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Applicant wisdom

Advice applicants left on their LSD.Law profiles, searchable by topic, school, and stats.

LSAT 173 GPA 3.95 2021–22 cycle

Attending Stanford University

if i could do it again, i would apply to fewer schools. i also wouldn’t retake the lsat - i took it a second time and scored lower. retaking is generally a good idea, but i didn’t set myself up for success to score higher by retaking it during the same semester i was taking 19 credits and writing my app materials.…

LSAT 173 GPA 3.27 2021–22 cycle

Attending University of Virginia

…intensive LSAT study, 15-20 hours per week. If you have to retake it, retake it: if you have a 3.3, the difference between a 167 and a 171 is astronomical. I would highly recommend working part-time to give studying the proper amount of time, focus, and energy, even if it means taking out a loan or moving back in…

LSAT 174 GPA 3.71 2021–22 cycle

Attending New York University

…shot maybe? Put in as much time as you can on the LSAT Retake until you’re at a score you’re happy with, or at/above medians of the schools you’re excited about. It is the best use of your time for getting into law school, and worth more than any amount of time you spend working on your personal statement (but do…

LSAT 178 GPA 4.00 2025–26 cycle

Attending Washington University in St. Louis

…for some reason, got very lucky and did not have to retake. Graduating a year early (Super KJD). Standard pre-law major and somewhat difficult course load (18-21 credits per semester). Attended a low-ranked, very small public University in my state (90+% acceptance rate) on a full scholarship cause I am poor. No…

LSAT 180 GPA 4.10 2023–24 cycle

Admitted to Stanford University

Start this process early. If you plan to be applying in the fall, take the LSAT in the spring to leave yourself time to retake if necessary. Start working on your personal statement. Get as many eyes as possible on your essays. In undergrad, try to take multiple classes with professors if you think you can do well…

LSAT 180 GPA 4.00 2023–24 cycle

Attending University of Chicago

…My goal was to get into YLS(middle finger) hence the retake, but I think this could have led to some YP at some schools. Write good essays that have a strong why law, especially if you’re KJD. KJDs routinely make up the majority of applicants who underperform their stats and it’s almost always due to lackluster…

LSAT 173 GPA 3.56 2022–23 cycle

Attending University of Pennsylvania

…a decent shot at the T14. If you’re not there, consider retaking (NOTE: This advice applies to the 2021-2023 cycles and may change in the future). If you are a splitter, apply early and broadly. Make sure you write all of the optional essays. A cohesive ‘Why Law’ narrative is critical in your written materials if…

LSAT 166 GPA 4.00 2022–23 cycle

Attending Northwestern University

…I wasn’t entirely happy with my app and was planning on retaking the LSAT in the spring and (hopefully) reapplying next cycle with a 170+. Although I would attribute some of my success this cycle to luck, I do think I was pretty strategic in maximizing my outcomes. For those that want it, here’s my advice for future…

LSAT 172 GPA 3.78 2021–22 cycle

Attending Duke University

…UR3 1/18 4 takes to get a 172. If you’re considering retaking the LSAT (and you have the time to study and think you can improve your score based on PTs)… **DO IT! **I know people say schools “look down” on multiple LSAT scores…. but they definitely look down on low/below median scores more.

LSAT 177 GPA 3.19 2022–23 cycle

Attending University of Michigan

…you have any control whatsoever (unless you decide to retake the LSAT). Fortunately, you have virtually unlimited control over how you present yourself in your applications- . See below and feel free to DM with questions: Advice for everyone: Most application advice you’ll get from lawyers is wrong. Your PS is not…

LSAT 178 GPA 3.00 2021–22 cycle

Admitted to Stanford University

…and utter thankfulness for not being straight rejected. Retaking a 172 is okay. A 173/174 is where it gets iffy. I tried to actively avoid putting my Big Sad on a platter for the Law School Trauma Farm, and instead focused on the qualities and characteristics that certain events will allow me to contribute to the…

LSAT 165 GPA 3.98 2024–25 cycle

Attending Washington University in St. Louis

…159-168 Aug LSAT 159 -> Sep LSAT 165 (highly recommend retaking if you have test anxiety like me!) LORS: 1 from college professor and 1 from current work supervisor (attorney)- Request these far in advance, as I didn’t receive one letter until October which delayed applications Interviews: Virtual submissions for…

…see how it would go, always knowing that I might have to retake and reapply. But, I’m so shocked at how my cycle has gone so far!! I put a lot of effort and intention into my PS. I wrote every optional statement that I could to demonstrate my writing. I have a master’s degree (3.9 GPA), was a DI NCAA Athlete and…

LSAT 169 GPA 3.86 2022–23 cycle

Attending Yale University

…score. In hindsight it doesn’t matter, but I truly believe retakes will never hurt. Application Process: I applied to 40 schools total, most of which were originally applied to with my second LSAT score (167). At the time, after living on r/LSAT, I really didn’t know what my outcome would be and felt I didn’t do…

LSAT 177 GPA 2.40 2024–25 cycle

Attending Washington University in St. Louis

If you think you could do better on the LSAT, retake! You have nothing to lose except $238, your time, and a small piece of your soul, but you could get that score increase that gets you in at your dream school. It happened to me, so it could happen to you too!

LSAT 178 GPA 3.51 2024–25 cycle

Attending University of Michigan

…those grades then will not affect you in law school. Retake if you know you can score better. I retook a 172 to get my 178 because I knew that WashU was my best bet. With a 172 I would not have gotten in, with a 178 I could have attended for nearly free. If you’re shooting for the T14 with a sub 25ths GPA you should…

LSAT 173 GPA 3.98 2024–25 cycle

Attending University of Virginia

…for my resume, essays, and interviews. A higher LSAT retake score than any of my practice tests also helped. Regardless of background, constructing a clear narrative, showing confidence, and demonstrating professional skills can make a huge difference. N=1 advice: Study longer for the LSAT than you think you need.-…