Can I apply before taking LSAT?

[dill26]

I am taking the LSAT in October and am hoping to apply early to a few schools. However, if I do poorly in October and want to retake the test in December, can I still apply for the early decision and later on submit my LSAT score in December?

[Tiago Splitter]

Most schools require your file to be completed by the Early Decision deadline. Since ED cutoffs are usually December 15th or earlier, the December LSAT won't fly. Duke has a second round of ED where I believe they accept December scores, and Virginia lets you apply ED anytime in the cycle. But these schools are most certainly the exception.