Here we go. It’s the final countdown. You may be wondering if you’re ready to actually take the October LSAT. Or, you may just be thinking, “October LSAT, I wish I knew how to quit you.” Whichever position you find yourself in, I’m gonna shoot straight with you.

You should take the October LSAT if…

If you would be happy with an LSAT score that is two points lower than your best practice LSAT score, then you should take the October LSAT.

If you know that you will never be able to study for the LSAT again, then you should take the October LSAT.

You should NOT take the October LSAT if…

If you know that you can study until the December LSAT and get a higher LSAT score, then you should not take the October LSAT. There is a ton of improvement you can achieve with two more months of studying. It’s not worth applying early with a lower LSAT score. Law schools know how many high LSAT scores to expect from the December LSAT, so they are not in any kind of hurry to give away spots to applicants with lower numbers.

True, these days most law schools will count only an applicant’s highest LSAT score. But, you still don’t have to take the actual LSAT, if you know you could do better. If you’ve taken a few five-section practice LSATs, then you know what your October LSAT score will be. It is still a good idea to plan on taking the LSAT only once. The fact that almost all law schools will count only your highest LSAT score is a good reason not to cancel an LSAT score you feel a bit insecure about. It is not a good reason to plan on taking the LSAT twice.

You should cancel your October LSAT score if…

If you do not finish a significant number of questions on a section you usually complete, then you should probably cancel your October LSAT score.

If you get violently ill during the October LSAT, then you should probably cancel your LSAT score.

The chances of either one of these things happening are extremely low.

You should NOT cancel your October LSAT score if…

If you haven’t taken at least 24 hours to get some perspective on your October LSAT, then you should NOT cancel your LSAT score. Get a little distance. Clear your mind. Only then should you even think about canceling your October LSAT score.

If you only have a “bad feeling” about how you did on the October LSAT, then you should definitely NOT cancel your LSAT score. Almost no one walks out of their LSAT test center without feeling at least a bit insecure about their performance.

How to withdraw from the October LSAT

If you know that you will not be taking the October LSAT, then you need to withdraw your registration through your LSAC online account. You have until 11:59 p.m. EST the night before the October LSAT to withdraw your registration.

How to cancel your October LSAT score

If you experienced a clear disaster during your October LSAT, then you can cancel your LSAT score on your answer sheet (not advised) or by mailing or faxing a signed LSAT score cancelation form to LSAC. Your LSAT score cancelation form must be received within 6 days after the October LSAT.

If you’re going to take the October LSAT, then you are done studying. You should just focus on being nice to yourself. Keep your confidence high. If you need a self-esteem boost, have a look at this video of Gordon Ramsey encouraging a blind chef.

Whatever you decide, good luck!