Should I apply as early as possible for early consideration to my top school (or all my target schools) before I have the LSAT score I want? Should I retake sooner (Sept) rather than later (Dec)? Can I mention in my application/addendum that I am retaking the LSAT? Will I be able to submit an updated score once I retake?

Or should I wait to retake and then apply?

I took the June LSAT and while I underperformed compared to my PTs I know for sure that I hit the numbers for some law schools I'll be applying to! So yeah I am one step closer to going to law school. :) I was scoring 160 consistently for 5 PTs between April and May (PT68-73) , but the week before the test I wrote three consecutive 157s on more recent PTs (still had a lot of 'aha moments), and scored 154 officially in June. My first LSAT, June '14 was a 150.

That said, my intent is to apply as early as possible this cycle. My target school is UC Hastings, which I don't quite have the numbers for yet (3.2/154). Perhaps my diversity statement, work experience and volunteer experience at Hastings will bridge the gap. However, I don't want to barely get in on hardship sympathy, I want to earn my place and so I plan to retake and improve my LSAT score significantly. Other schools I'm targeting, USF, Santa Clara and Golden Gate U., I have the necessary numbers, but not sufficient numbers for significant scholarship money. I'm confident, based on my study habits that I can score higher by September, but I would prefer to take December in order to improve by 10+ points.