While I can't speak for individual law schools, I think most are just looking to see that you are doing something! I think research jobs would be a great thing to have on your resume. I'd also include awards, presentations of your research, volunteering, student org involvements, etc. Resumes can cover a lot!

Most schools don't by any means require legal experience. They just want to see work ethic and that you are involved in something.

First, I think 3 months is a fine timeframe to send a LOCI. I wouldn't even mention the timeline, just that you remain interested, want to express gratitude, and list the reasons you are interested. Most schools at this point will appreciate this because they are getting closer to having lots of their spots filled, and will want to know who would deposit/come if offered.

Additionally, most schools allow you to request your file be marked as complete and sent to review even if you are registered for a future exam. I would say something along the lines (but better phrased than) "Despite my registration for a future LSAT, I would like my file to be marked for/sent to review." And then, if you end up sitting for the exam in April, you can submit for reconsideration of admission/scholarship at schools that you are still interested in. Similarly, you don't need to mention your reason for being registered for April at all. They likely already know, more or less, that it is because a higher score makes anyone more competitive.

If you are struggling to identify what concepts you aren't quite getting, maybe getting a tutor would be helpful. They could provide an outside POV and help you grow.

Also, I don't know if you do non-timed drills, but maybe do some of those on your 'high priority' concepts, just to really get the idea down before you try to do it in a time constraint. The blind review leads me to think there are some concepts that perhaps are preventing you from upping your score to the level you want.

You've got this! And regardless, a 155 can get you into a lot of solid schools. So don't lose hope!

@sewhetstone Fair enough. I would still lean towards addressing it in some capacity

Yes, some do. Most will list what score they look at on their websites, on whatever tab they discuss parts of the application on.

Generally, if there is any concern about anything unusual on your GPA, I would recommend an addendum.

Just be sure the following are true:

1. You are honest.

2. You take responsibility for what happened.

Frankly, having a semester that is clearly worse than typical and not addressing it is likely to lead the admissions committees to assume what caused it, for better or for worse. They will likely notice it whether you address it or not, so I'd lean on the side of addressing it.

But also there are plenty of schools who have medians below that. And I want to be clear that a 3.65 is a good GPA, and I certainly do not mean to imply it is not.

Hello!

For a lot of schools, yes.

Check with your specific schools of interest, but most will allow you to apply prior to having your April score (so you can apply before the deadline), and send them a message letting them know you are waiting on a future score. That way, you can request one of two things:

1. Your application gets reviewed with your current score. If you do better in April you would then submit for admission and/or scholarship reconsideration

2. You ask your application be held for review until your April score comes out.

If you feel you have a decent chance of getting in with your current score, I'd go with 1. If you are significantly below both medians or otherwise have application concerns, I would go with number 2.

No matter what, wishing you good luck!

I think it really depends on the school. But lots of high quality schools accept 'splitters' or folks who are close to but not quite at both medians.

Also, keep in mind that GPA addendums exist, and lots of schools appreciate receiving those if you have concerns about your GPA. Check with your schools of interest for specifics, but most I've seen ask for the following:

1. Up to 2 pages

2. Honesty (the real reason for the GPA)

3. Taking Responsibility

On those last notes, if you were dealing with health (physical or mental) concerns, having to financially support yourself/others, dealing with caretaking responsibilities, facing other adverse circumstances, chose the wrong major, or perhaps went into college too young and weren't mature enough, say that! Just be honest. For situations like the last two (major or maturity) it helps if they can see that things improved with time.

You've said you were dealing with family issues, so you can tell them that. You don't have to be super specific or tell your deepest secrets, unless you want to. You could say "I was dealing with an adverse family situation that put stress on me and led to my academic performance suffering" (or whatever the case may be). If it is clear in your transcript when/if that situation improved, you can point to that as well. You can also add additional details if you feel that is helpful and you are comfortable with that.

Usually cancelled scores are seen as a yellow flag (not great, but not horrible). As others have said, a big jump in score can be a bigger red flag, unless an addendum is added that explains what led to that (usually big jumps signal to schools that you didn't take the first time seriously, which they don't often love. If you have a different legit reason that would likely be less of an issue)

But also, admissions counselors will often warn that sometimes students cancel a score that they don't feel great about, and then never get a better score. So I would really be cautious with canceling.

Finally, check the admissions policies of each school you are interested in. Some schools only look at the highest score. Some look at the average. Some hold cancels against you, some do not. That can also inform your decision.

A lot of schools will let you apply without an LSAT, and let them know you have a future score pending, and then your app will be sent in when that score comes in. If you are set on applying this cycle, that's what I would recommend.