Application cycle and timing of LSAT

Comments

• TexAgAaron Alum Member

  March 2017 1723 karma

  This is a decision I recently made. If you honestly don't think you'll be ready to score your goal score then push it back to September. I had to be really honest with myself and realize I wasn't even close. Don't waste an attempt when you're not absolutely ready.

  You should be just fine on time for early apps though you won't be right at the beginning. I believe you'll have your score back in about 20-25 days based on the past tests. Just have everything else ready to roll.
• 1 Like

  joe.j.ham Alum Member

  March 2017 88 karma

  Wondering if anyone knows what date the September LSAT is open for registration? I have it down as May but just looking for reassurance/confirmation, etc...
• 1 Like

  TheDeterminedC Member

  March 2017 1025 karma

  @"joe.j.ham" said:
  Wondering if anyone knows what date the September LSAT is open for registration? I have it down as May but just looking for reassurance/confirmation, etc...

  Not yet
• 1 Like

  David Busis Member Moderator

  April 2017 7375 karma

  You'll definitely still be able to apply early enough to get scholarships! It wouldn't be a bad idea to begin working on your essays before the test, though—so long as you don't have to sacrifice study time.
• 1 Like

  Mellow_Z Alum Member

  April 2017 1997 karma

  @"joe.j.ham" said:
  Wondering if anyone knows what date the September LSAT is open for registration? I have it down as May but just looking for reassurance/confirmation, etc...

  Word on the street is middle to late May. Also loosely confirmed on the trend of past registrations.
• joe.j.ham Alum Member

  April 2017 88 karma

  @Mellow_Z Thanks mate!
• 2 Likes

  JustDoIt Alum Member ⭐

  April 2017 3112 karma

  I agree with @akeegs92 and @"david.busis" . Having everything ready won't delay things further. Plus the majority of applicants submit around that time anyways.

  Registration:
  http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/test-dates-deadlines/

  Hope this helps!
• 1 Like

  AllezAllez21 Member Inactive Sage Inactive ⭐

  April 2017 1917 karma

  You might find this podcast informative, it's about application timing and features some very in-the-know people talking about the issue.

  Summary: applying any time before Thanksgiving is early enough.

  http://blog.spiveyconsulting.com/podcast-when-is-it-early-when-is-it-late-in-the-admissions-cycle/
• 1 Like

  BenjaminSF Alum Member Inactive ⭐

  April 2017 457 karma

  I spoke to a couple of admissions officers about application timing, and they said that it is best to get in applications within 30-60 days of the cycle opening up. Most of the schools I have looked at will open on Sept. 1, but they also allow you to submit your LSAT score when it is released after applying.

  Bottom line is that it is better to be prepared and do well on the LSAT than to apply on the first day applications are accepted. As far as I understand, application officers will still look at your app before the score comes in, but no decision can be made until then. If those three months would be a difference of 3 or more points, I would think it would be well worth waiting.
• Mellow_Z Alum Member

  April 2017 1997 karma

  Admissions cycles will continue all the way through March and April, so taking the September test is going to harm anything. I would recommend having the rest of your applications ready at that time though, so that once you receive your grade you are able to send your apps out asap.

  Don't feel bad about delaying though! It's always better to wait and do your best instead of rushing into a test and half assing it, just to end up taking it the next time as well.