It’s been one week since June 2013 LSAT scores were released, so anyone who took that test has had some time to live a life with their LSAT score. And as is the case with every LSAT, some of you out there are considering a retake.

Good for you.

A lot of people aren’t willing to put in extra time and effort to improve their LSAT score. A lot of people accept their first score as “good enough.” A lot of people could end up with more scholarship money and acceptances if they would just suck it up and decide to retake the exam in October.

First question I’m sure many of you are asking – “Won’t they just average my score?” Like most information about law school admissions, the common answers tend to be a few years out of date. So to clear the air, I’m letting everyone know right now that data suggests the highest LSAT score on record is much better at predicting admissions outcomes than the average. While there are some exceptions, you can count them on one hand. Having a second, higher LSAT score is always a boon to your application. A third score muddles the math a bit, but it will still be better to have a higher score on your record.

Now, let’s figure out if you should retake the LSAT. Ask yourself some questions:
-Did you score within a point or two of the average of your last 2-3 practice tests?
-Did you study as much as you know you should have?
-If you were enrolled in a course, did you get through all the homework?
-Do you think you reached your full potential (hint: the answer is no)?
…and finally…
-Will you have time to study between now and October?

If you answered “no” to any of the questions (and “yes” to the last one), then it’s time to seriously consider a retake.

A few extra points on the LSAT can drastically alter the caliber of school to which you’ll be accepted. If you have a high GPA, a few more points on the LSAT will solidify you as a top-tier candidate. If you have a low GPA, a few more points on the LSAT will go a long way towards “making up” for it. And in both cases, your chances at scholarship money skyrocket.

If you can put the time in and think you have 2 or more points left in you, retaking in October is a solid option. You can still get your applications in before November, which definitely counts as early. And while studying for the LSAT a second time sounds like torture, just remember that it is three months of studying weighed against tens of thousands of dollars in debt and your future career. So suck it up, hit the books, and profit!