Hey all,
So I've taken the LSAT twice before, and am looking to take it again in November. My previous scores were 149 and 152. My question is, should I submit my apps with these scores (meaning, I'll submit my apps sometime in September/October), or should I wait until after I've taken the November LSAT, and just write an addendum being like "hey lol I know my score isn't super competitive but I do have an LSAT coming up so just wait for that xoxo thanks."
For context, my UGPA is 3.8 (I went to Santa Clara University), and I do have considerable experience in volunteering and organizations/clubs. Not completely sure what bearing this has on my question but I guess it's helpful to know.
Input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much ☹️🫶
2 comments
First things first - I'd be sure to check on each school's policy for what they do with apps that are complete if not for a pending LSAT. Most schools' policy is to withhold reading the app until the new score comes in. In your case, that's totally alright. But what you want to make sure is that their policy is NOT that they'll consider your app fair game for review without the new LSAT. You want to avoid that situation like the plague! It's rare but there are a few schools who do that.
If a school will hold your app automatically, then you don't even need to write that addenda!
Second things second - If it's a school that won't read your app until your Nov LSAT comes in, you may then ask yourself "... so what's the point? Whether I submit on 9/1 or 11/28 when my score comes back, they aren't going to read it until 11/29 at the earliest." I think the key here is:
If your app is done in early Sept and would be a distraction from LSAT prep, then just submit it. While your app won't be reviewed by most schools until late-November, the benefits are 1) if there are any issues with something minor (like a hiccup with LoRs or it turns out that LSAC doesn't have your final transcript), you have all of Sept, Oct, and Nov to resolve that issue, and 2) at least your app will be ready for review immediately in late Nov (ie, no worries that admissions offices are swamped at that time and it takes a few days to process your app).
If you app is done in early Sept and you'd like to hold on to it for one last review in November and it wouldn't be a distraction from LSAT prep, that's alright. The benefit is that you'd have the peace of mind of one more review in November before submitting.
Good luck!
I'd submit early and note that you're registered for the November LSAT. Most schools will hold your application for the new score anyway. With a 3.8 GPA, a meaningful LSAT increase could make a big difference, so if you're confident you'll improve, it's worth waiting for that score.