Worried about my chances due to applying late Forum

[EQB]

So, I did much worse on the LSAT than I was doing in prep tests, and plan to retake in December. My softs are decent, involved in clubs, had leadership in those clubs, have a few scholastic awards, did two independent studies on law, have a strong academic record of classes in a unique area (with a focus on law and policy, have pretty good reccs and maybe one glowing employer rec, an internship in policy and advocacy, an internship in resource management, held several jobs throughout undergrad (including multiple at one time), was an academic tutor, have a pretty unique personal statement (maybe not the strongest, but decent), a pretty unique experience for a diversity statement, and everything flows together around my unique interest in law as demonstrated in most of the things I did.

Now, my gpa and lsat at the time of application are going to be 3.9-3.92 and a 170. I was practice testing around 175 or above, and feel confident I can get at least a 173 on retake, if not back to my normal range.

My question is, how likely are my chances at Stanford given these facts? I would be submitting everything in mid December, with a note asking to hold consideration until my newest LSAT score comes in. Would applying later in the cycle, while having around median numbers and multiple lsats, not give me a good chance? Stanford is really my dream school, and I really need to get into one of the HYS for need based aid or get significant money from a T-14 to be able to afford law school.

Alternatively, if my chances are not good, I wonder how a cycle next year might go. By then, I would conceivably have a 3.93 or 3.95, and would be applying as soon as applications come out. I would also likely have a paper published from one of my law independent studies.

Thanks for any input!

[TooOld4This]

Assuming better retake:

Next year > late application > now

[EQB]

Yeah, my plan was to apply this year, and then reapply next cycle if I don't get in. But does anyone have a good idea if I stand a chance of getting in this year?

[haus]

I would suggest reviewing the Spivy thread, as I know that this has come up a few times there.

If I recall correctly both of them have weighed in along the lines of applying based on a December exam is not late.

[EQB]

I would suggest reviewing the Spivy thread, as I know that this has come up a few times there.

If I recall correctly both of them have weighed in along the lines of applying based on a December exam is not late.

Where would these threads be? Sorry, I'm new to this site

[haus]

I would suggest reviewing the Spivy thread, as I know that this has come up a few times there.

If I recall correctly both of them have weighed in along the lines of applying based on a December exam is not late.

Where would these threads be? Sorry, I'm new to this site

I see that you found the thread and posted on it, but just in case someone else new to the site has the same/similar question, here is a link to the thread.

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=197451

[EQB]

The only thing I found on it seems to be mainly about whether an app will be stronger applying after the retake versus applying before, and saying that it would be best to submit later. I wasn't able to find anything about saying applying after a December retake not being "late", and this seems to be contrary to most of what I have read.

My worry is that I would have been competitive if I had applied in November, but that applying after getting my December scores might break me.

[EQB]

Also, I don't know if it makes much of a difference, but I go to a top 10 U.S. school and my recommendors are actual law professors who speak highly of me, one of whom is practically a friend and who mentored two independent legal studies with me.

[haus]

The only thing I found on it seems to be mainly about whether an app will be stronger applying after the retake versus applying before, and saying that it would be best to submit later. I wasn't able to find anything about saying applying after a December retake not being "late", and this seems to be contrary to most of what I have read.

My worry is that I would have been competitive if I had applied in November, but that applying after getting my December scores might break me.

One of the response Mike Spivey made that seems to be on topic was actually a link back to his own blog (if you have the time, I would recommend reviewing his blog postings as there is some good insights there).

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 3&t=197451