In a recent post, we covered when it’s better to focus your efforts on other parts of your application instead of on an LSAT retake.
…But there’s an exception to that advice. That exception is when you committed your all to the test and ended with a score in the 150s, and particularly so in the low 150s (or lower). If this sounds like you, you should retake the LSAT. Why?
Greater availability of schools
The average LSAT score is a 150. Scoring around or just above average on the LSAT, though, is not going to get you very far when it comes to law school admissions. A score in the low 150s will put you on the lower end of the acceptable range of scores for tier 2 schools (or schools ranked 50-100). Even outside of the top 100 schools, though, a score in the low 150s will be considered mediocre.
Greater opportunity for scholarship money
A score in the mid-to-low 150s is not going to present a strong case for scholarship money. If you can improve your score to the 160s, you’ll put yourself in a much better position to ask for (and receive) some savings in tuition costs.
What’s the importance of a retake?
Law school is expensive, and an LSAT score in the low 150s is probably not going to get you into a law school that will pay off in the long run. While the school that you attend doesn’t completely determine your future job outcomes, it will play a part. Putting in the additional study time to improve your score now can maximize your returns on law school later.
Can I really improve?
It’s up to the amount of effort you give to studying for your retake. While we recognize that you may have already given the test your all in round 1, here at Magoosh, we believe that anyone scoring in the low 150s can improve to a higher range with the concentrated guidance and instruction from our resident experts and instructors.
Maybe, even with committed preparation for your first LSAT, you didn’t focus on the right areas or didn’t fully understand the question types. We can help you identify where you can optimize your study plan. Check out all of the materials and resources available to you through Magoosh’s online LSAT prep!
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