Monday, August 18, 2008

When is a Low LSAT Score Too Low?

My most-read blog topics are those dealing with very low LSAT scores; there are a lot of you out there. So, what constitutes a "low" LSAT score? This is not a discussion for those of you who find yourselves disappointed with your 158s. Let's aim this conversation at those of you below a 147 LSAT.
I get a lot of calls from people in this category. There are certain people whose chances will not be helped even with advice from a law school admission consultant. We are not, after all, miracle workers. If your LSAT score is in the 130s or low 140s, it's very hard to find an ABA law school anywhere in the US that will offer you unrestricted acceptance (especially in the increasingly competitive environment of our c. It may be possible to gain acceptance to a conditional program at an ABA law school (especially with scores in the low to mid 140s) but even that has its problems. You may get yourself to Appalachia or somewhere to try the conditional course, and then they may only offer acceptance to 2 of the 100 participants. The problem is that once you are unsuccessful in gaining acceptance through a conditional admission program, other law schools will be hard pressed to find a reason to give you a chance at their own school, even with a slightly improved LSAT score.
If you haven't exhausted your opportunities to take the LSAT, then take it again. However, you must prepare differently than you did before. And don't rush the process; it's too late for October. Wait until December. Make improving your score your focus; without it, the world's best personal statement, most impressive resume, and illuminating letters of recommendation won't make a bit of difference.
Those of you who know me know that I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I will always give my honest opinion.....

Posted by Ann K. Levine, Esq. at 2:30 PM

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6 comments:

  1. MartinDecember 30, 2008 at 2:57 PM

    Hello Mrs. Levine, I have a question about prospective schools. I took the LSAT 3 times and my highest score was a measly 153 with a 2.83 Undergrad GPA. I'm unfortunately forced to stay in Washington DC because I have a family.

    I know that I can't realistically get into any T14 or Tier 1 school without curing cancer, so what schools should I apply to in the MD/DC/VA area? App fees are too expensive to give $80 or so to a school if I stand little chance of acceptance. Thank you for this blog.

    Martin

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ann K. Levine, Esq.January 1, 2009 at 11:02 AM

    Hi Marshall,
    As your law school admission consultant, I can help you come up with a schools list and to make sure your materials are as strong as possible. If you are interested in these services, please take a look at my web site -www.lawschoolexpert.com

    Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownFebruary 3, 2009 at 7:54 PM

    Dear Ann,

    Although my cumulative is a 2.9, I have a 3.6 gpa in my major. I started out in a different major and went through a traumatic experience and had to withdraw from school. Eight years later and after obtaining an AA in Business, I was readmitted to the university and finished with a 3.6 in my major. Unfortunately, the cumulative is still very low. I also didn't do very well on the lsat -- 143 because I was working full time when I took it and I had the flu. I wish I had taken it again. But as it stands, I have already applied to law schools and am hoping I can get into a program. It doesn't matter if it's a 3rd or 4th tier. I just want to get in. I have an extensive experience in finance (have 8 years of experience) and I'm proficient in 4 languages. I also play 3 instruments. I don't know if these matter but I just want to convey that I do have talent in other areas. Do you think I have a chance of getting into a program?

    Thank you and I appreciate your insight.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ann K. Levine, Esq.February 4, 2009 at 6:08 AM

    Shigoto,
    Thank you for your comment. I am no longer using this blog and am instead adding new posts and comments at:
    http://www.lawschoolexpert.com/blog

    Since you have already applied, I will simply say that I hope you're the exception to the low-LSAT rule. If it turns out that you are unhappy with your results, then I urge you to retake the LSAT in June or September under better conditions.
    Please let me know if I can help in any way.
    Ann

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownFebruary 25, 2009 at 12:27 PM

    Ann,

    Can you please give me some insight. I took the LSAT twice over 2 years ago and received a 145 both times. I did not try nearly as hard and have now decided it was a huge mistake. I did however apply to some schools with this score. As you can guess I was denied. I am looking to take the test again and put everything into it. Does it look awful if I take the test again? And do I have a chance??

    Thank you very much for your opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ann K. Levine, Esq.February 25, 2009 at 2:08 PM

    Erika, This blog is no longer active. However, I answered your question here: http://www.lawschoolexpert.com/blog/2008/08/18/when-is-a-low-lsat-score-too-low/comment-page-1/#comment-1030

    Please make a note of the new URL and subscribe/book mark it.

    ReplyDelete

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