Do people usually have applications done and ready before taking their LSAT exam and then wait until they get their scores back to submit or how does the process go? I know submitting as soon as you can is best considering a lot of schools do rolling but could you technically submit your application before you get your score? Or to take it a step further, can you submit an application even though you plan to take the test a second time and just update the school?
Comments
Unless of course law schools like to see that you've started them early.
@LSATsagha Then why do some law schools recommend "at least starting the application" before you can even submit it? I don't mean to be sarcastic, I am genuinely curious. I was informed by one or two schools that it's good to get one foot through the door, even if you're not ready to submit the application. I just never saw any sense in doing so - I would rather spend my time working on my PS and resume, have everything ready to submit, then start the applications. Personal preference, I guess - I'm also not applying to 20+ schools.
Edit: After taking a moment to think about your "...take more time on them.." statement, I see why starting a tad early would be beneficial.
Either way, I made a rule for myself: Don't bother looking at applications until you've PTed your target score (+-3) at least 7 times.
Plus, there are people (maybe like you) who already have all their materials ready and submit their materials/fill out their applications on the same day. Schools know that just because you opened your application sooner doesnt mean that you've been working on it longer. It's not an issue of procrastination/work quality (they can determine how long youve worked on your application just by reading your essays). But its so that 1 - you know the system is working for you 2 - youre aware of the different essay/application requirements and 3 - there are no unexpected surprises 4 - for many people it helps to have the application open sooner as they work through it gradually.
It's not an issue of 'they started the app on x date and finished it on y date' and for the most part, schools have administrative assistants print out all the application materials, sift through it, and send it to different deans to look through. So with the printed application they wont know if you've started it early or not. It's just for your own benefit.
Regardless, I'm not the type to procrastinate.
@LSATsagha Ah that makes more sense. Thank you. I think I was just misinformed.
Edit: I probably should have stated this before. Prior to studying for the LSAT, my goal was to have my applications ready to submit at least 2 weeks before test day. Unfortunately, I underestimated the test. Hence why I said that applying early may not be the best option for me.
I made a spreadsheet for myself with the school I am applying to, the essential documents (personal statement/diversity statement) information, and another column about optional essays/materials I can submit and what their requirements are so I have it as a reference point as I work through the rest of my apps.
What this entire process really comes down to is research. So, once you get the ball rolling and get the necessary information you need by going onto the school website/browsing through LSAC, you'll have a better picture of what is expected of you. You may start developing more questions about your applications/application process, but they will start become more specific as you understand everything more, which is a good thing.
I don't know if you are able to read the letters or not -- it usually depends on the relationship you have with your writer (despite signing the waiver). If you are close to your writers, like I am with mine, you can request that they add certain information in your letters to close out any gaps in your application. I could ask to read mine, but I decided that I 1- trust my writers, and 2- would rather not know. But, I think I'm able to do this because I know that they'd do a good job (I became very very good friends with my professor who wrote one of my letters and I go to parties/dinners with her all the time, for example). I have friends who have requested letters from professors or supervisors that they've been hesitant about, so if you are in that position I would suggest meeting more often with that writer and give them more information/offer to provide anecdotes, etc so that they have more information to go off of when producing the letter. Don't overwhelm them, and use your judgement in determining how willing or capable they are.
I had a strong relationship with one of my professors, for example, but she had told me that in one quarter alone she was asked by 200 different students to write letters of recommendation, so I knew she was rushed. Despite being very good friends with her even after graduation, I knew that there might have been a chance that she may not produce a letter that is law school quality so I sent her an email with some information that she *could* include in the letter (you never want to sound forceful towards someone who is recommending you, or even come across as though you're suggesting they don't know how to do their job) and included a list of character attributes that law schools are looking for in applicants (based off of extensive reading + research that I had done).
So, if you're trying to select letters based off of strength, haven't seen the letter, and suspect some writer of being on the weaker end: instead of suffering the consequences of a bad letter, you can try to head it off by offering assistance to your writer before hand. At the very least, you'll feel more comfortable by the time its ready to submit applications and you know that you may have done something to make your letters stronger.