When to apply Forum

[kehoema2]

Quick question for you guys. I'm going to retake the LSAT in October, but I am also applying this fall. Would you recommend applying as early as possible and asking each school to wait for my October LSAT score to come in? Or what do you think would be the best way of going about this?

Any advice is good. Thanks.

[swc65]

How are you going to know where to apply before you take the LSAT?

I just took the LSAT, worked on my PS while waiting for the score, and then worked on why X essays once I got my score. Without the score you have little idea of what range of schools to apply. Also, if your score is far below your PT or what you are expecting, then you may have to retake.

[blurbz]

How are you going to know where to apply before you take the LSAT?

I just took the LSAT, worked on my PS while waiting for the score, and then worked on why X essays once I got my score. Without the score you have little idea of what range of schools to apply. Also, if your score is far below your PT or what you are expecting, then you may have to retake.

I disagree. You already have one LSAT score so you should start there: apply on September 1 to schools that, with your current LSAT, are reaches, safeties, and targets. They will see that you are registered for the October test and will likely wait to make their decisions (but you'll get a faster review once that score comes in!).

Next, think about where you want your retake to be (and by "want" I mean "expect") and apply to safeties, reaches and targets for that score on September 1. Again, they will see that you have an LSAT registration and will likely hold your file until that score is reported to them. If you're worried about it, you can certainly ask them to wait for it.

If you do these things, you'll have early applications in to schools across your entire spectrum of possibility. Sure, it might be a bit expensive, but in the grand scheme of things a few hundred dollars to ensure you have the best shot at the best school is a wise investment.

I do, however, agree with the above poster that you should already have your PS and other components of your application ready to go!

Good luck!

[swc65]

^^

Missed that you are retaking. Sorry about that. I thought you were taking for the first time. It's early

The only thing I would add to the above is to only apply to schools you would be happy graduating from.

[blurbz]

^^

Missed that you are retaking. Sorry about that. I thought you were taking for the first time. It's early

The only thing I would add to the above is to only apply to schools you would be happy graduating from.

+1, this is an important point.

[cinefile 17]

^^

Missed that you are retaking. Sorry about that. I thought you were taking for the first time. It's early

The only thing I would add to the above is to only apply to schools you would be happy graduating from.

+1, this is an important point.

Unless it's a school that's known to give out big $$$ to people in your score range and your desire is to use the offer as a bargaining tool to try to get more money out of other schools