Should I retake?

[lday4]

Hi LSAT gurus!

First, I took the virtual class and it was great, thanks for all your help! Second, I need some thoughts on whether I should retake the LSAT in September.

I got a 172 on the June 2016 LSAT, but my goal was a 174 or greater since I'd like to ideally either go to Harvard or Yale and the median score at those schools is 173.

I've read a lot of articles about how you shouldn't retake unless you can see a score increase of 3 or more points and how statistically most people do not do that much better on their retakes especially in the 170s. I would have the time to invest in studying, but I'm wondering if it is a better idea to just invest the remaining time and effort into my application (so that I can apply early) instead of trying to get those extra points.

For reference once I started scoring in the 170s on PTs, my scores were 174,173,177 (then I saw some dips), 167, 172, 169 TEST DAY:172. Also, don't know if this matters, but I got a 166 on the LSAT 4 years ago (I was still in college and didn't prep for the test well).

My general thought from blogs/school websites is that schools don't think +/- 3 point is statistically significant. At the same time, my impression is that a 173 is going to look much more attractive despite this, since it helps schools determine their ranking.

Thanks for your help!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi lday,

Thanks for the question, and for the awesome LSAT score—well done! Over the past few years, I've done a fair bit of research on the use of multiple scores in admissions, and how schools perceive multiple scores. These days, since the ABA changed the LSAT reporting requirements, it's widely accepted that law schools care only about the highest score, and I have heard that repeatedly from many different sources. Thus, multiple scores aren't an issue, and even posting a lower score after a higher score isn't a problem. Hence, there are very few downsides to retaking the LSAT, and often many benefits.

You situation is one where I'd say the benefits make it worth a retake. Your LSAT score is right in the mix for the schools you are considering, and at this level every single point counts. Plus, all the pressure is off you on a retake: you've already posted an outstanding score, and this retake is really just taking a shot to see if you can squeeze anything more out of this test.

You mentioned the +/-3 point range as meaningful to law schools. While that used to be a valid consideration, with the use of just the high score, it's become less of an issue. And, more importantly, in the 170s there are so few points left (as in, you are so close to 180), that even an increase of just a single point score is notable. If you can go 1 or 2 points higher on your 172, it will help. Thus, my recommendation for you would be to retake the test.

Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

[lday4]

Thanks for the advice! I think you pretty much answered this, but just trying to make sure

So even with my previous score of 166 four years ago, you think it would be still worth it to try and get those extra points, even if I goof in September and end up sending the scores (166, 172, and something less than 172). I'm just afraid 3 scores and then a dip in scores will look bad to admissions...

I guess what I'm asking is does a score report of 166,172, lower than 172 look the same as, or worse than 166,172 to an admissions team?

Thanks!

[Dave Killoran]

No problem, I'm glad to help! All the admissions committee cares about is the 172, so no matter how it stacks up, what they see is: 172. That's the score they use, and that's what they report to the ABA and USNews, so that's all that matters. Thus, my advice is to retake it if you think there's a chance you can do better. If you don't think you can do better, then don't waste your time.

Sound good? Thanks!

[lday4]

Ok, makes sense. Thanks for your help!!!