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Here are my stats:

Practice LSAT scores: 167-172 range
Actual LSAT scores: Cancel, 165, 161
GPA: 3.87

I'm considering asking for permission to take the LSAT a 4th time. Based on my numbers, what score on a retake would be a game changer? By game changer I'm talking either T14 acceptances, maybe even with money to some of them, or more money at Vandy

Right now I'm in at Vandy with 10k a year. I love Vandy but do not like the idea of going into so much debt.

refusetolose wrote:Here are my stats:

Practice LSAT scores: 167-172 range
Actual LSAT scores: Cancel, 165, 161
GPA: 3.87

I'm considering asking for permission to take the LSAT a 4th time. Based on my numbers, what score on a retake would be a game changer? By game changer I'm talking either T14 acceptances, maybe even with money to some of them, or more money at Vandy

Right now I'm in at Vandy with 10k a year. I love Vandy but do not like the idea of going into so much debt.

170+

be careful, I got WL'd at Vandy with a 3.9/167 and so did many other candidates with similar/better numbers

But I think anything 170 and over to answer your question.

So a 167-168 puts me in no relatively better position?

refusetolose wrote:So a 167-168 puts me in no relatively better position?

Thats impossible, any score higher than your 165 puts you in better position (unless theres a matter of YP). The 165 might not get you into anywhere in the t14 but a 167 or 168 should get you into Cornell and Georgetown.

damage-inc wrote:

refusetolose wrote:So a 167-168 puts me in no relatively better position?

Thats impossible, any score higher than your 165 puts you in better position (unless theres a matter of YP). The 165 might not get you into anywhere in the t14 but a 167 or 168 should get you into Cornell and Georgetown.

maybe i'm confused, but my impression was that the OP didn't just want to get in, but rather get in with $$. 165-168 is not going to do that.

maybe i'm confused, but my impression was that the OP didn't just want to get in, but rather get in with $$. 165-168 is not going to do that.

I agree there. OP, if you want good money from t14, then a 170+ should be the goal

also, go to the Vanderbilt 2011 applications thread and see what people have posted for scholarships with similar numbers to yours. I do believe that a 168/3.87 should get you atleast 20/year from Vandy

Sorry if I was vague.

Would a 167-168 on a retake get me significantly more money at Vanderbilt?

damage-inc wrote:

I do believe that a 168/3.87 should get you atleast 20/year from Vandy

$30,000 added to my scholarship to spend a month or two studying for a test. Seems like a good deal...

.

Typically, 4 points or more since LSAT scores are reported in three point ranges above & below your actual score, but with Indiana giving substantial scholarships to those with a 167 & with Emory accepting almost everybody with a 167 or higher, then my opinion varies by your goals in retaking. In light of your objectives, a 169 should do the trick, while a 168 could.

refusetolose wrote:Here are my stats:

Practice LSAT scores: 167-172 range
Actual LSAT scores: Cancel, 165, 161
GPA: 3.87

I'm considering asking for permission to take the LSAT a 4th time. Based on my numbers, what score on a retake would be a game changer? By game changer I'm talking either T14 acceptances, maybe even with money to some of them, or more money at Vandy

Right now I'm in at Vandy with 10k a year. I love Vandy but do not like the idea of going into so much debt.

Not sure how you got into vandy $ with a 3.87/165. Id be really happy if I were you. People with 3.7/169 are routinely getting waitlisted.

I would not let this Vandy acceptance go this year. If you retake, do it in June and hope they still have scholly money left for you (its late so im not sure if they will). But to reapply, significantly risks you losing vandy. Not to mention you also have a 161 on record AFTER the 165.

I'd take this and run. As far as 165's go, you are a lottery winner this year.

I spoke with someone at Vanderbilt and was told my scholarship award likely wouldn't be increased if I scored higher on the LSAT. They said merit-based scholarships are basically set in stone.

put down your deposit, study and retake in june

if you happen to score 170+ in june, withdraw and reapply EARLY next cycle