Hi guys,
I'm sure this has already been discussed on 7sage.. however, I have been out of the 7sage loop for a couple of months and am not too sure where to find this, if that is the case.
I'm wondering.. are there any advantages (or disadvantages) for Sept. test-takers v. Dec. in regards to the admission process? I'm debating between the two for consideration to law school Sept. 2017. Obviously, Dec. would be favourable due to the additional study time, but if Sept. is advantageous for e.g. early admissions, more spots available etc., I would definitely consider this.
Any advice and/or information is welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Maxine
2
33 comments
Most admissions experts I've read have said a better score will ALWAYS do more for you than applying early. If you don't have the score you need, applying early won't help. So if December means a better score, than December is probably the best choice. I also wouldn't rule out registering for both (if you can afford it). A lot of people score better their second take because they're a little more acclimatized to the stress/anxiety of test day.
Not quite sure if I agree with the above. According to the Spivey Consulting Webinar, add.comms usually don't look at applications until after Thanksgiving break, and that's even for HYS. Applications are at an all time low for now and the next coming years. Many schools even allow the February LSAT for the same year admissions. (EDIT: a small amount of schools will even take the JUNE LSAT nowadays but don't take up this offer, odds are scholarship money would declined severely at this point lol.) Don't get me wrong taking the LSAT earlier will be better but that's ONLY if you take it when you're fully prepared. Please learn from my lesson. I wasted two valuable LSATs and took them when I was extremely underprepared. Now I'm on my third take and refusing to sign up until I'm scoring in the high 160s-170s in my PTs and BR--that's a promise lol.
There shouldn't be a rush whether you're a senior,1 year out of college or 2 or 20. This test will make or break your application. Its weight is heavier than your GPA. Heavier than your PS. Heavier than your letters of recommendation. Take all the time you need for this test. Law school ain't going no place :)
I'm going to jump on the bandwagon: wait until you're ready. The probability of getting a higher score trumps all other considerations.
If all other factors were equal, I'd say take the test earlier to give yourself time to work on your application and retake if necessary. But all other factors aren't equal.
Sorry, that particular webinar is lost to the world at this point due to technical issues. The original webinar is on our Youtube page!
Unless, you're applying to Faculty of Law at University of Ottawa where they value your CGPA more than anything else in the application. But then again, vast majority of law schools place a heavy weight on the LSAT, even in Canada, so @476 's advice is on point.
Best advice @476 :) Thanks again.
Some elite law schools do not take the February scores which is what you would take if you were not pleased with your December score. It also depends on what year you are in. If you are a senior, I would recommend taking it in September but if you are younger there is no rush.
I was in the same boat. I took the June LSAT and didnt do well at all. I was going to originally take the September LSAT, but after using the study schedule and realizing I really didn't prep for June at all (basically my Diagnostic), I would be studying for 70 hours a week on average. I decided to pushback and take December. I know for college students, December is hard for the simple fact that finals are usually around this time. I would say if you can, take December if you feel that you will not be ready for September. You can always apply for the September exam and then move your date.
That's correct @solkahlerrios847
I'm in the exact same boat as you! I plan on writing both though, just because I'm not sure if my nerves will get the best of me the first time around. Also from what I've been told from friends who wrote the test multiple times and are now in law school a higher LSAT score > early application, in terms of increasing chances of acceptance.
100%
@thecubicleescapee957
Yes, sorry - would like to begin Sept. 2017 (apply this November). Thanks for the info!
Yes, many.
Use the search bar and look up other answers. This will help you for 2 reasons.
1. You will instantly get several viewpoints
2. 100's of people have talked about this and you will be able to find more information looking around for 15 minutes than from this entire thread.
To answer the question, take the test when you are ready to score the score you want. Following that the earlier you apply in the admissions cycle the better. So if you are going to use Sept score to apply then you would be better off as there is more money on the table from schools/ more open spots. If you end up not applying with Sept score and retaking in Dec you threw out an attempt and gave up what little advantage there is anyways.
TL/DR Take when you are ready.
Good luck!
Glad I can help @cmelman95659 @gparmar92213. We're all on this crazy journey together :)
You're right @476. Best advice I've read here so far :)
Another thing to keep in mind is that it is different for everyone. What works for me might not work for @cmelman95659 or vice versa, at the end of the day it depends on the individual, no mold fits all.
Also, to @combsni116 .. 1 year out of university (but currently working 3 jobs). Definitely feeling the time pressure, but I know that it'll be worth it if I can score the extra little bit. I won't settle for anything less than a top school.
REALLY?? I DID NOT KNOW THIS. Thanks everyone!
@cmelman95659 why? You can take the LSAT thrice in two years.
Also, this statement validates the advice, oft-repeated on this forum, that you should never intentionally waste a take.
Me personally my anxiety is also high because Sept is my best option and almost my only option if I want to enroll in 2017. My job's busy season starts in Oct and ends in late Feb... So my extra time to study won't really exist but I know I have to be close to my target. Sighs. This is a great thred with excellent advice though. Thx!
I thought it was 3 takes within 2 years, regardless of if you take them all within the same year or not. Am I mistaken?
You can't take the LSAT more than 3 times in a 2 year period.
I'm actually facing the same struggle. I ultimately decided, that spending an extra month studying will be more beneficial and ease my anxiety than taking it in September and being able to apply immediately. I think it's all about how you're doing on your studying and how anxious you are.I took my LSAT last year and was not prepared at all. I personally rather apply a little bit later with my best score than apply sooner with an alright score. I hope this helps! I had a mini flip out about this a week ago.
Yes, but two per year @476 haha. Thanks, though. That is definitely the plan.. Start getting back into studying and see where my score leads me :)