Advice Appreciated

[rezamza]

Hey there,
Wondering if I might be able to get some professional advice on a certain situation…

Applicable background info:

27 years old
3.0 UGPA and graduated in 2010 from mid/low-level University of California
Average PT score is 164
Took the LSAT while ill in June and cancelled score
Scheduled for Saturdays test
Hoping to get into UC Hastings, UC Davis, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, or Santa Clara


So just finished PT71 with a 10 point drop. Other than sleep, there have been no notable changes in physical activity, diet, or anything that would have bearing on score fluctuations. The two PTs I took last week were 165s and I was feeling especially confident in my perfect LG sections and near-perfect LR sections. In order to get into my target schools, I would presumably need to score at least in the mid-160s to have a fighting chance, especially because of low UGPA, one cancelled LSAT, and not having any law-school relevant work experience.

I don't know if its ridiculous to be so concerned, but a huge part of this new anxiety is due to my age and possibly not being able to apply to these schools in time for the Fall 2015 semester, which would make me 28 yrs old for my first year in school (too old?). Would putting off the test until Feb be a smarter move than risking it and following through on Saturday? Taking the Feb LSAT could afford me a score of at least 169...

I would appreciate any advice or input that anyone might have...

Thanks!

[Ron Gore]

Hi Rezamza,

There are a few issues raised in your question, which I'll address in turn.

1. Drop in score on PT 71.

It is not unusual to have a drop in score on a prep test that flat out knocks you for a loop. Dave, our fearless leader, refers to this as the LSAT Casino. That being said, PT 71 was not an unusually hard exam, though many people found the LR to be difficult. At the same time, the second LR section in September's exam was very difficult, so this is a trend that is likely to continue.

2. Advisability of Waiting Until February

If you are quite confident that you could raise your score to 169 by February, it is definitely advisable to wait, assuming your target schools accept the February LSAT for same-year admissions. The jump in percentile between the low-to-mid 160s and 169 is HUGE, and would be well worth the wait. In making that decision, just be sure to realistically consider the evidence supporting your view that you would reach a 169. I'm in no way saying you can't or won't, so please don't take that statement in a way I didn't intend it to be understood. It's just, sometimes, people on the cusp of putting off the LSAT to the next administration inflate in their minds the score increase they'll likely see.

You mentioned that you are have canceled your score once before. Please be sure to check out this post on the difference between cancellations, withdrawals, etc., and this post concerning the effect of multiple of cancellations on your application.

3. Your Age (gasp!)

I understand you're concerned about getting older. But you're still good. I myself started law school at 30 years old, married, with a full time job and a mortgage. My son was born while I was in law school. So, trust me, I get it.

I found my age to be a benefit to me, rather than a detriment. My relative maturity and life experience helped me to approach school realistically and strategically. I never got overwhelmed by the work, and I found that professors and employers appreciated that perspective. Law school can be an expensive and draining proposition. Having a few more years under your belt is not a bad thing when you're facing that kind of investment.

Hope that helps, and keep your chin up!

Ron

[rezamza]

Thanks Ron