Variance in official LSAT scores...

[ScholesFan]

Hi PowerScore,

I'm sure you've covered this elsewhere, but here goes...

In January of this year, I scored in the high 150s. I know I can break the 160 plane, so I registered for June, but in the past six months, I've had some crazy "life stuff" happen that took up lots of spare/study time, and I'm still not finding the consistency in my practice tests that would make me feel truly confident.

If my score dips on the June test, but then later in the year, I'm able to break that 160 plane, based on your experience, would the lower score on my second attempt have negative consequences in the eyes of admissions committees? I've read plenty of the (very helpful) advice you've shared on your site about multiple LSAT scores, but it largely seems to focus on scores that have steadily improved, rather than the type of stuttering improvement I'm afraid of.

I know you folks can't speak for all admissions teams, and I'll take your advice with a grain of salt. I'm just looking for an insider's view.

I hope that made sense.

Thanks!
ScholesFan

[Dave Killoran]

Hi PowerScore,

I'm sure you've covered this elsewhere, but here goes...

In January of this year, I scored in the high 150s. I know I can break the 160 plane, so I registered for June, but in the past six months, I've had some crazy "life stuff" happen that took up lots of spare/study time, and I'm still not finding the consistency in my practice tests that would make me feel truly confident.

If my score dips on the June test, but then later in the year, I'm able to break that 160 plane, based on your experience, would the lower score on my second attempt have negative consequences in the eyes of admissions committees? I've read plenty of the (very helpful) advice you've shared on your site about multiple LSAT scores, but it largely seems to focus on scores that have steadily improved, rather than the type of stuttering improvement I'm afraid of.

I know you folks can't speak for all admissions teams, and I'll take your advice with a grain of salt. I'm just looking for an insider's view.

I hope that made sense.

Thanks!
ScholesFan

Great news here: they don't care any more about anything but the high score! So, if you go 158, 152, 161, in their eyes you are the 161. The other scores are irrelevant.

We've actually talked about this on our podcast once or twice already, and explained how the consideration of scores over time has changed, and why the myth persists that a low LSAT score along the way is a problem. It's not anymore

[ScholesFan]

Perfect! Thank you!