Is it too late to apply for Fall 2014 admissions?
The short answer is “No,” it isn’t too late
But you’re likely wanting to know some of things to consider. Most law school admissions are on a rolling basis, so the best scenario is that you apply as early as possible. One of the biggest days for applications is the day that the October LSAT scores are released. But, the LSAT score is a very important part of the application, so it might be better for you to wait, than to go forward with a less than desired score.
Know why your October score was less than hoped for.
It’s not too late to take the December LSAT and submit applications, but it is important that you determine whether you are set to be successful with the December 1 exam. Answer these questions:
- Did I prepare sufficiently for the October exam? If you did, are you on track to make the changes necessary to achieve a significant score increase?
- Was your low score the result of out of the ordinary testing circumstances — such as missing an uncharacteristic number of questions in a particular section, illness, noise, terrible proctors, etc.) If so, is it probable that you can raise your score dramatically?
I will miss the early notification/early decision deadlines if I apply in late Dec. / Jan. Would it be better to put off my law school plans until next year?
There are personal and financial considerations in this decision, but from just the admissions angle, consider:
- Are your potential numbers strong for the schools you want to attend, or just so-so…borderline?
- Normally, you want to be in your strongest possible position, i.e. before Thanksgiving. However, its well-known that law schools are juggling their desire to have more seats filled with their need to keep their law school rankings high.
- If you have your sights set on a top school admissions committees would rather have someone with a higher LSAT score (at lease 2 points higher to be worthwhile) in December than an application admitted in October with a lower score.
- Remember, earlier applicants are higher on the list of those who will get funding…And schools are looking for ways to entice students to their school.
- Applications to law school are down, and the number of top applicants are decreasing. But most law schools hope to maintain their class sizes. This means that there is probably still time and a school for you.
Should I submit my application before I take the December LSAT?
- Schools are not likely to review your application without your LSAT score.
- You only have a little time left to prepare for the December LSAT. It’s probably better if you spend your time preparing for the test, than spending time on applications. You can work on applications starting December 2nd and still get everything submitted sooner than a lot of December LSAT takers.
Tags: applications, law school, Law School Admissions, lsat advice
