Self-study
Hey y'all, so as most of you know, we got back our April scores today. My score was 12 points under my target. It was my first exam, but I am feeling super frustrated. I am registered to take the June LSAT, but fear that a 12-point jump may be unrealistic, and I want to know if I should push the exam until August. For reference, here are my numbers:
Diagnostic 138
PTs 154-159 range (with one outlier of 148, 2 weeks before the exam)
Goal 160
Score on April exam 148
So as you can see, I am in a rut at this point. I worried I was not fully ready for a 160 for my first exam, but I definitely did not expect to see a 148 this morning when I checked. I feel like even since this April exam, I have improved a lot and been doing better, but I am worried that if I take it again in 4 weeks, I will just be thinking of this 148 instead of what I have been averaging. I was also planning on keeping my score because I know I can do better than I did, but if anyone disagrees, please let me know.
I want to start law school in the Fall 2027 term, so I was hoping to apply by September so I can get the most scholarship money possible. I also have the fee waiver, so I know I can take it again in August if needed, but I would have to pay out of pocket for it, which is unrealistic for me financially.
Basically, should I change from the June to the August LSAT? Also, do I keep my score? And what do we think of this timeline? Do we have any thoughts? Please and thanks, I need all the help I can get from y'all.
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5 comments
My personal principle when it comes to "aiming" for a test date is to think of how ready will I be by the time LSAC's registration deadline hits for that test date. The August registration deadline is in June. So for example, I ask myself, how ready will I be in June? NOT how ready will I be in August. If I'm aiming for a 165 on the August LSAT, but by June I'm still in the low 150s, I realistically don't think I'm ready for that August exam. However, if by June I'm averaging in the 170s, then I will probably be ok to register for the August exam. So instead of aiming to be better for the LSAT exam, try to be overdeliver by the time registration hits. This way, you avoid cancelling, paying that ridiculous fee, or worse, taking an exam you were not ready for.
I was told don’t schedule the test until my prep test are in the range of my target.
Expect the test day result to be in the range of your recent prep tests.
Also consider June is the last date for remote testing before returning to in-person.
@NoNamed92 I took it in person, and likely will want to again but this is also something I considered, along with. starting PTs again and seeing where I land over the next few weeks.
Okay so I definitely understand where you are coming from and can definitely empathize with you! You are not alone. I am in no way in a position to recommend anything; I feel that decision is up to you but I can provide my own thoughts that might help you!
I started studying June 2025 with expectations of taking the test in September to apply for the 2026 cycle. I did not feel comfortable enough in my pt range to take September, so I switched to the October LSAT. And since I have the fee waiver, I also decided to sign up for November to provide a final cushion for me, so when I got my score in November I would be ready to apply. To be fully transparent, my October LSAT was a 154 and when I got my score I knew I had added pressure in November because I, too, had goals to get a score in the 160s. I had an 8 point boost between the official October and November tests and came out of the November test a lot more comfortable because I knew what to expect going into the Prometric center and what not. Am I saying that my comfortability was the reason why I scored better? Maybe, maybe not. The studying between October and November definitely lit a fire under my behind so I felt especially motivated, but in my case I wanted to have my applications in by November, and in your case, you have the whole summer to studying. If you think this summer would be a good opportunity for you to reach the 160s, then maybe it would be a good idea to wait. The worst thing to do is to rush yourself for the sake of time-- I learned the consequences of that. But also, June may be a good time for you to try one more time before the summer to try and hit 160, IF you feel as though you can hit 160.
It truly is up to you, and honestly the journey probably won't be as you originally planned, but being honest with yourself and knowing your capabilities is the best thing you can do. I've been honest with myself and wanted to give the test one more try in June and will hopefully get a higher score.
As for the score cancel, I kept my score because I really didn't care about having it on my profile. I just wanted a score on my profile because I kept saying what if I get lower on November. I do not regret keeping it, and honestly it just adds to my profile. That might be a question for an admission counselor on this site.
DM me if you have any more questions or thoughts.
@joegav1 thank you for this! super helpful response.