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LSAT horror stories / Re: Test blunder, score might be decent enough, might need a retake.
« on: November 09, 2012, 12:14:46 AM »
Thanks for the advice! Based on what you guys have said, it seems like OU (or anything better) is pretty much a lost cause with the current LSAT score.
I must now also shamefully admit that I was incorrect to blame my low test score on my bladder. The "crisis" was during the un-scored section of the test. So, other than worrying about it afterwards, the incident did not directly affect my score. I guess I can say that I was lucky to get a 151 after all. This information might change the nature of your advice.
I could retake the test, but there's no guarantee that I would improve my score. Of course, I could take the classes, and I have already taken the test, so I know what to expect, and what studying is most effective. Putting in the extra hours and effort may allow me to raise my score higher, maybe closer to a 156-58 or even better if I'm lucky.
On the other hand, I've never scored high on standardized tests (despite being a good student). I'm also not an undergrad who's in the habit of studying often, and who has copious amounts of free time and semester breaks. I work a lot of hours, and am pretty mentally drained at the end of the day. I studied nightly, and several hours during the weekend for about three months or more before the test, but some of that time was me drudging, droopy eyed through passages and logic games. Not exactly at full mental capacity.
Honestly, I am uncertain how much I could really improve my score. I could do much better, but then again, I could end up wasting a year and a lot of money, time, and energy only to get maybe a 152 or 153, and be in the same situation.
Roald, thanks again for the advice. It has given me a lot to consider. I will be doing more research on the schools. I was not at all opposed to OCU or Tulsa before receiving my score, I guess I was just hoping to do a little better and have command of my options, rather than be a slave to my test score. OCU seems very doable based on the numbers, and Tulsa is a maybe.
Livinglegend, that is a valid point. And in light of the new info, what's to say that I would not have to go during a scored section if I retook it? The issue though, was not nerves, but biology. Knowing that I could just get up and go would remove the anxiety that came from being uncertain of what to do in that situation.
As for the application fees, that's not really a factor. Obviously I don't want to waste money applying to Harvard, but the handful of target schools in the region shouldn't be too costly to apply to. It is good to know that there does not seem to be a penalty for applying twice if I do not like my offers though. (Would either one of you have any sources where I might be able to research that more?) That is useful to my decision making.
Now this is may be an option. They would actually wait for my Feb. score to come in? If the application deadline was before the scores were released, would they still consider my application? If I scored higher, this could be a great way to have an option of going to OU or a school of similar or higher stature.
On the other hand, this is a bit risky. If my score drops, then I might have an even worse chance of getting into what I would consider an acceptable option like OCU. Plus, I've heard that taking the LSAT a 3rd time is frowned upon by most major ABA schools, and so a lower score would mean being all but forced to accept any remaining admission offers. That would eliminate the option to retake the test (after a much longer period for LSAT prep) and reapply the following year.
Anyway, I appreciate you both reading through this. If you can tell, I'm cautious by nature and like to hedge my bets as possible when facing a huge decision like this. I would appreciate any further advice and insight you all have to offer. Thanks again!
I must now also shamefully admit that I was incorrect to blame my low test score on my bladder. The "crisis" was during the un-scored section of the test. So, other than worrying about it afterwards, the incident did not directly affect my score. I guess I can say that I was lucky to get a 151 after all. This information might change the nature of your advice.
I could retake the test, but there's no guarantee that I would improve my score. Of course, I could take the classes, and I have already taken the test, so I know what to expect, and what studying is most effective. Putting in the extra hours and effort may allow me to raise my score higher, maybe closer to a 156-58 or even better if I'm lucky.
On the other hand, I've never scored high on standardized tests (despite being a good student). I'm also not an undergrad who's in the habit of studying often, and who has copious amounts of free time and semester breaks. I work a lot of hours, and am pretty mentally drained at the end of the day. I studied nightly, and several hours during the weekend for about three months or more before the test, but some of that time was me drudging, droopy eyed through passages and logic games. Not exactly at full mental capacity.
Honestly, I am uncertain how much I could really improve my score. I could do much better, but then again, I could end up wasting a year and a lot of money, time, and energy only to get maybe a 152 or 153, and be in the same situation.
Roald, thanks again for the advice. It has given me a lot to consider. I will be doing more research on the schools. I was not at all opposed to OCU or Tulsa before receiving my score, I guess I was just hoping to do a little better and have command of my options, rather than be a slave to my test score. OCU seems very doable based on the numbers, and Tulsa is a maybe.
Livinglegend, that is a valid point. And in light of the new info, what's to say that I would not have to go during a scored section if I retook it? The issue though, was not nerves, but biology. Knowing that I could just get up and go would remove the anxiety that came from being uncertain of what to do in that situation.
As for the application fees, that's not really a factor. Obviously I don't want to waste money applying to Harvard, but the handful of target schools in the region shouldn't be too costly to apply to. It is good to know that there does not seem to be a penalty for applying twice if I do not like my offers though. (Would either one of you have any sources where I might be able to research that more?) That is useful to my decision making.
Quote
Another thing you option is you can apply to law schools with your current apps, but take the February LSAT and the adcoms will likely wait to make any decisions until those results come in. That is probably the best option if you want to start law school as soon as possible.
Now this is may be an option. They would actually wait for my Feb. score to come in? If the application deadline was before the scores were released, would they still consider my application? If I scored higher, this could be a great way to have an option of going to OU or a school of similar or higher stature.
On the other hand, this is a bit risky. If my score drops, then I might have an even worse chance of getting into what I would consider an acceptable option like OCU. Plus, I've heard that taking the LSAT a 3rd time is frowned upon by most major ABA schools, and so a lower score would mean being all but forced to accept any remaining admission offers. That would eliminate the option to retake the test (after a much longer period for LSAT prep) and reapply the following year.
Anyway, I appreciate you both reading through this. If you can tell, I'm cautious by nature and like to hedge my bets as possible when facing a huge decision like this. I would appreciate any further advice and insight you all have to offer. Thanks again!
