Sending in Apps before getting LSAT score back Forum

[psm11]

I'm sure this has been asked before but can I send in my apps before I get my LSAT score back? I already have two LSAT scores from 10/10 and 12/10 but not as high as I'd like. I am currently registered to take the December 2012 LSAT but don't want to wait until the end of December to send in my apps. If I send now and indicate I am planning on taking the December LSAT will the schools wait until LSAC sends that score to make a decision?

[rinkrat19]

A lot of schools won't even look at your app if they see that you're scheduled to re-take, so it's not any better to submit now than to wait until your score comes out.

Unfortunately, December's test is pretty late and your chances are going to be hurt either way.

[b33eazy]

I actually a question to add to that: I was told at an LSAT forum by many law schools that it is better to submit the application before the score because it takes around two weeks to process the application. So they said if I submit my application in early December it will be processed and held until I send in my scores. They told me it will be looked at sooner since it has already been processed when the scores come back.

[psm11]

I actually a question to add to that: I was told at an LSAT forum by many law schools that it is better to submit the application before the score because it takes around two weeks to process the application. So they said if I submit my application in early December it will be processed and held until I send in my scores. They told me it will be looked at sooner since it has already been processed when the scores come back.

That's what I was thinking too. I am planning on sending in mine next week so they will be complete by the end of the month sans my Dec LSAT score. I still think sending them now is better than waiting until December. If I wait until then they may not become complete until January. I also heard that most admission committees wait until after X-Mas break to look at apps that aren't ED apps anyways. I read that by that time the schools have a better idea of how many people are going to apply and where their numbers will be for that year. It makes sense considering many December LSAT takers are retaking bc they were not satisfied with their Oct score. That's just my take on it.

[PDaddy]

A lot of schools won't even look at your app if they see that you're scheduled to re-take, so it's not any better to submit now than to wait until your score comes out.

Unfortunately, December's test is pretty late and your chances are going to be hurt either way.

Your first statement is true, but taking the December test really doesn't harm a good applicant's chances. By January, the classes are 20-40% full; it just depends on the school and the year. Schools are now waiting to fill their classes because applicants apply to more schools, and more of them are taking the December test. The number of highly qualified applicants is also diminishing, and some of the stronger applicants even take the February test. Do you think the schools aren't interested in them? Additionally, a strong December app is much, much better than a so-so October/November app. I have repeatedly seen December applicants get into the elite schools regular decision.

It is also a good idea to submit the app a few weeks in advance of the score coming out, so that the administration can compile your materials. It takes some time, and it is better that the score comes in at a time when everything else is ready.

I would advise OP to submit the application as early as possible (making sure the essays, etc. are really good), and take the test.

[psm11]

A lot of schools won't even look at your app if they see that you're scheduled to re-take, so it's not any better to submit now than to wait until your score comes out.

Unfortunately, December's test is pretty late and your chances are going to be hurt either way.

Your first statement is true, but taking the December test really doesn't harm a good applicant's chances. By January, the classes are 20-40% full; it just depends on the school and the year. Schools are now waiting to fill their classes because applicants apply to more schools, and more of them are taking the December test. The number of highly qualified applicants is also diminishing, and some of the stronger applicants even take the February test. Do you think the schools aren't interested in them? Additionally, a strong December app is much, much better than a so-so October/November app. I have repeatedly seen December applicants get into the elite schools regular decision.

It is also a good idea to submit the app a few weeks in advance of the score coming out, so that the administration can compile your materials. It takes some time, and it is better that the score comes in at a time when everything else is ready.

I would advise OP to submit the application as early as possible (making sure the essays, etc. are really good), and take the test.

Thanks for the reply. I just finished up everything today. Going to not look at everything for a couple days then review to see if I could make anything better and, hopefully, send everything by the end of this week.