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Hi everyone, curious to get your thoughts on my LSAT keep vs. cancel debate -

I got a 168 in Feb, which was my target score, but prior to receiving the score, was convinced that I didn't do that well so kept studying fervently and as a result, decided to try for higher even when I did get my score. Unfortunately, I was tripped up by logic games and ended up with a 165 on the April test.

I don't believe I need to retake the test to have a decent chance at my target schools (3.93 undergrad + some unique / strong "softs"), but I am on the fence about trying again anyway, so that is a potential factor.

A couple of thoughts I have that are making me (counterintuitively) trending toward keep -

  • If I don't retake the test, the adcom definitely sees the cancellation as worse than the 168, but they could assume a wide range of "worse" - in that sense, keeping the 165 confirms it wasn't an egregious underperformance.

  • If I cancel, retaking the test again would be extra high stress because if something did come up prior (sick, etc.) or I just happen to underperform, a second cancellation would undoubtedly make one wonder whether the 168 was a fluke.

    • One counterpoint for canceling if I don't retake - how much does the adcom really care about a single cancellation? Would they probably really just see the 168? Vs. perhaps seeing the 165 might "cement" that I'm more of a mid-upper 160s tester.

    So, would greatly appreciate your thoughts on whether to keep or cancel in both scenarios. Thanks in advance.

    TLDR: Please see survey below :)

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    6 comments

    • User Avatar
      garrettnatkinson970 OP
      Wednesday, May 08 2024

      Thanks so much for the great feedback and input everyone - I went ahead and kept the score. Really appreciate the perspective and votes.

      2
    • User Avatar
      tonyfredregill750
      Sunday, May 05 2024

      I would love to have this type of score. Keep your score of a 168.

      0
    • User Avatar
      realtaegyoon393
      Sunday, May 05 2024

      Don't cancel. I've heard when you cancel law schools just automatically think you had a horrific score.

      1
    • User Avatar
      hendricksta225
      Saturday, May 04 2024

      I think it depends on where you want to apply. There not much of a difference between the two if you are below the median - or above the median. If you write well, and highlight your life experience in an interesting way, a 168 will get you some great opportunities. Good luck!

      1
    • User Avatar
      henryhshin897
      Saturday, May 04 2024

      low key it doesn't really matter whether you cancel or not in my opinion. They only really care about the highest anyways. Cancelling is just another way for LSAC to make money lmfao

      8
    • User Avatar
      juliat904
      Saturday, May 04 2024

      165 is not that much lower than 168 and it's also not a bad score in and of itself.

      Keep it. They might think your cancel was much lower, like in the 140s.

      3

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