Dec LSAT and Applications - Help? Forum

[nonpareilpearl]

I was initially planning on taking the October LSAT, but life happens and I think I would do better taking the December LSAT. I still haven't broken out of the 160s and I really want to get in the 175+ range (my LSDAS GPA is ~3.2).

The question:

I would like to send out my applications this year, but will it hurt me to not have my LSAT on my initial application? I know that my score will be sent, but December is pretty late in the game. Will it hurt me to, for instance, submit my applications when they open in September and October and then have my score follow in December? Or would it be best if I waited to submit applications next year so that my LSAT score could be submitted at the same time as the rest of my materials?

[thecilent]

If I were you, I would really think about taking a year off.

This would let you raise your GPA a lot. It would give you the opportunity to add 12 As (A+, maybe?). Also, if you need to improve that much on the LSAT, you may need more time, and it would probably be smarter to push it to June (this would also let you concentrate on GPA). Then you could apply in September next cycle.

But if you don't want to do that, then I think sending your apps in early and getting the score sent to go complete is your best bet. May hurt you slightly (Dec is kinda late).

Goood luck

[nonpareilpearl]

Sorry I guess I left some stuff out:

The GPA I included is cumulative - I completed my Math and Physics degrees (B.S.) in 2008. I have been off in the interim, working and so on. I started prepping for the LSAT in May, but some personal stuff happened that interfered with my ability to prep as much as I would like in June which is why I'm going to take the Dec test instead.

[czelede]

If you're aiming for T14, wait another year or take it in October.

If you do get the score you want (175+) with a 3.2 GPA that would make you a relatively hard splitter (<3.3, >175). The worst thing a splitter can do at T14 schools is apply late - the earlier you apply, the more schools are likely to accept you, as they now have the chance to balance out the adverse effects of your below median GPA. Apply to a T14 in January or beyond with a 3.2/175+ and you're looking at a lot of wait lists.

[czelede]

ETA: this really does depend on what schools you're looking for. But schools for which you are below median at in GPA have no reason to take you at all without an accompanying LSAT. The way I see it, sending your application in September without an LSAT score is pretty much identical to sending it in December with one.

[nonpareilpearl]

Apply to a T14 in January or beyond with a 3.2/175+ and you're looking at a lot of wait lists.

That's what I'm afraid of. I know I can get in the 175+ range, and I know that I can do the work at a T14 school (or similar), I had some stuff going on in ugrad that I've now filtered through.

So you think it's best that I wait until next year's app cycle?

[czelede]

Apply to a T14 in January or beyond with a 3.2/175+ and you're looking at a lot of wait lists.

That's what I'm afraid of. I know I can get in the 175+ range, and I know that I can do the work at a T14 school (or similar), I had some stuff going on in ugrad that I've now filtered through.

So you think it's best that I wait until next year's app cycle?

If you absolutely can't take it in October, I would say yes. But I know waiting a year = another year of time = another extra year before you can graduate law school and get on with the rest of your life, so I understand the sense of urgency in wanting to start with the 2011 class. Since timing is crucial for splitters, if you aren't willing to settle for non T14 you may have to wait another year anyhow. (I suppose it wouldn't hurt to toss out an app this cycle anyhow, but chances would be slim).

Another reason I think waiting would be better is that you are putting entirely too much pressure on the December LSAT - a lot can go wrong in a specific test. As evidenced by the June LSAT thread from this year, plenty of people PT in the high 170s and end up getting screwed over by test day anxiety or random conditions (bad seating, misreading a rule on the logic games, etc). I personally think its best to sit and assess where you want to go and where you have realistic chances at attending after you've taken the LSAT and can analyze the numbers of past cycles. Sending out applications to all your target schools and hoping that your LSAT puts you within range isn't the wisest choice if you really want to matriculate next year.

[nonpareilpearl]

Sending out applications to all your target schools and hoping that your LSAT puts you within range isn't the wisest choice if you really want to matriculate next year.

I completely agree, but you're right - it feels like my life will be on hold for a whole extra year. I would prefer a T14 of course, but I plan on apply to others as well. On the one hand I'd like to know my score before I send out apps. On the other hand I would like to start school and get on with it, you know? It sounds like the wisest course of action may be to wait, though. Thank you for all your advice/input!