Strategy - How to time apps/LSAT to maximize scholarships? Forum

[theycallmefoes]

First of all, I'm not sure which part of the forum would be the ideal place to post this (Chances, LSAT, admissions, or here), so my apologies if this is in the wrong place.

So, I scored a 164 on the October LSAT, and I've decided to retake in December in order to get a 168+. My GPA is currently 3.76. If I hold off on my apps until I get my December score, will that hurt my chances at scholarships, because I'll be applying later in the cycle? Or will the bump in the score improve my scholarship odds?

For schools where I am already in the top quartile (e.g., state schools in MO like UMKC and UM Columbia), should I apply as soon as I have all my application materials ready and then send them the new score when it's available? If they award scholarships prior to receiving my new score, will they increase my award amount one December scores are in?

What should my strategy be for more prestigious schools where I am right at (or a point below) the median (e.g., WUSTL - median: 165)? Is it better, in this case, to hold off entirely until I have my December score, in order to have the strongest app possible at the time of application?

[justonemoregame]

It's hard to say what affect applying late will have on aid - it's generally negative -- but I would guess that if you're above median at WUSTL, which is like 167 now? -- even if you get your app in by early Jan., they should still offer a scholarship. You might as well wait until you have the score to apply though. If you're in line for a scholarship at the other places, won't hurt to send those out those apps, and update later if you have a higher score. I would not mention that you are planning to retake the LSAT - they may put a hold on your file.

[theycallmefoes]

It's hard to say what affect applying late will have on aid - it's generally negative -- but I would guess that if you're above median at WUSTL, which is like 167 now? -- even if you get your app in by early Jan., they should still offer a scholarship. You might as well wait until you have the score to apply though. If you're in line for a scholarship at the other places, won't hurt to send those out those apps, and update later if you have a higher score. I would not mention that you are planning to retake the LSAT - they may put a hold on your file.

Wow - I had been going off lawschoolnumbers.com for the median LSAT at WUSTL, but your post made me double-check it on LSAC, and it's actually 168 now. Incredibly disheartening.

Thanks for the straightforward advice. Do you, by any chance, know if there's an online resource that compares admissions stats (GPA, LSAT) with scholarship award (y/n, amount, etc.)?

[justonemoregame]

Actually, this year's entering class LSAT median is 166, so that's good news. LSN is still probably the best bet for trying to gauge how much aid you will be eligible for.