Re: LSAT score and future

[pverma92]

Hi. So I took the LSAT in February(137) and then in October (138) and honestly, I have given up hope. I tried to learn so much from your online class, but I guess it just does not work out for me. I believe I can take it 3 times in 5 years? Right now, I am so tired of this... I live in NY, and I want to go to a school in NY (immediate area) but its just that I am very overwhelmed. Do you have any advice for me? I will be graduating this year... and at the moment i do not know how to react. I noticed this area here and wondered that if i can get some help from you. I feel like crying, but that will not get me anywhere. I want to concentrate on my semester, (and I have a good GPA 3.7) but I think I have to take this again.
I would appreciate any advice. I really do not know where else to look to help for..
-thanks

[Anne Chaconas]

Hey pverma,

I'm sorry to hear about the all the stress you're feeling about the LSAT and applying to law school. The process can definitely take a lot out of you--don't feel like you're the only one feeling the pressure. I know it's small consolation, but it can sometimes help to know you're not the only one struggling with the test and the application process.

Regarding your situation: It sounds like you're just burned out right now. When I hear the words "I have given up hope," the first thing that comes to mind is that you need to take a break from this particular aspect of your life, to just clear your head and be able to think unencumbered, without the pressures of this particular task.

If I were you, this is what I would probably do: Take a full break from the LSAT and thinking about law school. Don't apply this year. Focus on schoolwork--you obviously enjoy it and are good at it, so focus on keeping up that great GPA and enjoying your last bit of college. Focus on graduation. The LSAT should not ruin your senior year. This should be an exciting time, not a stressful one. Law school will still be there a year from now; if the pressures of applying right this second are making your life miserable, there is really no need to keep it up right now. Ending college on a high note, with a GPA that will take you far, should be your focus.

Once you've taken a break from the LSAT and law school, I would look at studying again for the test, perhaps with the thought of taking it again next June or October and applying next fall for entry in 2014. It sounds to me like the way you're studying just isn't the one that's right for you. It might be that you will be a better self-studier (using our LSAT Bibles, for example), or that you would benefit more from an in-person class, or private tutoring. Our Live Online LSAT course is great, but it's only great if online learning is the right choice for you. It might not be in this case. You have to find out how you learn best, and then apply that to the LSAT. Your scores tell me that you're struggling with the basics of the test, and probably quite a bit of test anxiety--finding the right way to study will go a long way to fixing that situation. But I don't think that taking up the LSAT books again right now and taking the LSAT in December--or even February--is the solution. The stress and pressure you are currently feeling will still be there, and you will dread the whole process, which will in turn affect your performance. It's just not the right move right now.

Take some time away from the LSAT. Take some time away from applying to law school. Focus on schoolwork, graduate with a bang. Then take up the LSAT banner again with a fresh outlook and a little less pressure on your shoulders. Law school will still, as I said before, be there in a year.

I hope that helps even a small amount. Good luck with the rest of your semester, and let us know if you have any further questions!

[pverma92]

Hi Anne. It is good to talk to someone about this. I really have no one else to talk to, especially at home in regards to this. I mean, your online sessions are still there until the December test. This is really hard. I am excited about graduating this year (a year earlier than normal.. I am actually a junior) and I know I will be able to handle my classes well despite all of this. Its just that I am confused. This is my last chance, and if I even get to a 140.. that would be a miracle. Honestly, this LSAT was hard. I had a majority of logical reasoning and the games were difficult. I am confident with my school studies, but I wish my LSAT score was atleast acceptable somewhere.
Do you think I should add an addendum after the personal statement? This test does not show my potential, I wish I had a chance to show it. I have already started to work on my statement, and I am trying to finish my school work early, that way I can give time to this. I have 2 Letters of recommendations being written for me by a professor and an assistant director from a program I am in. After this semester is finished in December, I will send all of my transcripts. I am half way there.....
what should I do?

[Anne Chaconas]

Having taken a look all the NYC schools numbers, there isn't a single one that's even close to where you are numerically with your LSAT score (the closest is Tuoro, and they're looking for at least a 149 LSAT score). Your GPA is good, but it's unfortunately not enough to counteract the effects of two LSAT scores in the 130s, no matter how the rest of your application looks. I'm afraid that no matter what you do--addendum, letters of recommendation, essays--your chances of admission will be slim.

To have a chance at even a few of the New York schools, you need to break into the 150s, and that's a jump that's going to require doing a serious analysis of where your LSAT knowledge is, and a revamp of how you study and approach the test.

My suggestion to you still stands: take some time away from the test, focus on schoolwork, graduate with a great GPA, and then find out what exactly is not clicking with you when it comes to the LSAT and then take it again once you don't have anything else taking away from your time and you've had the opportunity to clear your mind. I understand that you're eager to get started, but as it stands right now your LSAT score will almost certainly keep you out of most, if not all, NY schools.

The LSAT is the single most important number on your application (it tells law schools, among others things, how likely you are to succeed in law school, particularly your first year), and if it's not up to snuff, law schools are unlikely to take a chance, particularly if they have other applicants with the numbers and credentials they are looking for.