Should I Attend St. John’s Law in NYC or Retake the LSAT? Looking for Advice.

Hey everyone, I could really use some perspective on my situation.

I just turned 24 and was recently accepted into the part-time program at St. John’s University School of Law in New York, with a $23.5K/year scholarship. I recently visited for Admitted Students Day and attended their Diversity & Inclusion Gala, and I was blown away by the sense of community. I connected with students, alumni, and faculty and really got the feeling that I could belong there. I’m planning to email them to see if there’s any possibility of switching to the full-time program and maybe even negotiating for more scholarship help, though I was told the offer was non-negotiable.

That said, I’m wrestling with whether I should take this offer or retake the LSAT and apply again next cycle.

Here’s more context: • I scored a 158 on the LSAT, but was regularly PT’ing in the mid-to-high 160s (even hit a 170 once) with 2.9 uGPA • My long-term goal is to work in a corporate firm handling M&A, securities law, and IP—BigLaw or mid-law ideally. • I currently work almost full-time and still live at home, but the environment is not ideal—living at home is mentally and emotionally draining, and I’m very ready for a change. • Moving to New York would be expensive. I’d live in university housing and take on a significant debt burden, especially if I can’t get more aid. • I haven’t received other competitive offers this cycle, and St. John’s is the best one so far. • Waiting another year would mean another cycle of studying, working, and living at home—but if it would significantly improve my odds at a T20 school and BigLaw placement, I’d seriously consider it.

My question is: Is attending St. John’s this fall a smart move given my goals, or would it be wiser to wait, retake the LSAT, and reapply next cycle?

Would love to hear from current or former law students, especially anyone with experience breaking into corporate law from lower-ranked schools.

Thanks in advance.