A reader of my book sent me this great question today:
Ms. Levine,
I am currently reading your book The Law School Admission Game: Play Like an Expert in preparation for my upcoming application process. In Chapter 3, you discuss the best time to apply to law schools. While I understand the importance of applying early, say October, I have a “special situation.” Because I did not feel fully prepared for the September LSAT, I’m taking it in December (December 5th). Should I send in my applications prior to this date or wait until I receive my score? The applications would be sent in by the end of December regardless.
Any suggestions you offer will be much appreciated! Your book and blog have proved very helpful already.
Best,
C
My response to C is as follows:
This depends on whether you know you’re applying to certain schools no matter what – for example, if there’s only 1 law school near you and you’re unable to move to a new location for law school or whether you are building a schools list with more flexibility than that. For most people, I advise that you wait for the score to choose where to apply because it’s difficult to know where you might be competitive.
You can still create your personal statement, resume, and make sure your letters of rec are underway. Just hold off on submitting applications until you have your score at the end of December.
I hope that helps.
Ann
9 Responses
Hi Ann. I have a question regarding the application process. I thought I was doing good and submitting applications without any mistakes until today. I realized I listed a community college that I attended during the summer with the wrong city name. The name of the college is correct as well as the other information regarding it, but just the city name is wrong. I’m slightly freaking out. Is it a big issue and should I call each admissions office to fix it or should I just let it go? I turned in several applications with the wrong city name.
Also I’m sorry this question isn’t really regarding the blog topic. In a frenzy to find a blog similar to my question, I just picked the most recent one. I hope you can help me. Thank you in advance.
It’s ok. No reason to freak out on this one. No one will notice ; )
Ann, thank you for your book and blog. I have a question related to the one that you posted.
I have a pretty decent LSAT score, but I’m confident that I can do better if I were to take it again in December. If I do decide to take the test again in December, what should I do about the applications?
Should I send them in in the fall, as is recommended by most suggested timelines out there? If I send them in the fall, won’t my application file be considered “complete” with my existing score? Or should I wait until late December, after the December ’09 scores are posted, to mail the materials? Or should I send the application in the fall and send reminders to the various admissions offices regarding a higher December score when those scores get posted? What would you recommend?
Thanks!
Hi Paul – if your new LSAT score won’t change the schools you’ve decided to apply to, then go ahead and apply. Many applications ask whether there is a pending LSAT, and they will hold your file accordingly. Or, you can write to the school after you apply and ask them to hold the application for your new score.
I’m so glad the book and blog are helpful. I’d really appreciate a book review on Amazon if you’re so inclined. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615271839/ref=s9_simz_gw_s1_p14_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0YKDR902D4W6DMYE9DNV&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
Ann
Dear Ms. Levine,
My question is related to C’s about taking the LSAT and submitting applications in December. An advisor in the Preprofessional Advising Office at my college told me recently that taking the LSAT and submitting applications (particularly to top tier schools) in December is simply “too late in the game”. She explained that by this time many schools have filled or nearly filled all of their acceptance slots already, and that applications received after Thanksgiving have to make that much more of an impression to get to the top of the pile for consideration and even fewer slots. Do you believe this to be true?
Many thanks for your thoughts.
With best regards,
R
Rachel, It is true to a degree, but not so much that I would tell you not to bother applying. I had lots of clients admitted to top 10 law schools last year with a December LSAT score.
I do, however, consider February to be too late.
Thanks for the quick response, Ann. I’m aiming for a “Top-20” school. Would this by any chance change your advice?
I’ll be sure to add to your stellar ratings and reviews on Amazon.
Hi Paul,
It doesn’t change my advice at all – it’s the same everywhere. But do call and make sure schools are holding review of your applications. I had someone last year get a rejection letter from NYU while the December LSAT was pending. She had to call and tell them the mistake, and was eventually admitted, but it was a headache.
Ann
@Ann Levine
Many thanks for your prompt and candid response, Ms. Levine!