Another Dec vs Feb application question Forum

[jason_k]

Hi everyone.


I took the December LSAT and blew the LG section and this is not just nerves talking.
I have a close to 4.0 GPA, stellar LORs and softs, and was hoping to get into a T14 school. But that ain't happening with what I probably got on this LSAT. I could probably do better after some prep, as the LG section was my only weak spot. So I plan on re-taking in Feb.

Anyhow, my main concern now is when to submit my applications.
I really don't have a clear idea of exactly HOW bad I did. So should I wait until Jan ,when the Dec test scores are disclosed, before deciding on my next step? This would put me slightly behind in the admission cycle, though.

I have most of the app materials ready to do. If I submit my apps in December, before the scores come out, it's gonna include only the low LSAT score. But, at least my apps will come in the middle of the admission cycle and not too far near the end. So maybe the less competition will make up for the low score. Thing is, I 'm not sure if my LSAT score isn't so sub-par that it automatically puts me in the Reject Pile for my goal schools.

On the other hand, if I wait til Feb to submit my app with the hopefully improved LSAT score, will any boost that the improved LSAT score give me just be cancelled out by the fact that I applied so late in the cycle and competing for just the couple remaining spots?

If I score well on the Feb test but had already submitted my applications in December, will the schools that already rejected me be willing to reconsider, in light of the new score?

If in my Dec application I disclose the fact that I will be retaking it in Feb, will they hold off looking at my application until late Feb when the scores come in?


I graduated two years ago so putting off law school for yet another year is definitely not an option.

Thanks for reading guys!

[lymenheimer]

Hi everyone.


I took the December LSAT and blew the LG section and this is not just nerves talking.
I have a close to 4.0 GPA, stellar LORs and softs, and was hoping to get into a T14 school. But that ain't happening with what I probably got on this LSAT. I could probably do better after some prep, as the LG section was my only weak spot. So I plan on re-taking in Feb.

I'd be interested in hearing these "stellar softs". As for LORs, they won't push you over the edge unless they are a large benefactor to the school (as per Spivey).

Anyhow, my main concern now is when to submit my applications.
I really don't have a clear idea of exactly HOW bad I did. So should I wait until Jan ,when the Dec test scores are disclosed, before deciding on my next step? This would put me slightly behind in the admission cycle, though.

Yes.

I have most of the app materials ready to do. If I submit my apps in December, before the scores come out, it's gonna include only the low LSAT score. But, at least my apps will come in the middle of the admission cycle and not too far near the end. So maybe the less competition will make up for the low score. Thing is, I 'm not sure if my LSAT score isn't so sub-par that it automatically puts me in the Reject Pile for my goal schools.

You have most of your materials ready, so all you have to do in January is hit submit. You're not going to get a jump on it by submitting before your score comes out. The schools won't consider you before they get your LSAT score.

On the other hand, if I wait til Feb to submit my app with the hopefully improved LSAT score, will any boost that the improved LSAT score give me just be cancelled out by the fact that I applied so late in the cycle and competing for just the couple remaining spots?

Feb/March is pretty late in the cycle, but depending upon where you are applying, you may get comparable scholarship/decision consideration. Either way, it's pretty late.

If I score well on the Feb test but had already submitted my applications in December, will the schools that already rejected me be willing to reconsider, in light of the new score?

Depends on the school. Some may agree to do this while others may not. It works better with scholarship/WL negotiations than rejection negotiations (I'd imagine).

If in my Dec application I disclose the fact that I will be retaking it in Feb, will they hold off looking at my application until late Feb when the scores come in?

Depends on the policy of the school. You can ask them to hold until your score comes out (at which point you may as well wait to submit).

I graduated two years ago so putting off law school for yet another year is definitely not an option.

This is patently false