The LSAT
This changes everything.
"179!"
LSAT Test Dates
For 25 years, the LSAT was offered four times a year: February, June, September/October and December. In 2018/2019, LSAC started feverishly adding more dates: now, we are looking at 9 or 10 writings annually.
​
While these changes have relieved some pressure on students, they also mean that law schools will be upping their expectations in terms of score.
I’ve been told by LSAC that Toronto is the BUSIEST city in the World per capita. Don't repeat my mistake: I decided to take the LSAT plunge a full six weeks before the Fall writing, but all four Toronto locations were booked. The nearest alternative? Montreal, or Thunder Bay. So I was off to la belle province for my first crack at the LSAT.
Now, LSAC has a convoluted "waitlist" policy, but the uncertainty of the whole thing bothered me. Book early and avoid the stress.
The takeaway? Book early, and consider booking multiple sessions. There's always a deluge of bookings right after any writing, from panicky students who think they've bombed. Trust me, it's worth the investment, if only to calm your nerves, knowing there's a scheduled second chance (and within your province).
The vast majority of Canadian schools look at the HIGHEST score attained. (The exception: The University of Alberta averages scores). Never cancel a score–it’s a waste of time and effort, and the cancellation still counts toward of your maximum of three “attempts.” Plus, you won't see where you went wrong.
Another unsubstantiated, but nevertheless logical piece of gossip. The "gunner" applicants usually write in earlier, while those writing in January/February are likely to be those who haven't get got many (or any) offers. If we assume that later writers are a weaker bunch, you're more likely to score higher. My own experience provided support for this hypothesis.
Test Day Reminders
(courtesy of LSAC)
