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Hey,

My question is:

Applying to one school takes how many days? For example, if I wanted to apply to University of Pennsylvania and submit an optional essay, how many days should I give my self to "prepare" for submitting the application (minus writing the essay and personal statement).

The essay and personal statement would require several edits before completing, but regarding other applications requirements - can I have application materials (what is required) ready to send in a day?

I ask because I don't want to submit applications before I get my LSAT score (just took the September test) -- I just want to make sure after I receive it I have sufficient time to prepare and send in applications.

Thanks.

You can probably fill out an app in 15 minutes.

Make sure you have your transcript(s) sent by your institution(s) and your LORs in. You should probably ask for LORs 4 weeks ahead of time (at minimum).

You can start applications ahead of time (are they open yet? if not, as soon as they open) and have everything ready to go to hit Submit the minute your score is released. You have to have transcripts sent from every institution you've attended, so that can take anywhere from a couple of days to weeks, depending on the schools. Then LSAC has to process them (varies again, usually about a week or so) into an Academic Summary Report. You need to get LORs, which can take FOREVER, or a week. Several weeks is typical, IF your letter-writers are on top of their shit. And as you mentioned, essays will take several drafts--I'd allow at least a week.

depends on your LSAT / GPA - if above median, just don't completely fuck it up.

If you already have your PS (and DS) complete, then it might take you half of one day. The "optional" essays for most schools or hidden essay-like questions in the app itself can be time consuming. If you can easily put together concise statements about why law, why now, why XX, then you can get one app done in a few hours.

I would recommend that you actually look at the apps because each one is different.

Once you have your PS done and all your LORs and transcripts uploaded, applying takes about 20 minutes.