When to retake

[keeler117]

I'm about to take the September LSAT in 3 days, and after taking yet another practice test today where my score is nowhere near what I'd like, and even lower than my last test, I'm guessing I'll have to retake. I'm wondering what the pros and cons are to turning right back around and taking the November test, or waiting to take one in the summer. Last week I completed a live online course and have been studying almost every day for 2 months, so maybe I should take the Nov test so that the material is the most fresh in my mind- but my classes have started and since then it's been increasingly difficult to find time to study, which I'm sure will only get more difficult as the semester progresses. So, maybe I should wait to take it when classes are over so I have more time, though I'll have to be working over summer. I know that taking a break can be beneficial, but is there a limit to how long that break is before it becomes detrimental? When I'm (practice) testing, I'm an active reader, I apply the processes, and I feel confident. Yet when I score it, I get 7-12 question wrong in each section. I'm not sure what my problem is, or how to fix it, but I do know I have to be getting 7-12 question wrong on the entire test, not each section. So, would you recommend I work on this over the course of many months, or that I take it again asap?

[James Finch]

Hi Keeler,

One of the hardest things to do when studying on your own is to self-diagnose one's own weaknesses. Is it certain question types/games/passages that you continually miss? Or are you missing key words on your first read? Maybe it's tough to quickly identify the type of logic used? Regardless of where the problem(s) lies, the first step to improving your score is understanding where your process is failing. With that in mind, a break might be beneficial, as would perhaps even a couple hours of tutoring.

If you don't need to apply to schools this cycle, I would recommend against taking the November test, or any test until you feel confident in your abilities and that confidence is reflected in your practice test scores. LSAC has added more dates next year, so you will have plenty of opportunity to take the LSAT whenever you feel most ready.

Hope this helps!