Timing of the application cycle

[macha]

I am a recent graduate (class of 2013) who has begun considering whether law school is the right choice for me. I need some basic advice re: the timing of the application cycle.

I know that many schools accept applications until February or March, but I have also heard that admissions are rolling and its best to apply early in the fall. Obviously, since I am just beginning to think about law school, I still need to take the LSAT, get all my application materials ready, etc. At first I thought I could apply this year, if I had until early spring to get ready. Now I am re-thinking that and wondering whether giving myself more time (i.e. applying fall 2014) would be a better bet.

Any advice? Are rolling admissions really important to law school admissions? Thanks!

[jselson]

1) Yes, early applications are better than later ones.

2) A higher LSAT is always better than a lower one, no matter when an application is submitted.

3) A person with work experience will be looked upon slightly more favorably than one without. A full-time job in the real world will also help you mature significantly and prepare you better for the work load in law school, not to mention help you on the job market at OCI/after you graduate. It can also give you a better idea about a PS.

4) You do not know how long you will need to study until you take a diagnostic LSAT. I began in August and was ready by the December test. Plenty of others need more time, though. However, I think my later application hurt my scholarship chances.

Conclusion: Take a year off, get work experience, and start studying in January for the June test.

[NYC2012]

Agree with the above. It's ideal to take the June or October LSAT of the year you're applying. It sounds like you're not sure if law school is the best choice for you, in which case I would definitely say wait it out a year, get some work experience, study for the LSAT, relax for a little bit. I will have taken off three years in between undergrad and law school and I highly recommend it. Law school will always be there!