Self-study
Hey guys I'm spiraling slightly lol. I'm 27 (which by no means is old i know). Studying to take the LSAT in September but am planning to be flexible because I am aiming for a pretty high score given my lower-than-median GPA in college. I've also been working for 4 years since I graduated college. I feel like I'm feeling some pressure to apply to law school sooner rather than later because of the age factor (I know this might be irrational). Is that something law schools will take into account? For additional context, I'd definitely like to go to a T20 school but I know I need the test score to get there so I want to give the LSAT my best shot and not rush the process (even if that means going past September). Any thoughts would be appreciated, I just feel like I don't have anyone to talk to about this who fully understands what goes into taking the LSAT and then putting together a good law school application.
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8 comments
As a former director of admissions at a T20 (/T20 adjacent - ie, Notre Dame Law), there's really nothing you need to worry about regarding applying at 27, 28, 29+, etc. Apply when you feel like you're ready!
But to also throw something out there for you! If you're 27, that usually means you have a few good years of work experience. You've lived a bit more life. I'm going to assume that you have a clearer sense of why you want to go to law school, what you want to achieve, where you want to work post grad, etc than the random 22 year old. Just make sure you give me that in your app! The greater clarity of your vision, the more you're leaning into your positive work and life experiences.
@JacobBaska thank you for this perspective!!
I'm in the same boat as you! I'll be 29 next month and planning to take the LSAT in November so technically I'll be 30 when I actually start law school. I think they will appreciate the fact that you have work experience and are also motivated to pursue law school. It's not like you sat around for 4 years after undergrad. Wishing you all the best! :)
@jbsbrown7 that's true hahaha glad to hear we're in the same boat :) good luck to you as well!!
Something like 20% of law students are 30+, so definitely don't worry about age being a limiting factor. If anything, it will help you, as you have not only work experience (which law schools like to see) but additional maturity and life experience that will benefit you as you build your application and throughout law school.
Also definitely don't feel pressure to rush it. One additional year feels long in the moment but whether you practice law for 40 years or 41 years, or start as a lawyer when you're 30 vs 31 doesn't matter in the long run. You can only take the LSAT 5x in 5 years (7 in your lifetime) so typical advice is to not take the test unless you're scoring where you'd like to. Either way, turn whatever pressure you feel into motivation and be open to ride waves as they come. If you end up having to wait until next cycle, don't be discouraged, see it as an opportunity to hone your LSAT skills and improve your application however you can.
Few things you should consider/look into:
1.) Check out the website LSD(dot)law to see detailed breakdowns of everything you can possibly imagine as far as law school admissions. The data is self-submitted by applicants so it's not 100% representative, but it's the closest data we've got. I specifically recommend the "Admissions Predictions" tab (you can input any GPA & LSAT and see your probability of being accepted/waitlisted/rejected at any law school depending on the time in the cycle (Oct-Aug)), and searching schools to see 1) the GPA & LSAT graph that shows admitted/waitlisted/rejected and 2) scroll down and click on the tab that says scholarships. Speaking of...
2.) Consider whether you need a scholarship or a certain percent covered in order to accept an offer of admission, or if you'd accept an offer with $0 in scholarship. It can help you gauge whether you need a higher LSAT score than just admission worthy (you can see what students with your same stats are getting in scholarships on LSD at any school) or if you're willing to attend T50 schools where the same LSAT will generate higher scholarships and will have a higher chance of being accepted. All in all, consider all the various scenarios and what you prioritize (school rank, scholarship/debt amount, this cycle vs waiting a year, how much you're willing to invest in LSAT prep/tutors, etc) as that will guide you for what the best choice is for you.
@lawkittycat this is helpful thank you!!
From what I've listened to, work experience is good because it shows schools you're employable after graduating which is good for their statistics. The pressure you put on yourself should be used as motivation, anything else may be a hindrance to progress. When you get to law school, you'll notice classmates younger and older than yourself. There are people 30, 40, and even 50 that get accepted, so age doesn't fully matter. What you could do is head over to Michigan Law, and watch/listen to the Dean address their admissions process and what they look for. There could be other schools that do the same, but as a T14 the insights gained from listening to them speak may carry more weight in the advise given.
@Joshua-Lee that's a good point, thank you :)