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.

My LSAT score was 6 points lower than my average PT score!