Law School Discussion

I was wondering what your collective opinions are on the following: I took the lsat twice, once in October once in December my scores were a 156 and 166 respectively. Most law schools want explanations for a significant score increase and most schools seem to consider 10 points a significant increase.

I feel selecting a tune from the LSAT anxiety jukebox (ie. I got no sleep, I was nervous, My test taking neighbor was distracting, I was slightly shorted on time) is unconvincing although most of these factors were operating during my October test day.

Should I play a goody but oldy for the Adcomms or should I simply say something to the effect of "My October exam was far astray from my scores and their average on at least a dozen of my practice lsats (strictly timed). My October testing conditions were not conducive to scoring well and I think this shows in my first score. My second score is more in line with where I was practicing, my University work, and my research endeavors and I feel is more reflective of my true ability and potential".
Thanks for your feedback!
~Justin

I'm curious if there are many people (in law school or admitted) out there who may have been below their schools range in some of their statistics but was able to get the admissions counselors to look past bad statistics at what you've done with your time in college. Opportunities you've taken, clubs and activities you've been involved with, publications you've written etc.

I know there must be people like this out there. All the schools can't be pure LSAT guzzlers right?

If this applies to you I'd love to see your details and how you went about putting together you admissions package. PLEASE POST!

Thanks;D

I've been keeping track of this message board, and have been impressed with the quality and timeliness of responses. It's really a great thing to have a community of people going through the same experience you.

I got my lsat score back yesterday and I was taken back. I had been sporadic at times with my scores but my last 10 LSAT practice exams averaged to a 162 (167,165,157,161,162,164,162,160,160,163). Yesterday I was bestowed with the horrific score of 156. 

Here is my question, as a Cornell student with a 3.6 GPA (in Policy Analysis and Management) and extensive academic and extracurricular involvement what are my chances of getting into a decent schools such as American, Villanova, Northeastern, U Conn, or Brooklyn Law.

Just to qualify my above statements during my time at Cornell. I was an operations manager in a research project founded  by a 1 million dollar grant. I was president of the Mock Trial Team here, and am currently vice President of our Pre-Law Undergraduate Society. I'm also working with a world renowned Psychologist on publishing original research in which I will be the primary author, on relating a novel personality theory to juror decision making.

I'm curious, what does it take for a school to look past one bad exam score? My plan for now is to apply to the schools I listed above by the end of the month, and then take the exam again in December and if the scores reflect my true ability the next time around to then start applying to the next level of schools (Boston College, GW, Fordham etc.) I'd love any advice.