As you likely know, the LSAT is the pivotal factor in the law school application process. For aspiring lawyers like yourself, achieving a competitive score is essential. One feature offered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) is Score Preview, which allows test-takers to see their scores before deciding whether to report them to law schools. An inevitable question arises—is LSAT Score Preview worth the cost?
Understanding LSAT Score Preview
First, we’ll need to understand what LSAT Score Preview even is. Score Preview is an option available to LSAT test-takers, which allows them to view their scores shortly after taking the exam. Within six calendar days of the exam, students can choose to accept or cancel their score before it is officially reported to law schools. However, this assumes you have completed LSAT Argumentative Writing, which is required for your score to be released.
The cost of Score Preview is $45 if you purchase it before the exam, and $80 if you purchase it after the exam.
Pros of Purchasing LSAT Score Preview
Control Over Reporting
One of the most significant advantages of LSAT Score Preview is the control it grants students over their law school application process. If a student receives a disappointing LSAT score, they have the option to cancel it, which can prevent an unfavorable score from adversely affecting their applications. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in a competitive landscape where every point can make a difference.
Reduced Anxiety
For many students, the uncertainty of not knowing their score can be anxiety-inducing. The option to preview scores can alleviate some of this stress, allowing students to focus on other aspects of their law school applications, such as personal statements and letters of recommendation. This anxiety reduction can lead to a more balanced and less pressured approach to the entire application process. This is likely the most salient and powerful feature of Score Preview: the knowledge that you can cancel a score at your desire.
Strategic Decision-Making
Score Preview allows students to take a strategic approach to their law school applications. After reviewing their scores, they can better assess their standing relative to the median scores of their target schools. This information can inform their decision on whether to proceed with their current applications or retake the LSAT for a better score, ultimately improving their chances of acceptance.
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Cons of Purchasing LSAT Score Preview
Additional Cost
For many students, especially those already investing significant resources in LSAT preparation and application fees, the extra cost of Score Preview might not be justified. Students who are confident in their preparation may feel that the fee is an unnecessary expenditure, particularly if they believe they can achieve a satisfactory score without the added feature. However, students who qualify for an LSAC fee waiver can get up to two free LSAT Score Previews.
Pressure to Cancel
Knowing that a score can be canceled might create additional pressure during the test-taking experience. Some students may second-guess their performance or feel compelled to cancel a score that is not perfect, even if it is still acceptable. This psychological burden can lead to anxiety and indecision, potentially affecting performance on future attempts.
False Security
Relying too heavily on Score Preview can provide a false sense of security. Students may convince themselves that they can simply retake the test if their score is unsatisfactory. However, this can negatively affect their law school admissions experience.
Impact on Application Timeline
Choosing to cancel an LSAT score means students may need to retake the LSAT, which can delay their application timeline. In a competitive admissions environment, this could impact their chances of acceptance at certain schools, especially if they miss application deadlines or apply late.
Conclusion
So, is LSAT Score Preview worth it? Our opinion is that Score Preview is simply not worth the cost, given the fact that law schools are most interested in your highest LSAT score.
Canceled scores really only matter to the extent that you cancel too much! Schools presently have no incentive to consider scores outside your highest LSAT. Paying extra to cancel scores that schools will simply not care about does not seem worth the cash.
However, if you can spend the money, you may find the anxiety relief of canceling a score worth it. Many students would rather have that score blotted out rather than submit an application containing it.
Whatever decision you make, the best way to avoid score cancellation is to ensure you’re well-prepared for the LSAT. Whether it’s in a Live course led by expert Blueprint LSAT instructors, in a Self-Paced Course that gives you total control over your schedule and studying, or one-on-one with a tutor, we have the LSAT prep that fits your learning style.
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