Is it worth retaking in my situation? Forum

[ALCA1920]

I already applied to schools with an LSAT and gpa that I'm satisfied with (167/3.7). Do you think it'd be worth planning a retake in January?

I'm mainly asking because I want to get into a t20 school, and if not, to get significant scholarship money at a t25. Since I sent apps with my 167, I'm not sure if it'd be wise taking the lsat a third time and risk getting a lower score. Plus, they'll delay reviewing my file until the january scores come out, and it might hurt me in acceptances/scholarship offers.

What do you guys think?

[The Lsat Airbender]

167 is good but not great for T20 admissions. Highest-upside strategy is to see what you get with the apps you already sent, and then, if you're not satisfied, retake the LSAT and apply next cycle.

Also, unless you ask specifically, many schools won't hold your app pending a retake, so that's something to think about.

[cavalier1138]

I already applied to schools with an LSAT and gpa that I'm satisfied with (167/3.7).

I want to get into a t20 school, and if not, to get significant scholarship money at a t25

Your LSAT is satisfactory when it gets you into a school that sets you up for your career goals at a decent price. And once you leave the T13, schools quickly become very regional. So what are your career goals, and where do you want to work? Because you might be able to get into Notre Dame with a decent scholarship, but if you don't want to practice in the Midwest, then it wouldn't be worth applying.

[ALCA1920]

I already applied to schools with an LSAT and gpa that I'm satisfied with (167/3.7).

I want to get into a t20 school, and if not, to get significant scholarship money at a t25

Your LSAT is satisfactory when it gets you into a school that sets you up for your career goals at a decent price. And once you leave the T13, schools quickly become very regional. So what are your career goals, and where do you want to work? Because you might be able to get into Notre Dame with a decent scholarship, but if you don't want to practice in the Midwest, then it wouldn't be worth applying.

Good insight. I applied to higher-ranking t30 schools, but I noticed that almost all of them raised their medians and/or 75ths to a 167 this year, which is why I made this post. Ultimately, I want biglaw in the northeast (either one of nyc, boston or dc), and I'm unwilling to pay over 150k for school. I know it's not ideal, but I was hoping for BU/BC/GW/Fordham to get me there. Any thoughts?

[The Lsat Airbender]

Good insight. I applied to higher-ranking t30 schools, but I noticed that almost all of them raised their medians and/or 75ths to a 167 this year, which is why I made this post. Ultimately, I want biglaw in the northeast (either one of nyc, boston or dc), and I'm unwilling to pay over 150k for school. I know it's not ideal, but I was hoping for BU/BC/GW/Fordham to get me there. Any thoughts?

If you're cost-sensitive and want biglaw (i.e., money), you must retake the LSAT for a higher score. No way around it. Getting just a few more points - into the 169-171 area - would set you up for T13 admissions, possibly with scholarship money, and T13 really is the gold standard for biglaw. Especially in these uncertain economic times. Also would do a ton to help you get a scholarship at the Boston Colleges and Vanderbilts of the world (you need a tuition discount like 70-80% to get total CoA below $150,000).

[ALCA1920]

Good insight. I applied to higher-ranking t30 schools, but I noticed that almost all of them raised their medians and/or 75ths to a 167 this year, which is why I made this post. Ultimately, I want biglaw in the northeast (either one of nyc, boston or dc), and I'm unwilling to pay over 150k for school. I know it's not ideal, but I was hoping for BU/BC/GW/Fordham to get me there. Any thoughts?

If you're cost-sensitive and want biglaw (i.e., money), you must retake the LSAT for a higher score. No way around it. Getting just a few more points - into the 169-171 area - would set you up for T13 admissions, possibly with scholarship money, and T13 really is the gold standard for biglaw. Especially in these uncertain economic times. Also would do a ton to help you get a scholarship at the Boston Colleges and Vanderbilts of the world (you need a tuition discount like 70-80% to get total CoA below $150,000).

Looks like I'll be retaking.