Reasons for turning in applications later Forum

[berndie90]

I'm curious - with the obvious benefit of getting your applications in early, why do so many people seem to wait to turn their applications in until later in the cycle? I understand that some people need to retake the LSAT, but even that could be planned for by taking the first one in February and a retake in the summer. Are there other typical reasons that some students delay?

[Nova]

Its probably usually a lack of planning

[ltrego]

What do you define as "later in the cycle"?

[nabadgelyo]

I admire people who can turn in applications in September, but I personally worked crazy hours until fall of this year, took the October LSAT, and went through many drafts of essays. I can only speak for myself, but I delayed because of a lack of time + a desire for quality. I'm also a relatively slow writer. In any case, I believe it is better to turn in a stronger application a bit later than a weak one early on.

[riverwater]

.

[The Dark Kite]

I admire people who can turn in applications in September, but I personally worked crazy hours until fall of this year, took the October LSAT, and went through many drafts of essays. I can only speak for myself, but I delayed because of a lack of time + a desire for quality. I'm also a relatively slow writer. In any case, I believe it is better to turn in a stronger application a bit later than a weak one early on.

I agree with that sentiment... though "later" is relative. And there is a threshold... though in the past few cycles, that threshold has been deteriorating on account of schools waiting for better applications anyway. I think that if your application can be very strong, waiting might be fine... but if you're looking for the early bump (which I feel is becoming increasingly nonexistent), then obviously you're risking foregoing that by submitting "late."

[ltrego]

I meant to get my applications done in October, but ended up having some personal issues come up, and didn't get the last one sent in until Dec. 1. So, I would say sometimes it's due to issues outside one's control.

[bound]

I think it depends what your definition of "late" is. I consider September to November "early," December and mid January "normal," and anything after that is "late".

[hichvichwoh]

Applied in March. pure procrastination.

[blackbirdfly]

Its probably usually a lack of planning

That's me!

[midwest17]

Waiting for letters of recommendation to come in.