Will retaking it improve my score?

[elabuda]

Hello,

I took the December LSAT for the first time and scored 6 points lower than my PT average. I was very sick when I took it (was wiping my nose and popping in cough drops the entire time). I was consistent with my strengths though. I only got 3 wrong in logic games and none of them were in game 3. If I retake it, do you think I will improve my score? I need this 6 point increase to be accepted into my only school option.

Thanks

[Laura Carrier]

Hi Elabuda,

I’m so sorry to hear that your score was compromised by illness on the day of the test—that is really awful luck!! But congratulations on your excellent logic games performance in spite of feeling miserable!

Since your average practice test score is a very good indicator of actual test-day performance, I think it is pretty safe to assume that you would have been able to come far closer to your PT average if you’d been feeling better. Illness is notorious for decimating test scores, so I’d say you have an excellent chance of attaining the score improvement you are hoping for if you retake the test when you are feeling better--as long as you will be able to put in the time and energy between now and the next test you take to ensure that you stay on top of the game and maintain (or even increase ) your PT average. You will also want to examine thoroughly your December test in order to identify any possible non-illness-related lapses that you can address in your subsequent studying.

So, to answer your specific question, if you are able to keep studying and taking regular practice tests between now and then, and can maintain your average PT score, then yes, I think that you on a healthier day should be able to significantly improve on your December score.

A couple of additional considerations came to mind when I read your question. First, you didn’t say whether you are thinking of retaking the test in February for the fall 2016 admissions cycle; but if so, that would only mean a few more weeks of work in order to keep yourself in practice, which could have a significant pay-off. In connection with your decision, you might want to consider the following, both of which will probably point you toward a February re-take:

http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/should- ... -agree-yes

http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/should- ... n-february

Second, your remark that you need the six-point increase in order to gain admission to the only school you are considering reminded me of the following blog posts, which you might find helpful in thinking about the impact of various LSAT scores on your chances for admission:

http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/what-25 ... admissions

http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/bid/153 ... ns-chances

I hope this helps in your deliberations. Let us know what you decide to do!
Laura