To apply before the December LSAT or not? Forum

[kpadoreo]

Hey all,

I am taking the LSAT in December and wondering whether I should send in my applications before this (with no LSAT score), or wait until early January and then click send as soon as I get the scores in. Obviously it makes financial sense to wait, since a lower/higher LSAT score than expected could adjust where I apply, however I'm more concerned with making sure my chances aren't reduced because of rolling admissions/a late application.
Would it make sense to just apply to my reach schools before the LSAT scores come back? Or will schools consider my application as submitted only once the scores for December are up?

Thanks!

[Deardevil]

If you're confident you'll hit your target score on game day, apply by November.
That way, your application is in; it's not complete until your score is out, but it will be reviewed earlier,
as opposed to submitting the application as a whole after taking the exam (it will be Christmas, after all).

[kpadoreo]

Thanks! I didn't realize schools look at applications before they're complete. But does that mean they might dismiss it before my LSAT score comes in? I ask this because my score will probably be a highlight of my application and don't want to be looked over before that is received.

[Barack O'Drama]

Thanks! I didn't realize schools look at applications before they're complete. But does that mean they might dismiss it before my LSAT score comes in? I ask this because my score will probably be a highlight of my application and don't want to be looked over before that is received.

Your app will remain incomplete until your LSAT score is released. then your app will go to complete and be reviewed.

[LegallyBlackJD]

Schools [usually] do not review applications if they are not complete. I would just wait and apply when everything is ready to go.

[a_j_l]

For what it's worth, this is what they said when I asked a similar question in the Spivey thread:

Hi there. Yes, still fine to take the December LSAT; I would just advise completing and submitting your applications before December 1 but letting the schools know that you are taking the December test and asking that they wait for your new score before reviewing. At least that way everything else in your application will be submitted, and the school can then complete it and begin the review process as soon as the new score is available. If you wait to submit your applications until later in December, as the holiday break nears, or after you receive your LSAT score, it delays the completion/review process further. Schools still award scholarships to applicants that apply in December. Bottom line is: Yes, of course the best case scenario is always to have your best application (with best possible LSAT score) submitted earlier, but if taking the December LSAT results in a higher score that will make you more competitive at your target schools, that will outweigh the advantage of an earlier application. Good luck!

It was about a retake in December, but I imagine everything about timing and submitting applications in advance of December 1st probably holds true...

[kpadoreo]

Thanks for the answers. I also came across this interview that says applying early, even before your LSAT score is in, is best: http://www.top-law-schools.com/tom-interview.html