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Hi all,

Just got my September LSAT back as 160, about 5 points under my median score (highest diagnostic at 169). I wouldn't mind retaking in December and am willing to put in the work, but do you all think this would be too risky in terms of timeliness of application submission? It seems as though I could do much better, but if I don't, have I totally shot myself in the foot? Also, is there such a thing as applying to some schools with this lower score, but waiting for the December to apply to other schools?

For what it's worth, GPA is 3.82, college senior, highly involved.

Any advice is so very much appreciated.

Thanks!

Yeah, definitely retake. Put off applying for another year if you have to retake a second time. Don't waste the sweet GPA.

madison17 wrote:Hi all,

Just got my September LSAT back as 160, about 5 points under my median score (highest diagnostic at 169). I wouldn't mind retaking in December and am willing to put in the work, but do you all think this would be too risky in terms of timeliness of application submission? It seems as though I could do much better, but if I don't, have I totally shot myself in the foot? Also, is there such a thing as applying to some schools with this lower score, but waiting for the December to apply to other schools?

For what it's worth, GPA is 3.82, college senior, highly involved.

Any advice is so very much appreciated.

Thanks!

Don't waste that GPA on a 160. You absolutely need to retake. Scoring lower won't hurt you, but it will mean that you will be wasting your GPA. I doubt you get into any schools worth attending at a reasonable price with a 160.

Retaking high enough makes you competitive in the entire T14 with $$$.

Thanks very much for your replies. Would you say I could I still apply this cycle and be competitive?

Competitive for what/where exactly?

Theoretically, I suppose it's possible for those numbers to be sufficient if you have some very clearly defined career goals and live in a state where the flagship school has relatively low median LSAT/GPA. But if you're like the vast, vast majority of college seniors/people who go to law school then no, they aren't competitive for anywhere you should actually consider attending.

One benefit of being so young is you have tons of time to work on the LSAT and can take multiple gap years if necessary. Law school isn't going anywhere, might as well spend the time and effort to do this process right (assuming December doesn't get you where you need to be)

Good luck, you have a good gpa and obviously are smart and have a lot of aptitude when it comes to the LSAT. Just got to keep working at it, there are tons of resources on this site and if you really work at it, you'll get where you need to be.

madison17 wrote:Thanks very much for your replies. Would you say I could I still apply this cycle and be competitive?

Don't bother. I don't want to see a thread in three months where you're trying to rationalize going to BU on a half scholly. You've got more potential to realize than that. Just study using Noodley's guide, retake until you get a 170+, and never look back.