I took the LSAT for the first time after studying for months, and I honestly feel completely crushed and devastated by my score.
I have a BS in Biology with a 3.96 GPA. Given that English is not my first language I really put an enormous amount of time and effort into preparing for this exam.
I studied on weekends, took 7Sage 12 week course with a great tutor, attended 7Sage live classes during the workweek after getting off work (often from 8 PM until midnight), and used essentially every lunch break to drill questions instead of eating and hanging out.
In the weeks leading up to the exam, I was consistently scoring in the 160–165 range on practice tests. Then I took the actual exam and scored a 153.
I genuinely don’t know what happened. I am shocked because my practice scores were so much higher and I feel like all the time, money, and effort I invested somehow didn’t translate on test day.
I am overwhelmed and honestly don’t even know where to go from here.
I am applying to T100 regional schools, but realistically, I would need at least a 160+ to have a decent chance at the scholarships I need to make law school financially possible.
At this point, I’m seriously considering giving up on applying this cycle and spending the next year studying for a retake.But the thought of starting over after already spending so much money and time preparing is incredibly discouraging.
For those who have been in a similar situation: Would you retake, and if so, when? Would you apply this cycle with a 153 and potentially retake later, or would you wait an entire cycle and focus on getting the score up?I would really appreciate any honest advice or perspective.
Right now, I feel completely lost.
12 comments
This test isn't kind to bad days. I would take it again.
Hey, my first official test was 11 points lower than what I was averaging at the time. I had scored 179 4 times in a row leading up to the test and then got a 168. I was totally crushed. I had no idea what went wrong either.
I took another official test the next month and scored a 178! Sometimes you just have an off day. I wouldn't read into it too much. For applications, it's definitely better to apply with the right score, but you could realistically get that score in the upcoming Oct or Nov tests and have a great shot at getting into a great school with a scholarship this cycle.
@NicholasBrewer Thank You
@TeklaCo I understand how you feel my PTs were 160-168 and on test day I scored lower, don't read too much into it and don't give you can always retake, also depending on the time your exam was administered could have been a factor as well
Hello! I have been seeing a lot of your comments in other posts and assignments. I am in the same boat. So please do not get deterred. You are not the only one. If you ever need a study partner, let me know and we can figure something out for at least some moral support!
@asanchez Thank You
Your not starting over, your resuming! I also didnt score where I wanted to, but im trying to use it as motivation. If your scoring in your desired score range on PTs thats a good sign! Just keep sharpening your skills or maybe try to hone in on areas that you know are weaker.
definitely retake! take it in October and November. your PTs put you in a good spot for a 160. gather all of your application materials now so they're ready when the scores come out. schools will wait for your next score. this happened to me with my first LSAT, too. I got a 160, which was lower than all of my PTs (lower than my diagnostic, even). but I studied for 2 months with 7sage and then got a 172 today for the august exam. it's totally possible to come back from a disappointment like this.
Girl, we are in a similar position. I took the June one and got a 153. I got a tutor in late July and I feel like Im making improvements then I take a section and I feel like Im in the exact same place I was months ago. I talked to me sister about it and she said if I dont do well in my next LSAT, I should consider taking a year off and doing it over again. I also want to get scholarship and my GPA isnt as amazing as yours.
The LSAT feels so exhausting. You want it to be over so much. I feel like Im telling myself to breathe. Take a week off from studying at least and just to make a plan and re center. The only thing we can do is try our best. Everything else is not up to us
@Bev7 Thanks & I feel you. Hoping for the best at this point
Absolutely retake, not even a question. Retake until you get a score in your range, but also ask yourself:
Are my practice tests taken under real testing conditions.
Was there anything distinct about the real administration that threw you off or was it just a bad day.
Once you content with those questions you can make the necessary adjustments.
Don't give up, keep working hard, you got this! God bless!
@MJ Thank you