an earlier application, and a December score will still be in time for most (if not all) RD applications
2. If you choose to delay until December, make sure you understand why you're getting certain questions wrong. Taking PT after PT without carefully and thoroughly analyzing your mistakes won't do you much good.

The fact that you're scoring 160+ consistently means that overall you understand the concepts and you're doing fairly well and probably just need more practice, but this is a judgment call you'll probably need to make on your own. Also, don't read too much into the "I don't feel good about it" feeling after the LSAT - that does not in any way mean that you did poorly.

floatie wrote:Also, don't read too much into the "I don't feel good about it" feeling after the LSAT - that does not in any way mean that you did poorly.

Exactly this OP. Take the Sept test and figure out where you stand. Even if you don't hit your target, it won't hurt you since schools take the highest score anyway. Who knows? You might surprise yourself and hit your target, but you won't know unless you take it. You can always retake in Dec

.

I wouldn't withdraw, and there would be no point to applying without a score anyways. You might as well wait for a score because most likely your file won't be marked complete until the schools have it. Spivey just covered this in his new podcast, I think.

littlewing67 wrote:

GoGreen17 wrote:

floatie wrote:Also, don't read too much into the "I don't feel good about it" feeling after the LSAT - that does not in any way mean that you did poorly.

Exactly this OP. Take the Sept test and figure out where you stand. Even if you don't hit your target, it won't hurt you since schools take the highest score anyway. Who knows? You might surprise yourself and hit your target, but you won't know unless you take it. You can always retake in Dec

Not OP but sort of in the same boat. My mom was worrying my yesterday saying schools average the two scores. Do you know how true this is?

Hi, this is the info on the LSAC website - so it may not be a wise idea to take the LSAT unless you are positive you will do better.

LSAC will automatically report the results of all LSATs in your file, including cancellations and absences, since June 1, 2011. The scores are averaged and are also listed separately.

http://www.lsac.org/jd/help/faqs-lsat#eligibility (under the question "How will my scores be reported"

floatie wrote:I don't know what your GPA is so I don't know if you'll "need" a 170+ or if you'll be okay with high 160s...but two things to keep in mind:
1. In most cases, a higher December score + a later application is better than a lower September score + an earlier application, and a December score will still be in time for most (if not all) RD applications
2. If you choose to delay until December, make sure you understand why you're getting certain questions wrong. Taking PT after PT without carefully and thoroughly analyzing your mistakes won't do you much good.

The fact that you're scoring 160+ consistently means that overall you understand the concepts and you're doing fairly well and probably just need more practice, but this is a judgment call you'll probably need to make on your own. Also, don't read too much into the "I don't feel good about it" feeling after the LSAT - that does not in any way mean that you did poorly.

Thank you! My GPA is 3.4 so I think I need a high LSAT to do a bit of compensating...for your 2nd suggestion- yes! I totally agree! My RC is especially weak and LR is not stable. So I have a general idea of what to study for the Dec test. Thanks again.

GoGreen17 wrote:

floatie wrote:Also, don't read too much into the "I don't feel good about it" feeling after the LSAT - that does not in any way mean that you did poorly.

Exactly this OP. Take the Sept test and figure out where you stand. Even if you don't hit your target, it won't hurt you since schools take the highest score anyway. Who knows? You might surprise yourself and hit your target, but you won't know unless you take it. You can always retake in Dec

I will! Thanks so much!

poptart123 wrote:I wouldn't withdraw, and there would be no point to applying without a score anyways. You might as well wait for a score because most likely your file won't be marked complete until the schools have it. Spivey just covered this in his new podcast, I think.

Thanks! So I guess I should submit my application when I have the Dec score, if I don't do well in the Sep test? Mind elaborating on the Spivey podcast? What is it exactly?

tracy9524 wrote:

poptart123 wrote:I wouldn't withdraw, and there would be no point to applying without a score anyways. You might as well wait for a score because most likely your file won't be marked complete until the schools have it. Spivey just covered this in his new podcast, I think.

Thanks! So I guess I should submit my application when I have the Dec score, if I don't do well in the Sep test? Mind elaborating on the Spivey podcast? What is it exactly?

http://blog.spiveyconsulting.com/podcas ... ons-cycle/

Check out this link about the admissions timeline. I think it will help you out.

poptart123 wrote:

tracy9524 wrote:

poptart123 wrote:I wouldn't withdraw, and there would be no point to applying without a score anyways. You might as well wait for a score because most likely your file won't be marked complete until the schools have it. Spivey just covered this in his new podcast, I think.

Thanks! So I guess I should submit my application when I have the Dec score, if I don't do well in the Sep test? Mind elaborating on the Spivey podcast? What is it exactly?

http://blog.spiveyconsulting.com/podcas ... ons-cycle/

Check out this link about the admissions timeline. I think it will help you out.

Great! Much thanks!