Penalized for Applying Late? Forum

[Bundi]

Hello,

I took the LSAT in June and got a 169 and have a 3.5 undergrad GPA. As I have been swamped with work, I have been unable to dedicate the time I feel is necessary to putting together a strong application for law school. Niow that the year has ended, I finally have the time to spend on crafting a strong personal statement.

I understand that applying earlier is better than applying later but I was wondering if the fact that I have not yet completed my applications will be a red flag. Is there any truth to my worries? Aside from taking the LSAT in June, I have one recommendation dating back to September and another dating back to November. My LSAC report was also completed in November.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Bundi

[jl2032]

If it makes you feel better, I had been holding recommendation letters at LSAC since Februrary 09. I was trying to rush to apply at the end of last cycle, but was so busy with work, I didn't get a chance to write the statement. Just wrote it now, and I got my applications in on Monday. Let's see how it goes.

Applying at this stage isn't a "red flag" (I guess applying after the due date is probably one). Your chances just aren't as good as if you were applying earlier in the cycle.

[rocaveli]

I wouldn't worry. Spend the time making a great application - way better than applying early with a half-assed one.

[cardinalandgold]

I have the exact same numbers as you and I am just now starting to submit my applications. So for our sakes, I hope it doesn't hurt too much that we are applying at this stage in the cycle. Good luck!

[missvik218]

It's not a red flag so much as it's just more difficult to get into schools later in the cycle. Like someone above said though, it's better to send a great application now than it would have been to send a mediocre one on October.

[Moose Thompson]

You're not tragically late. Depending on the level of schools you're applying to you should be fine.

[jackgrf]

i'd probably wait til next cycle to submit early. given the economy and bad employment prospects for lawyers, it's probably better to wait to apply anyway!