<p>Hi, my dilemma is the same high GPA but low LSAT score situation a lot of people seem to be going through.</p>
<p>I completed my undergrad BA with a 3.65 GPA in 2001, and have been working in the legal field for the last four years. After taking my first LSAT in 2003 and getting a rather disappointing 149 I decided to retake the test earlier this month. The first time around I had a terrible night before the test (i.e. neighbor's medical emergency at 1 a.m.). This time around I had just gotten back from a trip a few days before testing, but I thought I had improved my score signifigantly. Unfortunately, I found out this morning that I actually scored lower this last time...a 148.</p>
<p>My question is if taking the LSAT a third time would be a good idea? I'm mainly interested in mid to lower tier one schools in the Southeast (UTK, Mercer, UNC, UGA, etc). I'm concerned that these two low scores are going to knock me out of LS for another few years or that they will keep me out of school altogether even if I were to test higher. Thoughts? Suggestions?</p>
<p>I am no expert at all, but I do know that the scores can't keep you out of school altogether FOREVER - they are invalid after 5 years. </p>
<p>I also hear that sometimes a 3rd retake is frowned upon. I would not know, though.</p>
<p>A third retake is frowned upon. Plus, what makes you think you would do any better? I think you need to accept your score and go from there. But realistic, don't apply to Harvard or Yale or anything... The LSAT is the most important factor in the decision process for law school's... just keep that in mind and be realistic.</p>
<p>listen, i am not an expert either, but trust me, someone from the U of Chicago with a 3.2 and a 175 LSAT has a MUCH better shot at a top law than u do b/c simply shows that he/she was attending a competitive school and was a good tester.</p>
<p>From what I've heard the GPA scale really depends on your college, department, etc...the LSAT score is standardized. I have a pretty good GPA, but went to a school where even a barnyard animal could score close to a 4.0</p>
<p>I figure that if I can't get into a top school, at least I can be at the top of my class in a less competitive program.</p>
<p>well just look at HLS Profile (harvard law school), and you will see if your school is competitive. The schools that only have 5 or less students at Harvard Law aren't deemed that competitive. Even the top LACs that have 200-250 students got like 15-20 students at the law school.</p>
<p>1st just because you did not score very well on the LSAT does not necessarily mean that you will not be able to do well in law school. Trust me, our country is built on 2nd chances. This is the time when you dig in and fight. Get accepted at the best law schools you can. Also, I would pay for the best LSAT course I could get and study all out. If I was scoring 10 points or more higher, I would retake it. It will not hurt you, if anything it will show the schools that you are really fighting and trying your best. It cannot hurt your chances that much. Your are out of the top 1st, 2nd tier law schools. With those scores, but if you study hard and pull a +10 points on the LSAT it will help.</p>
<p>Go for it and don't quit.</p>
<p>Did you prepare at all for the LSAT?</p>
<p>Hey guys, go easy.</p>
<p>Here is my story:</p>
<p>I am a complete idiot. My GPA in college was like a 2.85, 3.3, 2.86, 2.82, etc. My cumulative GPA is around a 2.94 or something like that. However, I got a 178 on my LSATs because I'm not a complete idiot, just super lazy.</p>
<p>BTW: I go to cornell university... that's why i can't pass any of my classes lol</p>
<p>Anyways, I still got accepted into Harvard with my 2.9 GPA, along with Columbia, NYU, BU, etc.</p>
<p>I'm went to NYU. Right where the Olsen twins are. Holler!</p>
<p>That 178 combined with a Cornell degree isn't too bad. </p>
<p>I'll second the advice to re-take the LSAT. Look for Xiggi's test prep suggestions on the Parent's Forum - they apply quite well to the LSAT. Figure out what you are doing wrong! Once you realize what the test is asking you for, your scores will go up. </p>
<p>If there is a time issue, just get used to reading a lot. That will improve your reading speed and comprehension - very important. </p>
<p>Approach the logic games with a strategy. When doing practice tests, take as long as you need to get them done correctly. With practice, you'll improve your time. Eventually, you might be able to get most of them done correctly in the alloted 35 minutes. If not, then consider doing three of them well and one of them badly - but don't mess them all up to try to finish them.</p>
<p>I hate to beat a dead horse, but I have yet another question on admissions. I have a 3.4 g.p.a at a top school in Texas, but only made 151 on the LSAT. I took Kaplan's study course and put in almost 5 hours a day leading up to the June test. My question is whether to re-take the LSAT and if I stand serious shot at admission? I am currently looking at smaller schools, such as Mercer or the new Charleston School of Law but would love to apply to Texas or even Vanderbilt. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks</p>
<p>RETAKE LSAT SCORES</p>
<p>LSAT SCORES count for like 90% of your ADMISSIONS.</p>
<p>I had below a 3.0 GPA and a 178 LSAT score, but got 100% acceptances. Not to be mean or anything, but a 151 is a very LOW score if want to reach the top tier schools (top 100+). Otherwise, a 151 is still BELOW average, but will allow you to get into more local schools.</p>
<p>If I were you, RETAKE them.</p>
<p>Only re-take the LSAT if...</p>
<p>*You take practice tests and are consistently scoring higher than you did before
*Your practice tests were far above what you scored on the LSAT
*Your current LSAT really puts you out of the running for those schools
*You can find another approach which works better for you. The Kaplan/Princeton approaches never worked for me. I'm better off figuring it out myself. Perhaps you might be better off muddling through yourself?</p>
<p>No matter what, wait a bit to re-take (unless there was construction work or you threw up during the LSAT the first time). Try taking real, actual LSATs as practice tests - because the Kaplan ones are not like the real questions. Mastery of those does not indicate mastery of the LSAT questions! As always, look at Xiggi's test prep advice. Best thing you can do is to take a test at uber slow speed (don't have to take it all at once - can pause between sections), then go through it and find out where and WHY you went wrong. Go through it again and figure out where you were tripped up. Work on getting right answers; speed will come with practice.</p>
<p>Immortal Cow,
Either A) you are a complete idiot or B)you are flat out lair. Zero chance someone who posts like you is capable getting into Cornell let alone getting a 178 on their LSAT. I wouldn’t listen to a word you have to say. In fact if you are suggesting to to retake the LSAT, my advice would be to do just the opposite. You are a joke</p>
<p>canesfan…you do realize you are responding to a 4 year old post right? Just a heads up</p>