Cancel Score or Not? Advice Needed

brswedlund

Just took my first LSAT in November and was very disappointed with my score, feeling like it didn't represent my abilities on this test. My PT average leading up to the test was a 166-167, and I scored a 166 on PT158 (under normal test day conditions) just 2 days prior to taking the LSAT. I ended up scoring a 158 on the real exam.

I will need to be a super splitter candidate to get into the law schools I want to due to a lower (but upward trending) GPA, and need a 170+ score. I'm willing to spend however long it takes to reach that point.

So do you think I should cancel my score as it was a whole 8-9 points under my PT average, or should I keep it?

I would appreciate any feedback!

justine.buroker

I am wondering about this too!! This was my second attempt and I actually did worse than the first time!

dog_flipped

no expert, but I believe cancel the score IF AND ONLY IF it zeroes you're chances at Law School.

You could improve and retake the test, and an upwards trend shows potential and isn't necessarily bad for your application. Cancelling only conceals a 158 and opens it to assumptions of lower.

I would cancel only if I score 150 or lower and I'm absolute that my next attempt will be realistically higher than that.

maysa.jaridly

From experience, I wrote the LSAT three times and never cancelled my previous two scores; my third time, I improved and was accepted, even with Law schools seeing my previous two attempts. If you are confident you will score higher, then leave your score; improvement is a good look. Good luck!

natemanwell1

counts toward your take total so doesn't really matter but there's a lot more variation in the 160s than in higher score bands especially on a live test where there is more pressure. if you keep the score at least you can use it to apply to some schools