Hey guys, I just started studying for LSAT again (I studied all of last summer but chickend out of taking last cycle LSAT) and I plan to take the January LSAT. Feels like Im at square one again. Do you guys think it is even worth it to try to apply for the 2027 Fall admissions after taking the January LSAT?
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I can't say whether it is worth it or not, but I am taking a shot at it for Jan 2027 for the 2027 Fall admissions. I scored horribly on the diagnostic (142) and started the course at the beginning of this month. In my opinion, as long as you send the packet before the school's deadline, you still have a shot. Maybe scholarships and the number of seats left may be reduced, but there's no harm in taking the LSAT in Jan. If you feel it's too late but end up scoring high, you can always keep the score and apply the following cycle with a greater chance of acceptance and scholarship money. Again, this is just my opinion. Good luck in your journey!!!
@HamzaS Similar diagnostic. We got this!! Rooting for you. Thanks for the advice!!
Let me reframe this question a smidge - is this something that you need to figure out today? What I mean is that it sounds like you're asking your question from a place of anxiety (eg, am I cooked before I even begin?!). I wanted to throw that out there for you! Because if this is an "anxiety question" rather than a "strategy question," the best thing you can do is thank your anxiety for trying to help you out, but then go tell it to chill out as you keep prepping for the LSAT!
If this is more a strategy question, there are a ton of "it depends." It'll depend on what you score in January, it'll depend on your GPA, it'll depend on what schools you're looking to apply to, etc. What we can at least say for now is that the best predictor of national applications are LSAT registration and test taking numbers. They're up over last year, and last year was the biggest year for apps since 2010ish. That means that it's not broadly ideal to apply after the January LSAT. However, 1) you have to do what you have to do, and 2) this is a problem for January, not now. The only thing that you may want to consider doing now (since the Jan LSAT is still 3.5 months away) is get your personal statement and resume in a good working position. If those are solid rough drafts by mid-October, you can then easily return to them in early January to fix them up and get ready to apply if your LSAT comes back in the range you're hoping for.
Good luck!
@JacobBaska great advice. Thank you so much!
I'm taking Jan and applying 2027! What's the worst that could happen?
@AllisonRiley12 how long have you been studying?
@bjones2026 Only a month, I am planning on taking it in November too.
Shoot for the stars- do it!