Is there a point to retaking? Forum

[TLS_noobie]

I retook from a 160->167 and this cycle is proving relatively predictable so far. I have a GPA of about 3.25 coming from a technical CS-like major. I am in at BC/BU/ND as of right now. I am mauling over retaking in June because I am confident I could nab a 170+ score but I am wondering if it is worth it. What score would I need to warrant sitting out this year and reapplying next cycle? My goals are biglaw and with BC/BU/ND, prospects for biglaw are slim. T14 would substantially increase my chances but since I would be a splitter with 2 lsat retakes, scholly potential seems like a crap-shoot if I were to even be admitted to any T14s. HYS is out it seems, even if I were to achieve some insane 178+, my GPA would probably take away any possibility at those; but are the rest of the T14 likely if I were to get 170+?

Thanks,
TLS-noobie

[CanadianWolf]

With a 171/3.25 & a year of post college work experience, Northwestern and, therefore, biglaw are likely.

[bk1]

Yes the T14 is most definitely possible with a 170+. Your lower scores won't hurt you since they care about your highest. You're also right that a 170+ won't bring you much scholarship money (as a splitter you've already screwed the pooch on that count). But if you want biglaw you should be looking to the T14 anyways rather than a lower ranked school with scholly.

Simply put, this is an easy decision for you to retake.

[Mike12188]

171/3.25 got me C and G last cycle. ED'd to Penn and was waitlisted, they took a lot of reverse splitters last cycle

[TLS_noobie]

With a 171/3.25 & a year of post college work experience, Northwestern and, therefore, biglaw are likely.

Is a year of WE really enough for Northwestern?
Does having applied to Northwestern already (as an extreme reach this cycle, but was held) hurt my chances of being accepted next year?

[CanadianWolf]

Yes.

It probably helps your chances.

[bk1]

Is a year of WE really enough for Northwestern?
Does having applied to Northwestern already (as an extreme reach this cycle, but was held) hurt my chances of being accepted next year?

1 year is on the edge (around 20% of the class is 1 year or less) but I think you should be good if you have a good enough LSAT.

Having previously applied and been rejected at any school doesn't hurt you if you're applying with a better LSAT.

[traehekat]

Not even debatable, absolutely retake.

[TLS_noobie]

Great! Thanks a lot for all of the responses! One more question: can I place a seat deposit down on BU/BC/ND (whichever one gives me the most $$$) before I retake in June, just as a backup and then drop-out/withdraw once I knock this LSAT outta the park? I understand I would be out 500 bucks but it is a small price to pay to keep my peace of mind.

[bk1]

Great! Thanks a lot for all of the responses! One more question: can I place a seat deposit down on BU/BC/ND (whichever one gives me the most $$$) before I retake in June, just as a backup and then drop-out/withdraw once I knock this LSAT outta the park? I understand I would be out 500 bucks but it is a small price to pay to keep my peace of mind.

Yes you can.

[hooma]

Just want to provide some ecouragement: I retook a 167 (3rd attempt) and scored a 170 (4th attempt) in February. 2 hours after notifying UVA I was in off the waitlist. I'm now in at my dream school and even in a position to negotiate money all because I retook. It was so worth it.

[Kaylynn86]

I am mauling over retaking in June

Thanks,
TLS-noobie

I giggled.

[StarLightSpectre]

Great! Thanks a lot for all of the responses! One more question: can I place a seat deposit down on BU/BC/ND (whichever one gives me the most $$$) before I retake in June, just as a backup and then drop-out/withdraw once I knock this LSAT outta the park? I understand I would be out 500 bucks but it is a small price to pay to keep my peace of mind.

This is exactly what I'm doing at precisely one of those schools!