Self-study
I’m already above medians for schools I want to apply to but I know I can score higher and have free time to study. Will it hurt my application if I apply with future tests scheduled? For example, if I send in applications on September 1st while being signed up for September and October LSAT will this hurt my application?
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2 comments
@LawStudent414244 - Good question!
It won't hurt your application for most schools if you apply and have a pending LSAT. The reason is because most admissions offices will simply hold off reviewing your app until your future LSAT scores arrive.
Their rationale is this - you're almost certainly re-taking the LSAT in order to boost your score, right? So why review the application now when this candidate's statistical profile may change in the coming weeks and we have lots of other applications that we can review in the meantime?
But please know that every school has their own policy on reviewing/not reviewing apps that are otherwise complete if not for a pending LSAT. The vast majority will hold off reviewing your app. But some (Michigan and Cornell being notable) explicitly say in their app instructions that completed apps are fair game for review even if the applicant is retaking the LSAT. Just pay attention to the application instructions and you'll be fine! And if you're in doubt, you can always give an admissions office a quick phone call to clarify things!
@JacobBaska Thank you!