Extra Time and the December LSAT

[Dave Killoran]

Yesterday, I received the following question:

Hi David, so I'm going to be taking the December LSAT. I have taken it before (scored pretty low) but this time will be different. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis this summer because of this it put me in the position to receive extended time on the LSAT. Now that I could have this opportunity I know my approach to the test will have to change. I was wondering if you had any advice on taking the test under extended time. Also will schools look at me differently because of this. I guess I have more than a few questions.

Also I am looking to apply this year, even though I will be taking the December test. Is it best to turn in my applications as soon as possible? Or wait for my new test score?

Let's talk about a few different things here. First, I'm so sorry to hear about your MS—that is a condition that runs in my family so I've had a lot of experience with it via my relatives. I wish you the very best in dealing with it, and I like how you immediately turned it into a positive with the LSAT!

The extra time afforded you doesn't change how you prepare, but it certainly changes your test experience considerably. The extra time reduces some of the speed pressure and anxiety that surround your testing, but you'll need to start timing yourself with the additional time in order to recalibrate how fast you need to go through the questions. For example, you now have 13 minutes to complete each game or passage instead of the usual 8:45. So, begin timing yourself so you get an accurate sense of how that feels when you are doing actual questions. And be careful, sometimes the effect of extra time is that it initially has test takers going slow that they still run out of time! So get acquainted with the right pace for you.

Next, you ask about how schools look at this, and I'm happy to report that they don't care and it doesn't change their evaluation of you. Aside from the fact that legally it would be an issue if they did so, on a practical level they simply want to know if you can do the work, and if you go out and post an LSAT score they like, they will be convinced.

Last, the good news about taking December is that it's not too late at all! I talk about whay that's the case in detail in the following article: Struggling with the September LSAT? Is December Too Late?. check that out and I think you'll find that December will work just fine.

Good luck and study hard!