I am trying to get a full ride+ to pursue public interest.

I took the October LSAT and scored low/mid 160s, below my average PT score (170). I’m taking the November test, and planning on getting apps in around the same time as score release.

If I don’t hit my goal score on the November test, would it be reasonable to apply with my 16X, get admissions offers (and likely not enough scholarship), retake in January and - assuming I hit the mark in January - ask for a reconsideration of scholarship based on that score?

Is that common practice? Is it likely to have success? (Or will schools have distributed their scholarship allocations by then?)

Waiting a cycle is not really on the table unless it absolutely has to be - but I’d rather wait than end up w loans or at a school with abysmal employment stats.

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2 comments

  • Tuesday, Oct 27 2020

    @dimakyure869 I am in the same boat. An extreme super splitter trying for $$$$ at mid to lower T14 and I really needed to hit around or above my average of 176. I hit 173 which, given my sad, sad undergrad GPA may not even get me admission. The T14 have traditionally not been friendly to extreme super-splitters, so even if I had gotten my usual score it would have been a long shot to expect scholarships, but I am going to shoot my shot at my biggest target schools anyway. I am also applying to several programs I really like outside of the T14. Best case I get into my T14 targets and get solid scholarships from my other targets and I can go into the January test without so much pressure. If I am able to perform at my usual level I can negotiate with everyone and decide what is best for me. If not I choose those other programs to apply to because I also really like their programs. Nothing wrong with going to schools outside the T14, T20, T30 or even T50 and, to be honest, even with 75th percentile scholarships I would likely have taken a full ride at one of the lower ranked schools anyway.

    I will say, because it is likely to be a more competitive than usual cycle, if $$$$ is important to you find a few schools you like where you have a really strong application at even without improving. The caveat being, of course, that those schools will still help you achieve your goals and you really do like them.

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  • Tuesday, Oct 27 2020

    Assuming your current 16x is good to go for your target school, yes it works and retakes with the intended sole use of scholly negotiations are common. I inadvertently went from $$ to $$$$+ at a couple schools in last cycle by gaining 4 points way later than January.

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