Thoughts from an LSAT Tutor: Should I re-take the LSAT test?

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As an LSAT tutor in Cambridge, I worked with many aspiring lawyers. Students often ask me how many times they should take the LSAT if they aren't happy with their score the first time around. If you received a score that isn't what you hoped, LSAT tutoring may help boost your score.

Tomorrow, November 9, is the last day for late registration online and by phone for the December LSAT. Given that, I thought I’d touch on a commonly asked question: When should you retake the LSAT test?

Before you sign up again, you should think carefully about the pros and cons of sitting for the LSAT again, and its potential impact on your application. Here is a guide to thinking through that tough question:

1) Was there something that happened that day that was out of the ordinary? For example, was your train running late making you very anxious? Or was there a car alarm that went off outside for half the LSAT test? Basically, is there a reason to think next time will be better?

2) Was your score on the LSAT test significantly lower than the majority of your practice tests? The key words here are significantly and majority. The fact that you did not score as well as your best practice score, while disappointing, is not necessarily a reason to retake. If you’ve done enough practice tests, you know there is  a range. While some lucky people score the same or better than their best practice test, it is more likely that you’ll be right around where the average of your tests were.

3) Was there a reason you were not able to devote enough time to your preparation, and, more importantly, has that changed? If, for example, the reality is that you have a strenuous job that does not allow you enough time to study, there may not be reason to believe that your score will improve. If, however, you studied alone last time and are now able to hire an LSAT tutor, that can make a huge difference.

The most important thing is to be honest with yourself and take cold, hard look at whether or not you’re likely to have a significant improvement on the LSAT. If yes, then go for it! 

Good luck! 

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