Disadvantage for applying to t14 schools with December LSAT score

Comments

• theLSATgrind2017 Alum Member

  July 2017 440 karma

  I don't think it's a disadvantage but it's not as advantageous as applying in September. I think the prevailing wisdom is that submitting before Thanksgiving means you're early and submitting around Christmas/New Years means you're on time. Still, a better score in September is more advantageous and an earlier application with a lower score, all else being equal.
• hon132 Free Trial Member

  July 2017 122 karma

  They use your best score, it doesn't matter when you took the test as long as you send everything in by the due date. A test 5 years ago will have the same weight as the one in December. Those schools are picky but it won't be over the date of your LSAT score.
• Alex Alum Member ⭐

  July 2017 23929 karma

  @hon132 said:
  They use your best score, it doesn't matter when you took the test as long as you send everything in by the due date. A test 5 years ago will have the same weight as the one in December. Those schools are picky but it won't be over the date of your LSAT score.

  This is a bit misleading There are some good writings by Anna Ivey, Spivey, and admissions officers who do panels and answer questions like these. I think Fox also spoke on this way back.

  While MOST* schools use your best score, they still don't just neglect your other scores. Y certainly doesn't just take the best score, for example. Multiple low scores can show poor judgement to take the test if you are "sick" -- a common excuse -- or perhaps just unprepared. Addenda for bad LSATs a rarely helpful unless you have a legitmate excuse. Perhaps a death in the family; a serious accident, etc.

  Remember, while they only have to report the highest LSAT, the take into account whether you're likely to need 3 attempts at the bar exam. That would screw their rankings on bar passage rates and employment. A test 5 years ago will also likely not have the same weight as one in December. One was 5 years ago... so it is a little less relevant. That's probably why the cut off is 5 years and not infinity.

  Also with the new unlimited LSAT take rule they might find taking before you're prepared even more ignorant. Because now that there will be LSAT offered 6 times a year, it makes you seem a little dim to take knowing there's another administration around the corner.
• btownsquee Alum Member

  July 2017 1207 karma

  I think it might depend on your GPA as well. If you have a lower GPA, applying after the December test may not be the best strategy for T14.