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I applied really late this cycle, as in on the deadlines for almost every school I applied. I don't for sure yet because I'm still waiting on a lot of schools, but I think I under performed for my numbers and background. I think if I applier earlier in the cycle next year I will have an easier time getting into schools, getting scholarships, and negotiating scholly $$ so I'm thinking about re-applying next cycle, but I am worried that schools who have accepted me this year might reject me next year or give me even less grant aid. I was accepted to a few T-14 schools. I'm waiting to hear back from most of the schools I applied to. From the ones I got accepted to, I'm waiting hear back about financial aid from all accept one which gave me a little under a half tuition need based grant (which still puts me around 150k in debt).

Do people ever re-apply and get worse outcomes? Do you adcomms generally frown upon applicants who were accepted a year before and decided not to attend? How bad is it if re-apply and re-use most of my application materials with only slight edits?

Thank you for any advice you might have.

1. share your stats/results so you can at least get another opinion on whether you've underperformed.
2. even so, the word is to be patient this cycle, per Spivey
3. what can happen to you on re-application is hard to predict...it really depends on where you're talking about. The more you can do to change your application the second time around, the better. Just sending the same application again invites less than favorable treatment.
4. the most important thing is for you not to go until you have the right option for your goals at the right price. You have zero incentive to rush this.

If a student ever decides to reapply, it is strongly advised that the student improve their application in some way. This can be through increasing GPA and LSAT scores, acquiring different letters of recommendation, or developing a stronger personal statement/supplemental application.
The application cycle differs each year so it is difficult to state what your chances are and especially for what university. Students generally consider cost, location, and focus areas when deciding to attend a specific law school. Be patient as you wait for your results and once they become available you may plan from there.

Generally next cycle is predicted to be more competitive than this one (and lol at people who waited from easy last year to this more difficult year).

If you can make major improvements, reapply. But don't expect it to be a softer cycle.

jbagelboy wrote:Generally next cycle is predicted to be more competitive than this one (and lol at people who waited from easy last year to this more difficult year).

If you can make major improvements, reapply. But don't expect it to be a softer cycle.

+1

I'll say applying early next cycle could definitely help improve your outcomes. And since you're waiting anyway, why not retake? You have nothing to lose

jbagelboy wrote:Generally next cycle is predicted to be more competitive than this one (and lol at people who waited from easy last year to this more difficult year).

If you can make major improvements, reapply. But don't expect it to be a softer cycle.

I appreciate the laughter at my expense lol (although my cycle turned out fine so I really don't care). But, I'm glad I waited because it allowed me a third take and a significant refining of my application. But to be fair to the question, I was not a reapplicant, I waited until this cycle to apply.

I'm posting because I don't agree that next cycle will necessarily be harder than this one. I think for those scoring 167 and those scoring 175+ there stands to be a good chance of an easier cycle. Last I read Spivey also predicts a slightly easier cycle next year too. But, I agree that if you are reapplying anyway you should definitely also be studying for a retake / getting w.e. / improving resume/ps/etc + apply as early as possible, hell consider applying to most schools pre-retake and only hit the reach schools afterwards.

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My cycle ended up not being that bad. I got WL'd at HLS and SLS. I got in with almost 100k in aid at CLS and Cal. I think I kind of just want another year off. I'm a K-JD and I don't feel completely ready to start in August and I'm second guessing the school I chose but I don't really have a legitimate reason to request a deferment. I'm still considering reapplying early next cycle but I am dreading doing the application process all over again. I would edit my resume and statements, but for the most part my materials would be the same. I think all of that might burn bridges with the schools I courted this year. I'm especially worried about Cal and their aid/scholly system that seems so random.

Skyce wrote:I'm especially worried about Cal and their aid/scholly system that seems so random.

I think that's a legitimate concern, their aid does seem a bit random. I do think you're pretty safe though if you apply very early for aid, it seems to really be on a first come first serve basis