Take the LSAT Flex or wait

[JoeyKrisko]

Hello,

Thanks so much for all of your help through the podcast and books! I have been signed up to take the LSAT for some time now, however, I have been pushing back my date to avoid taking the LSAT Flex. LR is my best section by far and I know that I would not do my best if I take an LSAT in the Flex format. However, we will soon be reaching the point where applications will be opening up for Fall 2021 (When I plan on entering law school). I am currently registered for the July LSAT and I was wondering if you would recommend taking it just so I have a score, or waiting to take a normal test where I would actually be able to reach my highest potential score?

Overall, I would obviously like to get the highest score I can, but I don't know when I might have a chance to take a normal test again and I don't want to fall behind on applications.

Thanks!

[Rachael Wilkenfeld]

Hi Joey,

There are a lot of uncertainties here, and unfortunately, I don't think I can give you a clear answer. I can run through some considerations though, and hopefully you'll be able to think about your individual situation, and decide what makes sense for you.

1) Future test dates. LSAC has not announced when they will return to in-person tests, or what it will look like when they do. Because of this, you may find yourself waiting when it's flex all the way through the end of the year. Or, maybe by August they'll be ready to return to in-person tests. There's not much harm in terms of applications in waiting until August. You should get your score pretty much right around when applications are out. The October exam should be in plenty of time for applications and scholarships as well.

2) Your study time. You want to take the test when you are at your peak. Sometimes delaying a test can result in a drop in your score because it's hard to keep studying for months on end. If you delay it, you want to have a clear schedule for what you want to study and when you will study leading up to the test you choose. You'll need to create a plan that will keep you in LSAT mode without burning you out. Challenging, I know.

3) Other responsibilities. I remember when I chose my test date, I picked a time that was a low demand time at work. It made it easier to focus on the test and studying in my off time. You want to consider your outside responsibilities around each of the different test dates to make sure they are times that will work with your other demands. Does the October test fall around midterms? Do you have a major work event every August? Those are issues to consider as well.

4) The score difference. You want to consider how much of a difference the lack of LR2 is likely to make for your overall score. Is it balanced at all by the shorter test? How about by taking it in your home environment? Can you improve on reading comp and logic games between now and July? I certainly believe you can. You may find that by July the single LR section doesn't make that big of a difference.

There's a lot to think about here. Best of luck to you whatever you decide.

Rachael