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So, it's getting pretty late in the cycle and I'm only going to apply after I get my December LSAT score, depending on what my score is, because I don't want to apply, then (possibly) get a bad score, and have no chance of getting in and having submitted my application that I could have just used next year with a stronger score.

However, I'm wondering if it'll be too late for me to apply by then (it'll probably be after New Years when I get my score) because:
1. I haven't been able to work on my personal statement too much, and it might be rushing it to get it done in just a week or two. Thoughts?
2. If my LSAT score is okay (say, 165-167 but not 170+) then at that point, most schools will probably be looking for stronger applicants. But if I wait to apply with that score next year in September/October, I'll probably have a much stronger chance. This is just my thinking based on what I've heard though--thoughts?

Another thing I'm worried about is that I don't want to apply and not get in and then start a new app next year because I don't want to have to get new recommendations when I have pretty good ones already--would I have to ask new recommenders then? (Pretty sure we can't reuse them--or am I wrong?) I'm also worried that if I somehow do get in this cycle, I won't get much scholarships either, but that's a smaller concern since I will very happily be accepted.

tl;dr: if i get an okay/good score, should I apply this cycle even if my statement isn't prepared much yet and it's getting really late?

You can reuse LORs. You want to rewrite your PS. As for whether you should apply, idk. It's not too late. Lots of people apply and get in with their December scores, but you would be better off with an earlier application.

It's not too late. Seeing whether you'll need to retake the LSAT first is a good idea. You reuse your LORs.

Thanks guys--didn't realize I could reuse LORs. This helps a lot.

I applied much later and had a decent cycle. But I was waitlisted at a lot of schools and rejected at some schools that would probably take me if I applied again. I also got acceptances, with money, from some very surprising places, because they needed exactly what I had to offer. Since it was so late in the cycle, they knew that they needed my LSAT and were willing to pay for it. So just be aware that you should apply widely and expect an odd outcome if you end up applying very late. That said, you won't be applying nearly as late as I did. Your experience is not going to be nearly as extreme. Start working on your personal statement now and have everything ready to go.

Apply before MLK Jr. Day and you should be alright. Time really is of the essence though. Get working on that PS.