Self-study
Hi. I know I am late to the game, but I just started studying for LSAT (5 weeks ago). Studying 4 hoursish.
I am thinking about taking the LSATs in January! and most schools i am looking into (Chicago), their early application deadline is mid Feb (Reg deadline range is March-April).
My question is, would i be too late for Fall 2025 cycle?
Most of my application work is complete about 60-70% (I have my LOR, transcripts etc). Though, I need to work on Personal statements.
I just need reassurance lol.
Any advice.
3
15 comments
I feel you and you got this!
@DianetYero thanks
Personally, I don't think so. I know plenty of people who have applied with Jan/Feb scores and have been accepted and have received plenty of scholarships. I have had schools tell me they would not go past March if you want decent scholarships
I'm in the same boat. I was originally going to take the November LSAT so I wouldn't cut it close, but I don't feel like I've got my timing under control, nor do I think 6 weeks will be enough time to fix that. So I am now going to take the January LSAT. I am worried I'll be cutting it too close to get a good financial aid package. But I also plan on starting the application process immediately after taking the LSAT but waiting to submit until after I get my score back.
@APBookninja Hopefully, it works out for us!
@legallyhaya have to be optimistic. Good news for me is, I cannot move or quit my job for law school, so it severely limits the schools I can attend, since I'll have to do virtual, and none of those are top schools so I don't need to score as high as I originally wanted. But still plan on trying to get the highest possible. Just is a little less stress.
@APBookninja lol, same, I am not planning to move. and the schools i am looking into, has very mediocre scores. so hopefully it will be a little better. but you are right, getting a good score may help with the scholorship side.
@legallyhaya exactly. I'm hoping to get 75-100% paid for. Fingers crossed.
some schools allow you to submit your applications while you are waiting for your LSAT score. the downside is that you cant cancel it and it is part of your permanent record. Im taking it in Nov and Jan but planning to submit my apps as soon as I leave the testing site haha. Good luck to you stranger (and potential colleague).
@mvsouthbay Thanks! See you on the other side, hopefully!
It depends on what your goals are time-wise, but I think it would be better to wait until fall 2026 to apply. While the early application deadline is February, the closer to September 1st you submit your application, the more likely you are to be accepted and receive more aid. It may also be cutting it too close if you need to take the LSAT again after January to reach your goal score. You can never know what may come up, and it's good to plan in case you have a bad test day.
That being said, I have a friend who applied in February last year for LA schools and got into a decent school with a good package. He's proof that it is possible; however, you should be open to waiting if you end up needing to.
do you mean fall 2026?
@AidanDelong0725 meaning as applying in the 2025–2026 application cycle to begin law school in Fall 2026. Hopefully.
The score release for the January LSAT is 1/28/2026, so you'll be fine to apply by the Fall 2025 early application deadline.
@innanis thank u :) I need that reassurance