Hi everyone,

I took the LSAT twice this year, in June and September. I got a 161 in June after fudging up my pacing and guessing on too many questions, so I thought this was a good sign going forward if my minimum goal was mid to high 160s. All I needed to do was work on my pacing, right? In the following two months, I felt my understanding of the test got even stronger, and in isolation, I was very good at answering all question types. However even with more conscious timing, I was getting low 160s on PTs, with the rare 169 and 170 on older tests. I was confident that at least I could not do worse in September, but to my horror I did: 159. I am still in shock. I feel discouraged and burnt out, and know it would not be wise to take it again this year.

I am aiming at top 25 schools, which makes these scores all the more upsetting. Fortunately I have a very high undergrad GPA, a strong personal statement and good recs, but I know the LSAT score is key. My question is this: should I apply for 2019 with my application as is, knowing that I will likely not get into my top choice schools, and theoretical try to transfer in my second year? Or should I wait and take the LSAT again next year and apply for 2020? Besides my own personal urgency to apply now, I also have exhausted all recent PTs (save for future tests), and honestly do not think I will get much better at undertanding the test or how to answer questions. I feel like the problem is just the physical taking of the timed test, for whatever reason. In other words, I don’t know how much my official score will improve.

Any and all thoughts/advice welcome.

Thank you!!