Belatedly noticed bubbling error

[Trisha H]

Hello. I recently took the LSAT and am a prime example of why filling in your answers as you go is the safest bet. The first section went well. Section two though about 3/4 of the way through I realized the answers that I circled in the book didn't match up to my answer card - I was bubbling every two pages - I frantically went back found the errors and fixed them. Then time was up, I looked down and realized I changed the answers to the wrong questions for about 10 questions. That effected me for the rest of the exam. I can't believe I actually did that.

Most people are telling me to cancel. I hate to go through the test again if I don't have to but really not sure which way to go. I read the article about not canceling. Would you consider this an exception? My plan was to enter school this fall. This was the only outstanding item. Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks!

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hi Trisha,

In life, there are few things we can ever be certain of, death and taxes being among the select few. To that list, let me add a third thing: yes, you should absolutely, positively, cancel your score.

There are at least 10 questions where you bubbled in the wrong answers. Even accounting for the possibility that you got 1-2 of them correct by chance, this will lower your score by at least 8 raw points. Depending on where you are in the curve, this can mean the difference between a 172 and a 163 (i.e. Harvard and BU). Or it can mean the difference between 163 and 157 (i.e. Fordham and Cardozo). Either way, you will clearly have to retake the test, unless you are content with a score that is far below your abilities (and no, you cannot write an addendum explaining the mishap; the obvious question would be - why don't you take the test again?).

Assuming that you will retake in October, the better question would be - why wouldn't you cancel? After all, there is no significant penalty for having a low score, as long as you can make it up at a later point. You should cancel because there is absolutely no point in keeping a score that reflects a series of careless mistakes; the only rationale would be sheer curiosity, which is not enough (in my book).

I agree that it sucks having to continue prepping for the test over the summer, but if you need help structuring your time, you can follow one of our self-study plans here:

http://student.powerscore.com/self-study/index.cfm

Sorry this happened to you... I can only imagine how mad you must feel. But... consider this a blessing in disguise: you can use the next 4 months to improve even more, so that your October score is even higher than what your June score would have been, even without the bubbling error. Rest assured, also, that the October test scores typically become available in time to meet even the earliest Early Decision deadlines, so you won't be at any disadvantage by taking the test at that time.

Let me know if this answers your question.

Thanks!

[Trisha H]

Hi Nikki. Thank you very much for the feedback. It is very helpful. I am definitely leaning towards canceling. I hope others who read this post can learn from my mistake. Stay focused and calm at all times!

Thanks again!