Should I Retake LSAT?

[xar00]

I've written the LSAT twice now; 158 as my first attempt and 159 as my second attempt. I know that the higher an LSAT score is obviously more desirable but is my current score competitive enough for acceptance into schools like Queens, Ottawa and Western? The price of retaking the LSAT is quite expensive so I just need some outside opinions if anyone has. Thank you for your time and to anyone who replies!

[Excellent Boiled Potatoes]

Queen's and UOttawa are possible depending on your cGPA + B2/L2 and softs. Plenty of people were accepted this cycle with 155-159 LSAT scores. Western might be more difficult though since their website says you need a 163 to be competitive there. From personal experience, I got waitlisted to Western with a 161.

Edited June 26, 2024 by Excellent Boiled Potatoes

[xar00]

4 minutes ago, Excellent Boiled Potatoes said:

Queen's and UOttawa are possible depending on your cGPA + B2/L2. Western might be more difficult.

Thank you for your reply! I probably should've mentioned my other stats cGPA 3.74 (L2 = 3.91, B3 = 3.82). Would you say its worth the cost or would a couple points not really make a difference?

[Excellent Boiled Potatoes]

I'd say you're a strong candidate for both UOttawa (who prioritizes cGPA and at least a 158) and Queen's (who focuses on L2 and look for 160+). If you write a strong personal statement and have equally strong letters of recommendation and extracurriculars, I think you have a great shot at getting into either of them but a higher LSAT score will obviously give you more of an edge. I think you'll just have to weigh the pros and cons. The LSAT is expensive, but applying to law schools at $100 per school you apply to is moreso, so you'll have to decide whether it's worth the risk of potentially not getting in but I do think you have good odds. And keep in mind, they are eliminating the logic games section from the LSAT soon so if that's a section you're particularly good at, it could heavily influence your score should you retake!

Edited June 26, 2024 by Excellent Boiled Potatoes

[WSTempest21]

I sure would. If the price of not having to bite my nails on a waitlist until mid-summer 2025 with a sub-standard score happens to be the cost of an LSAT administration, I would probably prioritize it. 

I acknowledge the opportunity-cost of spending your time studying for that damn test, but I think future you will thank you if you can secure a mid-160s. This is, of course, assuming that you intend and have the capacity to study conscientiously between now and taking it -- otherwise, you would indeed just be blasting cash into the LSAC abyss. 

[chaboywb]

I think you are very likely to get accepted at uOttawa and you'll have a good shot at Western/Queens, but your LSAT is just low enough that you're not a shoo-in.

There are four scenarios here:

• Write again and get accepted: You won't think twice about your decision to re-write.
• Don't write again and get accepted: You won't think "thank goodness I didn't spend that $300", you just won't care.
• Write again and don't get accepted: You may think you wasted $300.
• Don't write again and don't get accepted: You will spend a year kicking yourself and second-guessing.

I'd most want to avoid Option 4, were I in your position. Your best bet to ensure that doesn't happen is to at least give it a try.

[jackh]

On 6/26/2024 at 3:24 PM, Excellent Boiled Potatoes said:

Queen's and UOttawa are possible depending on your cGPA + B2/L2 and softs. Plenty of people were accepted this cycle with 155-159 LSAT scores. Western might be more difficult though since their website says you need a 163 to be competitive there. From personal experience, I got waitlisted to Western with a 161.

Where in the website does Western say you need a 163 to be a competitive score? I did not see it on their website

[PetrY]

3 hours ago, jackh said:

Where in the website does Western say you need a 163 to be a competitive score? I did not see it on their website

"A competitive candidate will have an overall undergraduate average of A- (80-84%) (GPA 3.7), and an LSAT score above the 80th percentile".  (https://law.uwo.ca/future_students/jd_admissions/first_year_applications/applicant_categories.html)

80th percentile is around 163.