LSAT retakes/ how schools view multiple scores

[mattm]

Hello,

I had just taken the June LSAT as a first time taker yesterday and overall feel well....However I was curious as to how schools view multiple scores, from what I have read the vast majority of schools will consider the highest only if I were to retake in September even though they can see both.....I read an article yesterday though that made me a little nervous because it said while the schools do not average the scores like they used to, a lower first score can negatively impact you,

Im currently at a 155-160 range but would like to improve by September as I have seen a constant improvement in my scores and hoping the first score wouldn't count against me ....whats a good general rule of thumb as to how schools view retakes and what scores they consider? I will definitely call the schools I am looking into as well to see their take.
Thanks!

[Steve Stein]

Hey Matt,

First, congrats on the score increases! You've asked a good question, and a pretty popular one as well. In the past, schools would generally consider the average of all LSAT's taken. but nowadays most admissions officers will look at your highest score.

You mentioned contacting the schools that you're interested in, and I think that's a great idea as well. Some schools look at all of a student's scores in their considerations, but when schools report their incoming classes' average LSAT scores, that comes from each student's highest reported score--so that is the score they are most likely to be focused on, as a general rule.

I hope that's helpful! let me know--thanks!

~Steve