Ways to Overcome a Low LSAT Score
If you are reading this, you are likely feeling bummed about a low LSAT score. I will share some ways to overcome your score, but first, repeat after me: YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR LSAT SCORE. Your LSAT score is an important metric for law school admissions, but it's not the only one. You are the sum of your experiences, and law schools take a holistic approach to applications.
The idea of a low LSAT score is also subjective. Some law school applicants jump for joy over a 162, while this score might cause others to cry into their pillow. If you scored in the 160s, you will be fine, so take a deep breath. You will likely be OK, too, if you scored in the 150s. Below, I will talk about the steps you can take if you can't break out of the 140s; however, these strategies can also apply if you cannot break out of the 160s. If you scored below 150, you do not have to throw away your law school dreams. Instead, take steps to strengthen your application package, especially your essays, consider waiting to apply, and change up your LSAT study methods for a retake.
Regardless of what you do, investing in yourself is the key to submitting the strongest law school application that you can.
Writing Strong Personal Statements and Optional Essays
There are many examples of people with perfect GPAs and high LSAT scores who get denied from their law school of choice. There are also many examples of people with scores in the 150s who get accepted into their "reach" schools. These outcomes typically have a lot to do with the applicants' personal statements and optional essays. First, always write the optional essays and make sure they do not echo your personal statement. You need to provide additional information about yourself that your readers cannot find elsewhere in your application package.
Secondly, and most importantly, do not rush and submit a subpar personal statement. Law schools want to know why you want to go to law school, what will motivate you to graduate, and the kind of impact you will make in the world. Your personal statement and optional essays should provide a window into your life experiences that should demonstrate your values, work ethic, academic rigor, and other positive qualities that make you a good fit for the program where you apply.
Writing a Strong Explanatory Addendum
All law school applications allow applicants to provide some type of addendum, which is Latin for "Uh oh, I screwed up, or life happens." If you have a low LSAT score, writing a strong addendum to explain any extenuating circumstances can reduce the impact of your LSAT score on your application package. Be warned, however, do not use an addendum to make excuses. Instead, provide real reasons you struggled with the test. Examples of reasons some tank their LSAT that are worth sharing in an addendum include:
Learning disability or difference that causes you to struggle with exams.
Having a documented history of poor tests (ACT, SAT, GRE).
Having a medical emergency in the days leading up to the test, you didn't cancel your score.
Experiencing a family emergency in the days leading up to the test, you didn't cancel the score.
You should never write an addendum if you don't have a good reason for a low score. If you do write an addendum, you should also use it to highlight a strong academic record, if applicable. A high GPA, honors awards, and other accolades can help.
Increase and/or Change Up Your LSAT Prep
LSAT schedules have changed a bit over the years. In 2022, the test is offered in January, February, March, April, and June. It's best to submit your applications in September and no later than Halloween to ensure the best chance of getting scholarships. This means you have some time to do more test prep and retake the test in September or October if you have a low score.
You might have studied hard for the LSAT, so you feel like you cannot possibly increase your score. This is not true. Studying more and harder doesn't always translate to studying better. Also, some applicants rely on too many study tools, some of which offer conflicting advice, preventing growth. Here are some ways you can ramp up your LSAT prep efforts for a retake:
Make sure you take at least ten practice tests to prepare.
Don't underestimate the value of a good test prep course that can walk you through the preparation process.
Hire a reputable tutor.
Ultimately, you have to invest time and often some money into quality LSAT preparation. However, you don't want to throw good money after bad. Take the time to examine the areas where you struggled on the LSAT. Did the logic games throw you for a loop, or did you find the analytical reasoning questions challenging? Once you know where your challenges lie, you can target these areas to improve your score.
Consider Waiting a Year or Two to Overcome a Low LSAT Score
If you have your heart set on a particular school, and you are confident your LSAT score falls outside their acceptable range, it might be best to wait a year or two to apply. No one wants to wait, but the choice could significantly impact your future. Waiting a year or two to apply is not that long in the whole scheme of things. You can get the time you need to properly prep for the LSAT. Waiting can also give you the chance to manage or tackle any work or personal issues that might be interrupting your progress. Finally, the time you take for yourself could result in a much higher LSAT score, allowing you to qualify for more scholarship money and keeping you out of debt when you finally do apply.
Learn More About Overcoming a Low LSAT Score
Applying for law school is a long process that requires planning and preparation. A lousy LSAT score is certainly not the end of the road for you if law school is your dream. Learn more about the application process by downloading my Essential Guide to Applying to Law School. You can also visit my website to learn more about my law school admissions consulting.