Should I retake the LSAT?

[tiffanystills]

Hi PowerScore!

I recently took the LSAT in August and scored a 169. My GPA from undergrad is a 3.9, and my test range of scores was a 169-171. I had signed up for the October LSAT before I had received my score, and now I'm caught in the debate on whether to retake it to get a few more points, or to spend that time working on my personal statement.

I've read your blog posts saying sometimes it's more worthwhile to dedicate that time you would've spent studying for a retake towards other parts of your application. I think the biggest thing making me consider a retake is that I was so close to the 170's, and I've gotten scores over 170 multiple times. I am above the 75th percentile for most schools I want to apply to (Cornell, UCLA, Northwestern), but my score puts me right at the median or slightly below it for my dream schools- NYU and UPenn. I'm scared if I retake, the stress might if anything make me score lower.

Any advice would help. Also, thank you for the score increase! My diagnostic was a 155 and I couldn't have gotten this score without you!

Best,

Tiffany

[KelseyWoods]

Hi Tiffany!

Congratulations on a great score! You're well situated to be a competitive candidate for a variety of schools.

As to whether or not you should retake in October, that is a tough question. You're so close to that 170! You say your practice test range was 169-171. But how frequently were you scoring 170/171 vs. how frequently were you scoring 169? Have you been studying for the October test since you took the August test? Have you been noticing any improvements? When was the last time you took a practice test? Is there anything you can do in the next week and a half to make sure you're going into the test feeling confident? Was there anything that happened on test day that you think may have negatively impacted your score?

I know you've already been reading some of our blogposts so I apologize if this is information you've already seen, but you may want to check out these links:
https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/help/retake.cfm
https://www.powerscore.com/lsat/help/wh ... e-lsat.cfm

Sorry that it's difficult to just give you a straight yes/no answer! There really are a lot of considerations to take into account for this decision. But no matter what, you've got a great score to submit with your applications! Be proud of yourself!

Hope this helps!

Best,
Kelsey