Before we begin, I want you to know that it took every fiber of my being not to make any “pull out method” jokes while writing a post about the LSAT deadline for early withdrawal.

Phew, glad that’s out of the way.

So you’re sitting there thinking about whether or not to withdraw your registration before the December LSAT deadline — which is tomorrow, November 11, by the way. Your scores haven’t improved as much as you might like and you’re starting to get a little skittish.

Should you withdraw, or shouldn’t you?

I’m going to group people into two camps. First, let’s deal with those who have studied their butts off and completed the vast majority of the assigned homework. For these folks, the only real positive in withdrawal before the December LSAT deadline is the partial refund of 48 bucks. Chances are, you’re a bit fatigued. You may have cold feet. Whatever the case, there is ample time to improve before the your LSAT test date. After all, we’ve only just begun to review the techniques necessary for LSAT domination. You have a bunch of tools, but you still have to learn how to use them effectively. Don’t jump the gun and let nerves get the better of you. Stick it out, keep studying hard and there’s a very good chance you’ll have that moment where everything “clicks” and you’ll be able to dodge bullets (you may even know Kung Fu). In other words, ignore the LSAT deadline for early withdrawal and have some faith in yourself.

Now, if you haven’t been studying your hardest (and be honest with yourself), you may actually want to cut your losses and withdraw in time for the LSAT deadline. I’m not placing any blame on you. Maybe your significant other broke up with you during your study and the LSAT deadline for early withdrawal looks more like a finish line than a pit stop. Maybe the quality of your LSAT study was damaged by an uncontrollable desire to stay up until 2 a.m. every night playing Xbox. I’m not judging. However, if you haven’t learned all the necessary techniques well enough to know how and when to employ them, then you may want to cut bait and drop your line in the water in February instead. To do so, check out the LSAT FAQ, download the appropriate form and send it in before the LSAT deadline for early withdrawal (which I remind you again is tomorrow, November 11).

There are consequences. You would do well to delay your application to law school a year if you choose not to take the December LSAT. However, if you get a better score, you’ll get into a better school and likely get a better job upon graduation. Seems worth it to me. Remember though, if you’re only thinking of withdrawal before the LSAT deadline because you’re nervous, it’s likely a mistake. You’re supposed to be nervous. It means you give a crap. And that’s a good thing. Now go do your homework.