Should You Retake The LSAT?

If you took the LSAT and are thinking about canceling your score, or you already got your score and it wasn’t what you wanted.

Here are some thoughts on deciding whether to retake. (Also see How to Study for a Retake.)

1. Does your dream law school average multiple LSAT scores?

Most law schools don’t average them anymore. Instead, they’ll only count your highest LSAT score when they create your “admissions index,” which is a formula combining your LSAT and GPA – each law school does it differently.

2. If you retake it, will you have to apply later?

Law schools review applications in the order they receive them (it’s called rolling admissions). It’s better to apply early in the cycle (usually September or October). Make sure that you’ll get at least a few points higher on your retake to outweigh the downside of applying slightly later in the cycle. Consider retaking it and waiting a year, if necessary.

3. Did anything unusual happen the previous time?

If you had were sick, had a personal crisis, technical troubles during the exam, or something else happened, you might do better the next time around.

4. Was your LSAT score similar to your scores on practice tests?

If it was significantly below your practice scores, you can probably score better on a future exam and demonstrate your ability.

5. Will you have the time and determination to adequately prepare?

You’ll need to salvage your books from the trash and get your brain in gear. This takes effort. Create a plan that allows you a comfortable amount of time to study during both the week and weekend between now and your future test date.

6. What did you do to study the previous time?

It’s best to complete several PrepTests before taking the exam for real. If you didn’t do this, a retake may be in your best interest. However, doing the PrepTests is necessary, but it’s not sufficient. It’s also important to analyze your incorrect answers in order to understand why you answered those questions incorrectly.

7. Do you think you can improve your LSAT score?

The LSAT has a great deal of weight in the admissions process. If you think it’s within your ability to improve your score, the time you invest in preparing for the LSAT and taking it again will pay for itself when you get into a better school, get merit aid, and, eventually, get a better job after you graduate.

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I hope you don’t need to retake and that you’re done with the LSAT for good. If you decide to retake, see my LSAT study plan for retakers. Even if you’ve used up every single LSAT PrepTest, there’s still plenty to learn from them, so don’t worry. You’ll still be able to study just fine.

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I also hope my thoughts in the above post are sufficient to help you make your decision.

Unfortunately, I can’t give everyone personalized advice about whether to retake, but if you leave a comment, maybe others who read this will give you some thoughts on what to do.

Wish you all the best!