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Hey,
I apologize for the length of the post but would really appreciate if someone, anyone can share some advice for how to navigate a large LSAT score drop. My November 2020 score was a 166 and I just received my Nov 2021 score which was a 159, a 7 point decrease. I’ve been preparing for this retake for almost a year and I was PTing in the high 160s, breaking 170-172 one in every few tests. My last three PTs before the exam were all recent exams on which I scored 167-171 (even a 174 with BR). On test day, I felt decent after the exam. I noticed a relatively significant struggle with one RC passage and timing near the end of LG, but that’s not entirely uncommon, and usually places me toward the bottom of my range around a 165-167. I panicked a little at first when starting the test, but recognized the adrenaline rush and revisited those early questions that I felt were fogged by this response. As you can imagine, I am totally crushed about this score drop. I hadn’t scored a 159 on a single PT and was expecting mid to high 160s. It’s not the score itself (I am not looking to put down any scores!!) , but rather the work behind the retake and the look of this down trend. I really must have been off or out of it but I am honestly quite confused. Between work, burnout, and this score blow, I am not ready to jump into another administration, so while I could potentially retake in the spring, I am feeling far from up for it at this time and will need to carry on with the app cycle as it stands. At this time, the majority of my applications are in and I am hoping someone can advise on how to address this 7 point drop to the schools I have already submitted apps to. I’m sure there are reasons for the drop but I was genuinely shocked and confused; I don’t really know what to say. There is at least one school that requires I address this variance. Has anyone ever navigated a similar situation? Do I need to also submit an explanation to the schools that don’t explicitly ask for an explanation? I don’t want to search for false explanations or excuses. Can I give a more concise/cogent version of the above?
Apologies for the lengthy post. Many many many thanks for any input and I wish you all the scores and schools of your dreams. 🙏
Hey there, I too scored significantly lower than expected on the November exam. I also scored lower on my first test (last year) than I had been performing on PTs for several months prior. The LSAT testing environment, wherever that may be for you, is INTENSE and I've found it can be very difficult to predict your score outcome, especially if you are not as familiar with the test and/or test-day vibe. If you believe you can continue to study and perform at your PT level or above in January, you should definitely consider that as a next step! If you aren't confident, you can shoot for a later administration in a few months depending on what the cutoff is for schools that you are looking at. I know it's certainly important to apply as early as possible, so you can also consider submitting your apps and requesting they hold it for a future score if you do want to retake. It could be a weight off if you are close with apps but want to take the test again. Just make sure you understand each school's protocol for this. I have also heard via a number of LSAT podcasts that schools might not be as quick to fill up their class seats this year following last year's whacky cycle, so timing could look a little different than years past. There is also of course the option not to retake. In which case, you should focus on strengthening every other aspect of your application and targeting schools realistically based on your numbers. I wish you the best of luck with whatever course you choose!!