LSAT Logistics Question

[RyanM12]

Hello,

From a purely logistical standpoint is a June attempt better than an October/December take because the date when you get your scores back is much further away from the September test versus the October/Dec takers where there's not much time between scores back day and the next examination.

I am a retaker- having taken the June LSAT for the first time in 2014 and I remember that even though I didn't, you can take a complete break from looking at any LSAT problem until scores back day ( generally right before July 4th), and still be able to have plenty of time to get back on track for a retake scenario if need be.

What is your advice to October test takers/Dec takers waiting back for their scores? Is a complete brake recommended until you get your score back or what do you suggest taking a 2 week break or so before getting back to studying? it seems there is only about 5 weeks between the projected release date for Dec takers and the Feb exam for instance. I like to plan far in advance of things and like to paint a mental picture of what each scenario looks like.

I know but there is a little bit of danger in what I am saying and I do not want to imply that I lack confidence in myself- I do have the belief that I only have to take the LSAT one more time, but I know the benefits of a retake if necessary so that is the primary reason why I'm mentioning the possibility..


I plan on taking the LSAT in between graduation and full-time working because I know that while not impossible, you can be very difficult to study for the LSAT while full-time working. My goal is to work for a few years before law school, but I want to take the LSAT in 2016 to knock it out of the way. ( so please don't factor in the rolling admissions process in the advice given back)

I plan on taking a "diagnostic" exam within the next week to see where I am at- and take a look at the target scores for my schools I'm looking at and respond back with the score to get a more complete answer.

Thanks!

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hey Ryan,

Thanks for your questions. Essentially, you're asking when would be the best time to take the test in 2016 given that you'll be graduating and starting full-time work. The short answer is - take it when you're ready to get the score you want, and plan ahead! Sometimes, it takes longer - significantly longer - to reach your full potential, so it would be wise to budget for that. Let me run through the cost/benefit scenarios of each administration:

February 2016

Since you won't be applying for entry in 2016, taking the February test has only two downsides: 1) The questions won't be released when the scores come out, so you will never know how well you did on each section, and 2) You only have 6 weeks to prepare for it. I don't know what your current level is or how much you need to improve, but I assume you're reasonably well-acquainted with the test. Six weeks may be cutting it close if you need a significant increase from your current level, but it's not impossible if you have the time to devote to it, know what sort of questions to focus on, and don't procrastinate. So, if you're seriously considering February, I'd start studying now. You didn't mention how you prepped for the test when you took it back in 2014, but you may want to consider changing your strategy a bit. For instance, if you studied on your own, check out our Live Online Course offerings. If you took a course, maybe look at the 6-Week Study Plan available on the PowerScore Self-Study Site.

The best thing about the February test is that, if you're still in college (as you seem to be), it is perfectly timed for Winter break. Unlike the June or the December administrations, which tend to coincide with the end-of-semester finals at many colleges and universities, a February test is unlikely to compete for your attention with schoolwork. And, if you do end up taking a prep course, you will be thrilled with the size of your class. (It will probably feel like group tutoring, at a fraction of the cost!).

June 2016

From a purely logistical standpoint, the June exam makes a lot of sense. You're correct - you get your scores back with enough time to execute well-thought-out Plan B. By taking the test in June, you give yourself a second chance: should you decide to cancel your score, or aren't especially thrilled about the score you got, you can re-take in October without throwing off the timeline for submitting your applications. If you are happy with your score, you can spend the summer polishing your applications - it's a win/win (sort of). Furthermore, the June test is the only one being administered in the afternoon. You don't need to get up at 7 AM to get to your test center. And you don't need to train for months by taking your practice tests early in the morning (which is something you may have to do if you sign up for October, December, or February). Simply put, being able to take the test in the afternoon is a luxury. You want that.

The only downside to June, as far as I can tell, is that it might coincide with your graduation. If you have a lot of finals in May and/or in June, studying for the LSAT at the same time may not be the best idea. Then again, some people thrive under stress. Only you can decide if that's the right choice for you.

September/October 2016

You'll have the whole summer to study for it (unless you're planning on starting work right after college), so that's a big plus. Also, if you bomb it in October for whatever reason, you can re-take the test in December and comfortably make all admissions deadlines. On the downside, you will only have 5 weeks between the time your scores come back and the December test, which isn't a lot. In addition, test centers for the September/October administration book up quickly, and tend to be much more crowded than at any other time of the year.

December 2016

You'll definitely have started work by then, so that's less than idea. Also, December doesn't give you a lot of flexibility to make up a bad score. (February is always an option, but it's the option of last resort.) So, the only reason to take it in December would be to maximize how much time you have to prepare. After all, there is a whole year until the December 2016 test.

Hope this helps you plan ahead... let me know if you have any follow-up questions!

Thanks!