Thinking about Re-taking the LSAT?
Here’s a previous post entitled “I have my June LSAT Score: Now What?” that might be helpful to many of you today.
There is no shame in re-taking the LSAT. Two guidelines about studying for September:
1. If you did much better (consistently) on practice exams than on the real thing, you don’t need to sit through another prep course – just maintain the skills you already have and check out Knewton and TestSherpa and other inexpensive tutorial methods. Also, get working on your application materials – don’t wait for the new score to start your personal statement, resume, LORs, etc.
2. If you weren’t hitting practice exam scores much higher than your actual score, you need a new and improved way to prep for the September exam: Try a different prep course, or if you didn’t take a prep course, trying one (even an online/inexpensive version) or a private tutor might make all the difference for you.
No matter what you decide, don’t let this first score haunt you. It doesn’t preclude you from enjoying a successful career – it’s just part of how you determine your strategy going forward.
Related posts:
- Are You Ready for the LSAT?
- Taking the LSAT
- Not hitting your Goal LSAT Score?
- June LSAT Takers: It’s Time to COMMIT.
- Ready for the September LSAT?
Ann K. Levine, Esq., former director of law school admissions for two ABA approved law schools, is a law school admission consultant and owner of Law School Expert,
This is an upbeat post and a nice push to get back on course should someone be slightly discouraged after receiving their score. Thanks!
Hi. I am currently taking a prep course with Kaplan for the LSAT. I’m taking the test on September 26th, my question is which test is considered easier the Sept or the Dec. test? Which schools do you think will accept someone in the mid to upper 140′s?
Elisha, No test is “easier” or “harder” to everyone. I worry more about when you are ready for the test and how you can take advantage of the rolling admission process. For an idea regarding schools’ standards, see the ABA LSAC Official Guide to Law School. If you’re worried about a low LSAT score, there’s a chapter in my book about that and also about school selection. Good luck!
Hi Ann,
I graduated from college in May of 2008. I took the LSAT twice in the fall of 2007 and scored horribly. I received a 149 & a153. I was scoring 160-165 on my practice tests over that summer. However, that fall I had fallen into a deep depression due to some family problems that were going on and became suicidal. I was working fulltime and had to move in with my aunt as my father stopped supporting my schooling after I confronted him for sexually abusing me as a child.
I remember that before the first test, I was so stressed out that I actually vomitted on the way to the test. I was certain I would be better by December, but by that point, I had given myself several ulcers and was in the hospital the same week as the Dec LSAT.
It’s been quite some time now, & I’ve gone through therapy and I’m in a much better place. I know that I can score better on the LSAT. But I’m afraid because I don’t want to give a general or whiny excuse as to why I didn’t do well the first two times. I have such a strong desire to go into law and now I’m afraid that with my current scores, I won’t get into any school. I was an Honors student at my university with a GPA of 3.87. I know that I’m more than capable, but my scores don’t show that.
I want to take the LSAT again in August, (my goal is to go to law school in 2010), but everything I read tells me otherwise. As it stands, though, I think the decision is already made for me, so to speak. With these scores, I doubt any school will accept me. Perhaps I am being a bit defeatist.
This entire process has been quite discouraging for me. I suppose I just need some encouragement. I have several great recommendations from professors and from lawyers with whom I’ve worked. Can you give me any advice?
Laney
*September, sorry
Laney – you MUST retake the LSAT. You can explain the first two scores without being whiney, or you could wait a year and then no one will count those scores on your score report. But really, I don’t think you need to wait. Go kick the LSAT’s butt and put together a well reasoned (not sob story) explanation of why the first two scores aren’t good indicators of your ability. For more information about writing an addendum to explain a weakness, my book might be helpful to you. Good luck!
Hi Ann,
Can I just begin by thanking you for being such an incredible support!
Here’s my dilemma: I took the June 2009 Lsat and score a 167 (percentile rank 95). My gpa at College is 3.94. What do you think are my chances at some of the top law schools? Should I retake the lsat and risk getting a lower score and also delaying my applications?
Thanks and can’t wait to hear back!
Nik
Ann-
Like Laney above, I also graduated in May of 2008 and took the LSATs twice in Fall of 07, receiving scores of 152 and then 151. I applied to a few school (Dickinson, Richmond, Syracuse) to no avail. I’ve taken a year and a half off doing legislative and political work and will continue to do so until Fall of 10 when, hopefully, I will be attending law school. I am planning to take the LSATs again this year but had some questions regarding preparation. I generally score lower on the Logic Games section of the test than the rest and have bought book after book where I test high in this section and in the mid-160 range overall. With that said, when do you think I should retake the LSAT and what can I do to improve the LG score specifically?
Also, my “combined” GPA is a 3.25 with a near 3.9 from my degree-granting institution. The 3.25 is mainly due to problems freshman year of college resulting in a low 2.25 GPA and a sophomore year transferal. Do most schools take this major situational and academic improvement into light themselves or should I elaborate on my application?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Also, you mentioned that the scores would fall off the report in another year. I thought they were on your report for at least five years and, if I take them again now, will those previous scores still be reported a year from now?
Hi Nick, The September LSAT wouldn’t delay your application but you should only take it if you’re confident in your ability to improve your score. If you prepared adequately/sufficiently for the June LSAT and your practice scores were consistently 164-166, then please don’t re-take the LSAT. If you were consistently scoring in the 170s then try taking the LSAT again. I don’t know enough about you (and couldn’t possibly) through the blog format to know your chances at top schools, but you’re certainly in the running! Thanks for reading the blog.
Hi Charles,
1. Re-take the LSAT. You have the potential to significantly improve your score.
2. In terms of prep, there are tons of options for every budget. Private tutor might be able to help you tackle problem areas. Also see emerging tutorial companies like Knewton.com, AtlasLSAT.com and testsherpa.com in addition to traditional options.
3. You probably will want to explain your first year and transfer in an addendum. I have a lot of tips in my book on how to do this and I hope that points you in the right direction.
4. While the score report reflects 5 years, most schools require an LSAT within three years of the application date. Only a handful of schools will really accept a 5-year old LSAT score so it usually isn’t calculated into your index. You can inquire as to each school’s policy in this regard.
Good luck! And thanks for reading the blog!
Charles, I edited my response to Laney because I see that the answer was confusing. I’ve corrected it, so be sure to take another look. “LSAC will automatically report the results of all LSATs in your file, including cancellations and absences, since June 1, 2004. The scores are averaged and also appear separately. If you wish to have older scores obtained between June 1, 2000, and June 1, 2004, placed on a current file, you may do so by sending a signed, dated request to LSAC.” http://www.lsac.org
@Ann Levine
you’re a sweetheart, Ann! Thanks
Ann-
Thanks a million. I will definitely be buying your book for some pointers.
Hello again, Ann-
I have been studying hard and averaging about 165-168. My goal was simply to get something in the 160+ range, so I have been more than happy with the results of my studying. I want to thank you for encouraging me to take the LSATs again. The work you do on this blog has helped so many anxious potential law students — including me.
take care,
laney
Laney, thanks so much for leaving this comment. I truly appreciate hearing from my readers and I’m glad things are going to so well. Good luck next weekend, and let me know how things go!
Ann,
I sat for the Sept LSAT and just received my score of 142. My practice scores were consistently around 150. It’s a given that I should retake in December, but my question is should I hold off submitting my applications until after receiving my December score or should I submit now and attach an addendum that I am sitting again in December as my first score does not represent my abilities? In the end the strength of my application for admission will be my work experience(8+ years working in tax law).
Robert,
There is no reason to apply until you know you’ve raised that score. Concentrate on the LSAT for 5 weeks, then apply.
Ann
Thanks Ann. Appreciate your advice. I ordered your most recent book yesterday and am eagerly awaiting its arrival for more insight.
Dear Robert,
I hope the book is helpful, and if so I would truly appreciate your review on Amazon!
Hi Ann,
Your site is very helpful, I am so glad I stumbled upon it! I am very discouraged by the whole law school process. I have taken the LSAT three times, once in December 2008 (161), once in September 2009 (163), and once in December 2009 (161). The first two times were warranted as I was not able to study adequately due to being a full time student and just starting a demanding first time job. I should not have taken the test then. However, for the December 2009 test, my practice tests were constantly 168-174, the last dozen of them, and because I had put so much pressure on myself, I think I got very nervous and underperformed. I can tell you that I got -10 on the logic games, and had been getting around -2 on the logic games for weeks before the test. Given that if I decide to take it again, it will be my fourth time, do you think I should retake in December 2010? Will law schools look very badly upon my fourth time taking the test? Thanks so much!
Ann,
I’m a mother of 6 and teacher with Masters in Ed. I recently decided to look into law school and took the LSAT on a whim to see what it was like (HA!). I scored a 140. Yes, now I know that I need to do a little prep before the next test. I haven’t applied to any schools yet. Will this score affect my application process? And, do you think at 42 that it will still be financially worth the investment in changing careers? I will be borrowing alot of money and sending a few kids to college at the same time. Thanks. Happy New Year!
Denise, you took the word (HA!) right out of my mouth ; )
The score will appear on your LSDAS report that each school receives. The good news is that most schools use the highest of multiple scores in their index calculations. But you’ll still need to explain that the 140 was cold turkey.
My “plan” for you would be to invest a little money in a solid LSAT instruction program, take the test in June, kick butt on it, apply early in the year, and hopefully get a great scholarship to make the investment worthwhile for you!
Happy new year!
Lindsay,
I hear your frustration, but the frustration isn’t with the law school process – it’s with the LSAT and its importance in the process.
You’ve taken the test 3 times in 2 years so you don’t get to take it again for a while (without special permission from a law school, which is a whole different blog post). You have what you have. Don’t try to explain the scores away – you have 3 scores in a consistent score band. Apply to law school, and SOON! Take advantage of rolling admissions and apply!!!!
Hi, Ann,
I recently took the June 10 LSAT and scored 150. I took it the first time while a senior in undergrad (Dec 06)and scored 145. I was hoping the 2nd score would better showcase my readiness for law school, but you can imagine how disheartened I was receiving only a +5 jump. I even took initiative in investing in a prep course. Since undergrad, I’ve received a Masters Degree, finishing with a 3.9 gpa, and now work for the state in the legislature. I understand that taking the LSAT 3 times in 2 years is frowned upon, but can I negotiate the time span of 4 years from the first and second time I took it? I am considering taking it a third time because I am not satisfied with my score. Any thoughts?
Ashlee, your 5 point jump is really good (statistically). Few people jump that much in percentiles.
Besides, schools won’t see the 145 because it’s been more than 3 years. According to your dates, you can take the LSAT 2 more times. The rule is you can take it 3 times in two years. I think either you’re confused on your dates, or you haven’t really done your research on this.
In terms of whether to retake, it’s not about whether you’re satisfied with your score. It’s about what your potential is on the test. If you were hitting mid-150s consistently on practice exams, then taking the test again would probably result in an increase.
I hope this helps you make your decision.
Ann
Hi Ann,
I have been reading your blog recently it has been very informative thank you.
I am about to begin my senior year at ucla and plan on graduating with a 3.6/3.7 gpa i have received a 165 on this past June2010 LSAT (which hurts because 2 more questions right would have been a 167)
I understand i will probably get $$ at pepperdine and loyola but i really want to go to usc and i know my numbers are right bellow there medians (especially the 165)
My avg test scores ranged from 163-167 with 2 months of studying so i don’t know if i should take the LSAT again for fear of doing possibly worse.
What do you recommend…I would love to go to USC.
Thanks in advance!
Jonathan,
USC is a great reach school for you. I don’t think you should retake the test since it came back right where it should’ve based on your practice exam scores. Stick with what you have, create fantastic applications, and go for it! Let me know if I can help.
Ann
Hi Ann,
I have a 3.66 GPA and just received an LSAT score of 159 in the June 2010 exam. I was scoring around 161 in my practice tests, but I know I could have prepared for the test better.
Do you think I should retake the exam in October.
Also, I am Indian and am applying from India. Do you think that puts me at any disadvantage in the admissions process or at being accepted?
Your blog is extremely informative. I’m sure its helping a lot of international students, like myself, who do not have direct personal access to the information you provide.
Thank you in advance,
Riya
Hi Riya,
First, I’m glad the blog is helpful. Just so you know, I do work with international students who are applying to U.S. law schools.
If you could have prepared better for the LSAT, then you can give it a shot to retake it. If your practice exam scores start hitting mid-160s then it’s likely you could raise your score a few points in October.
I do not think applying from India puts you at a disadvantage. If your credentials are strong, law schools will appreciate the diverse perspective that you offer.
Ann
Thank you Ann.
That’s a great idea. Will see if I begin to perform better on prep-tests before I sign up for the October exam.
I have been going through all the wonderful success stories, giving myself hope and I’m sure working with you will raise my chances dramatically. However, I need to put the means together first.
If I manage to, I will definitely get in touch with you. But, for now, I will definitely get my hands on your book.
Thank you again.
Riya
Hi Ann,
I have just stumbled onto this blog and am finding it helpful. I graduated in 2008 with a 3.26GPA. I am not a traditional student, and have had a successful career as an court advocate for the disadvantaged for many years. I took the LSAC 3 times, most recently in February 2011. My previous LSATs were June and October of 2010 where I scored poorly: 134 and 133 respectively. As I have not been able to invest in a prep course, I purchased several study guides and plunged head-on in preparation for this most recent exam. However, I fear my last score will also be low. I have not yet applied to any schools but was considering applying for Fall 2011 with my present scores and a really good resume, personal statement and addendum. I am determined to get into law school, graduate and practice law all withiin the next five years.. Do you thiink I should: 1) cancel my last score and retake the exam; or 2) apply using the existing scores? The latest scores have not been received, as yet but I am not optimistic. What are your thoughts with respect to improving my chances of getting into a Tier 1 school? And , how will schools look at my profile given these low scores? Thank you for this blog site!
Hi Ann,
I have just stumbled onto this blog and am finding it helpful. I graduated in 2008 with a 3.26GPA. I am not a traditional student, and have had a successful career as an court advocate for the disadvantaged for many years. I took the LSAC 3 times, most recently in February 2011. My previous LSATs were June and October of 2010 where I scored poorly: 134 and 133 respectively. As I have not been able to invest in a prep course, I purchased several study guides and plunged head-on in preparation for this most recent exam. However, I fear my last score will also be low. I have not yet applied to any schools but was considering applying for Fall 2011 with my present scores and a really good resume, personal statement and addendum. I am determined to get into law school, graduate and practice law all withiin the next five years.. Do you thiink I should: 1) cancel my last score and retake the exam; or 2) apply using the existing scores? The latest scores have not been received, as yet but I am not optimistic. What are your thoughts with respect to improving my chances of getting into a Tier 1 school? And , how will schools look at my profile given these low scores? Do you think i have a chance? Thank you for this blog site!
Stephanie,
I hate to be the person to burst this bubble, but you are not going to be able to get into law school with these scores. There’s no point in canceling the Feb. LSAT – it won’t enable you to have a third chance at taking it again and it really can’t be any worse than your current scores.I think that when/if you try to apply – whether for Fall 2011 or Fall 2012, you would find that you will not be successful. I think you’re going to need to take some time, save up for money to a prep course, and retake the LSAT in 2 years when you able to take the test again.
Dear Ann,
I really appreciate your blog, it s very helpful! I took LSAT twice in these two years (the score is very depressing with 150 &154). I have a undergrad GPA 3.4 & a MS GPA 3.9. I have been working in public school for about two years with two science research publications and other community service experiences. Could I have a modest chance to get in top 60- 70 law school?
Hi Ann,
I stumbled upon your site during research and had a question for you.
I’ve taken the LSAT twice: once in June 2009 when I got a 164. I studied voraciously for my June 2011 test and had been consistently scoring in the 172 range. On the actual test however, the testing room didn’t have a clock posted and I ran out of time, scoring a 166.
I’m planning to apply for admission into Fall 2012 classes and graduated with a 3.22 GPA. I’m wondering if I should sign up to take the October LSAT and make sure I bring a working clock with me, or if it looks bad to schools if I take the test 3 times.
Thanks for all of your help,
-Jenna
Hi there,
I’m considering re taking the lsat in October. I took a Kaplan prep course and improved 8 points from my diagnostic test, scoring a 155 on my actual lsat. I was aiming for a 160 as I want to go to a good tier 2 school like Georgia State, Richmond, Seattle, or LSU(though I am totally open to others of course). I studied a lot but I didn’t “study smart” outside of class until a month before the test. I still have all the materials and the ability to take the class again for free(though I realize study on your own is the most effective). Should I re take the test in the hope of achieving a higher score, or not risk getting a lower score and applying to schools with my 155? Also, is a 155 and a 3.3 for a good tier 2 school? Keep in mind I’m not a URM. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Jenna,
I’m glad you found my site. It doesn’t hurt as long as your score increases each time!
Michelle,
It all depends on the school and how your soft factors come into play but I wouldn’t automatically discount you.
Sabra,
Keep practicing for the October test and if you don’t see the improvement you were hoping for then don’t take the test in October. If you do, then take the October exam.
I have taken the LSAT twice. The first time I got a 137 and the second test I received a 144. Should I take the LSAT again? or should I work on getting into another graduate program.
Hi Amy,
If you didn’t prepare well for the test, it’s worth retaking. If you want to be a lawyer, then another grad program isn’t going to help you.
Hi Ann,
I am registered for the October 1 LSAT. Over the past 6 weeks I have relied on self-study methods (No prep courses), and I am consistently scoring around 150. I know that I am capable of doing better than that.. I had a 3.95 undergrad GPA in Accounting. I decided to take a prep course and I will take the LSAT in December (hopefully this will help raise my score by prepping properly for 2.5 months). I guess my question is: do you recommend taking the October LSAT (since it is too late for me to obtain a refund/change the date), or should I withdraw from the October test and focus on getting the score I want in December?
Hi Ann,
I am registered for the October 1 LSAT. Over the past 6 weeks I have relied on self-study methods (No prep courses), and I am consistently scoring around 150. I know that I am capable of doing better than that.. I had a 3.95 undergrad GPA in Accounting. I decided to take a prep course and I will take the LSAT in December (hopefully this will help raise my score by prepping properly for 2.5 months). I guess my question is: do you recommend taking the October LSAT (since it is too late for me to obtain a refund/change the date), or should I withdraw from the October test and focus on getting the score I want in December?
Hello,
I took the LSAT last October (2010) and scored a 137. I retook it again in February (2011) and scored a 145. I’m not thinking of taking the LSAT for the last time in December, hoping to increase my score by at least 10 points. Should I re-take the LSAT?
Please help!!
Thanks.
Tyler, if you feel you have more work to do, then withdraw from October and take December. Just know that everything is riding on December because if you miss it or aren’t ready, February is too late for this application cycle.
Hello, stumbled upon this blog after my son called tonight with his LSAT scores. He scored 160 and will graduate with above 3.89 UGPA. He majored in Philosophy, minored in History. He is a 2 year captain of his Division One Swim Team and holds many academic and athletic accolades. He has worked as a swim coach and is on a full academic scholarship as a National Merit finalist.
He self studied what he says was about 30 hours total for the October test, but didn’t have a lot of time to do more. After much discussion tonight, he thinks he should wait to retake the LSAT next October after he graduates and has Olympic Trials behind him in late June. He thought he could spend the year working for a law firm? (He will need to support himself after scholarship money ends).
Does this sound like a good plan if he hopes to attend a top 20 law school and he thinks with a prep course he can improve his scores? Or should he go ahead and apply now?
Hi Heather. Glad you found the blog. I think taking a year off would be a good idea, and if he can find a job in a law firm, that would be great.
Thanks, Ann! I’m also going to lead him to your site and books. I’ve enjoyed reading the support you’ve provided! We will be back for more!
Heather, that’s great – thanks!
Hello Ann! I just took the LSAT in December (without studying for various reasons) and received a 146… I have a 3.5 UG GPA and have a private law school in mind. Should I take a chance and apply? Or do you recommend I retake the LSAT? I have time to study now and I know I can get a better score. I am unsure because I know that my UG experience, letters of Rec etc. are really strong. any suggestions?! Thanks again your advice is great!
Kay, if you know you can get a better score and have more opportunities, then that’s what you should do.
Hi Ann,
I’m so glad I found your blog! Although I read your book, I didn’t know this existed.
I’ve been having such a hard time after receiving my score for the December exam. I actually took the October one, cancelled my score because I felt sick during the exam (left the exam site right after the second section), and then I took the December one but got a 166. I used to get around 174+ on my practice exams, so it came as a shock to me that I received about 8-10 points lower than what I usually get.
I’m planning on taking the June test again, but would it be frowned upon to take the exam 3 times (even though I cancelled the first one)? I know that I can do better, and my goal is to get to one of the top 10 schools. But I’m confused now about what to do after hearing from people that taking the test multiple times is not so great.
Thanks in advance!
Lisa, it’s ok to take it three times. You can do it!