Difference in LSAT score

[kewalsh]

I'm taking the PowerScore class for the first time, but this isn't my first encounter with the LSAT. I (unfortunately) took it December 2012, even after postponing from October 2012, when I felt I wasn't ready. I received a very low score that I didn't feel was indicative of my abilities (145) but the problem was that I felt confident on test day I did all right (so didn't cancel my score, and was shocked and upset upon receiving it).

Now in the PowerScore class, and after months of prep on my own, I'm over 10 points higher, and hoping to continue to climb. Although this may seem an obvious question, I'm not sure how this difference in scores will affect my application. I hear that you have to write an essay if your score jumps dramatically, and that some law schools average your score.

I am frustrated thinking about this, that I may work very hard to get a better score only to have it offset by a bad test day, thus marring my chances. Could someone explain please what will happen? Or what I could do to either not be bothered by it, or fix it?

I know that might not be possible, but thanks anyway!

[Jason Schultz]

Hello kewalsh, and welcome to the board!

Each school has it's own criteria for evaluating applicants, which makes it truly impossible to respond with one answer. Some average, some take the highest, and some are vague about it. The information for the schools you are considering should be available on their website, or with a quick phone call to their admissions office. PowerScore has a well-written blog post on this exact question here:

http://blog.powerscore.com/lsat/bid/153 ... SAT-scores

As for the essay issue, I have never heard of an applicant being required to write a separate essay regarding their LSAT score increase, but it is something that you could point to in another essay ("See how I overcame my low score and doubled down to improve it" etc) or with a short note of explanation.

Does that help?

[kewalsh]

Thanks so much. I liked the article, and here's to hoping my new score will be good enough to overpower the first!