Comments on: Law School Applications are (Mostly) Available

By: Ann Levine

Ann Levine — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:19:21 +0000

If you think the LOR is coming in the near future just submit the app. Very unlikely it’ll be reviewed in the next couple of weeks.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:17:47 +0000

Hi Ann!

So I am waiting very patiently (sigh) for my last LOR to be processed by LSAC. Other than that, my applications are ready to go. I know it is possible to submit applications without your last LOR and arrange for it to be sent once it arrives, but is there any real benefit to doing this? I am a little worried that schools that do not require more than one LOR will just mark my application as complete without it (and this will be a good LOR!), and I don’t want my application to get messed up. Thoughts?

Thank you so much!

By: Ann Levine

Ann Levine — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:52:18 +0000

Hi Mary – I still think it’s not a big deal.

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:36:32 +0000

Hi Ann. Thank you for the positive response. On my transcript, the LSAC address, the most obvious mistake, appears on every page. It lists who the transcript has been issued to. Should I still not worry? Or should I get the transcript fixed and updated?

By: Ann Levine

Ann Levine — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:18:19 +0000

Hi Mary,
I’m so glad the blog is helpful. This is no big deal. Don’t worry! The cover letter/form is not part of the package seen by schools. It’s going to be ok!
Ann

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:31:26 +0000

Long time fan of your site. I have a minor question for you, Ann. I checked the transcript that my college sent out to LSAC and I spotted one or two typos, the most obvious one being in the address for LSAC. The transcript did arrive at LSAC so the typos did not affect the mailing. I think that my order was probably mistyped in registration office when it got processed. Should I have these errors corrected and the transcript sent again just so there is no doubt of my professionalism from admissions officers? Or do these errors not matter to admissions offices? Thanks.

By: Ann Levine

Ann Levine — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:53:08 +0000

Hi Jeff, So glad the book and blog are helpful! (I’d love a review on Amazon if you’re so inclined!)
If you decide to retake December and your schools list won’t change depending on the score, you can submit applications but tell them you’re re-taking the LSAT. Your application will not be reviewed w/o the pending LSAT score, but you will save a few weeks in the process.
If you are waiting to create your schools list based on your December LSAT score, then wait for the score before applying.
Good luck on Saturday – I hope this is the only time you have to take the test.
Ann

By: Jeff Buckner

Jeff Buckner — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Ann,

Great book and blog! You need to do more podcasts though!

I’m taking my first LSAT on 9/26. I’m currently a non-traditional student finishing my undergrad in May. I’m sitting with a 3.66 GPA. I’m currently getting all of my applications together, this way all I will be waiting on is my LSAT score.

My question is if my LSAT score is low, and I decide to re-take in December do I send in my apps with the first LSAT score with a supplementary statement saying I’m retaking the LSAT, but keep me in consideration! Or do I just wait until the December scores are in to send in my apps?

Thanks!

By: Ann Levine

Ann Levine — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:34:37 +0000

Elanor, It’s simply about marketing. The law schools like to know. I think it looks funny when someone with a 139 puts down that he is applying to Harvard – in that case it would reflect negatively. Your chance to show you’re sincerely interested in a lower ranked school is to use your PS to enumerate some reasons why, to visit the school if possible, and to demonstrate a sincere interest in the program.
Good luck.
Ann

By: Elanor

Elanor — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:23:42 +0000

Hi Ann,

I am in the midst of filling out my applications and on a few of them are optional sections that ask about how I heard about their school or what other schools I am applying to. Should I fill out this section? It is included on my safety schools’ applications, and I do not what them to see that every other school I am applying too is ranked higher than them and for that to negatively impact me. I am definately interested in those schools because I could potentially graduate without a mortgage over my head since they are “regional schools” that are near home. Thanks!!

By: Ann Levine

Ann Levine — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:06:50 +0000

Hi Melissa,
A great question! I am so happy you asked (and so happy you love the blog).
First, schools will see your GPA by academic year – making it very obvious how old these courses are. Second, they will see your actual transcripts. IF this only lowers your overall GPA a little bit, please don’t fret over this. It’s pretty standard and shouldn’t change your application significantly. If you are really concerned, you can explain you took college courses in high school.
Good luck!

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:30:31 +0000

Hi Ann,

I love your blog! You give such great advice.

During the summers before my junior and senior years of high school, I took courses at two highly-ranked universities in California. I received college credit for this coursework, but I was disappointed to see that my grades in these courses were computed in my LSAC GPA. It resulted in only a tiny drop from my college GPA, but of course I am bummed, as my GPA is one of my strengths. Will law schools actually look at my transcripts from each institution? Or do they just see the final number and that’s it?

If only I’d studied harder… in high school!

Thank you!