Should I apply for 2013 or 2014? Forum

[RickyDnwhyc]

I haven't taken the LSAT yet. I have a 3.25 GPA so I am a splitter. I desperately want to avoid huge debt, and I semi-desperately don't want to put off Law School for another year.

Been going through a rough patch with my significant other, haven't gotten around to studying for the LSAT at all until now.

I took one practice test cold and scored a 160. I believe I am fully capable of bringing this score up to lower to mid 170s with 2-3 months of prep, maybe less. Though I could be wrong.

I believe the only time I can take the LSAT for the 2013 cycle is in December. My question is this: Is it wise to apply to Law Schools in December? ED isn't an option so I can't ED UVA or NU... which pretty much disqualifies me from "full rides", I think?

Also scholarship money will be less available across the board... I'm really unfamiliar with how the whole scholarship/ED/RD/etc stuff works... But I know TCR is applying earlier is always better... But just how much better?

I am not T14 or bust, if that makes a difference. I would consider BU/BC/Fordham/similar schools if they awarded me $$$... Though ideally I'd like T14+$$$...

Am I MUCH better off waiting the 2+ years, studying at an easy pace until October 2013 and starting Law School in 2014?

[rebexness]

[Nova]

I doubt you will peak by Dec unless you have enough study time (30 hrs a week?). If you do have the time, I would go ALL OUT over the next two months. Its worth saving a year. If you dont like your score or cycle, youll already have a strong foundation for June/Oct '13

[RickyDnwhyc]

Thanks guys, and yes you're right, I'm not a splitter yet Just hoping!

Both your suggestions make sense.

I would still like to know more about how applying as late as December would affect my chance at admission/scholarships in general... Maybe I'll rock the LSAT and send in all my apps this year! But not if it's going to severely affect my chances and $$...

For example I've heard that some schools give full rides only if you apply ED... and I've also heard the later you apply the less scholarship money is available across the board... If these things are true I would rather not waste $$$ and put myself through the stress of trying to rush the LSAT and all my applications for December.

[Swimp]

My impression is that any applicant should apply as early as he or she can, but if the applicant is a splitter, it's even more important to apply early. Sure, there's always a chance that the admissions office will end up needing a high LSAT score late in the cycle, but the general rule is that they're only going to stomach so many below-median (or below-25%ile) GPAs, and you want to be competing for 50 spots, not five.

I understand not wanting to put off law school for another cycle, but it really sounds like you'd be better off waiting.

[RickyDnwhyc]

very true, I believe Yale is the only school without rolling admissions... No problem, I'll just shoot for a 180

[Nova]

There will still be money out there in the Spring. I applied in January as a splitter and got several legit scholly offers.

Of course it is better to apply early. But since it will only cost you a few hundred dollars to apply this cycle, I think its work a shot. If it seems like too much of a rush to you personally, wait.

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