Hi everyone! I took both the June and September LSATs this year and already have an approved Argumentative Writing sample from June. I'm wondering whether there's any real benefit to submitting another sample after the September test.
I'm actually fine with my initial sample -- while not the best essay ever, it was reasonably coherent and didn't have any glaring issues. I'm mostly asking because I've learned that schools actually do look at writing samples and that there's a possibility they may receive a bit more attention in future cycles, given AI and all.
My hesitation is that, as I understand it, schools can receive up to the three most recent reportable writing samples, so doing another one would technically give them another sample to potentially compare, rather than replacing the first. I just don't want to try again and somehow end up writing something less coherent than my initial sample. If there's a meaningful benefit to doing another one, I'd definitely spend some time brushing up on my timed writing first so I could produce something on par with or better than my last. I'm not applying this cycle, so it wouldn't be taking time away from applications, just time I spend watching shows.
I realize that, in the context of an entire application, this may not matter much at all, but I wanted to see whether anyone has any up-to-date information or admissions expertise on this.
So, would having more than one equally decent—or slightly improved—writing sample be a positive for an application, or is it mostly a waste of time? Likewise, if all your writing samples are fairly run-of-the-mill rather than Pulitzer-level, does it mostly function as a check on basic writing ability and perhaps a way to compare against potentially AI-assisted application essays?
Thank you!
6 comments
Speaking from the admissions context, I never - in my entire professional life - said "Awwwwwwwwww, YES! Another LSAT writing sample! WHAT A DAY!" :-)
This truly is the least consequential part of the application. As long as you made a reasonably coherent argument on your first take, that will more than suffice for the purposes of your application.
@JacobBaska It might be look so dumb to ask-- Does law school really look at the LSAT writing sample when reviewing my application? I am just not sure how much effort I should put to prepare this part. Thanks!
@Hahahahahar In a recent "meet the deans" -event, they said it's role is increasing due to the use of ai in personal statements etc., it's an opportunity to see your actual writing ability without any aids. It's by no means the most important part of your application, but definitely try your best
Agreed!
First let me acknowledge that things have changed. The last time I was in an admissions office, it was still the old LSAT writing section and that really wasn't useful for anything much more than a glance or two. The new section is at least a more academic exercise. However, I'm guessing instead of "a glance or two," it may be more akin to "let me give this a quick minute as a quality control check" for just the reason mentioned above. If I'm thinking I'd like to admit the applicant, I just want to make sure that the writing section feels like the same person who wrote the personal statement. I'm not really diving into their actual academic argument.
So certainly give it your best shot and don't purposefully try to tank it, but also do NOT stress about it.
@JacobBaska @atirmas Awesome -- thank you both so much for your insights! That's extremely helpful, and truly takes a lot of stress off my shoulders. :)))
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