The Application Timeline: Will applying to law school later

When it comes to application timelines, most people subscribe to the proverb "the early bird gets the worm." And the timing of the law school application can impact a candidate's chances of gaining admission to a given school. Many law schools conduct admissions on a rolling basis, meaning that seats are filled as applications are received, with most schools considering applicants in groups and rendering some decisions on admittance each month.

This means that early in the application season, admissions officers typically have more seats to fill, fewer candidates to review, and more time to spend considering the details of each submission. But as the deadlines approach, schools receive increasing numbers of applications. Because many applicants send their materials between mid-December and the end of January, candidates who apply before mid-December usually enjoy the benefits of a more responsive LSDAS system and a more flexible admissions committee. In addition, as the season progresses, the number of seats available in each school's class decreases, while the number of applications grows. Applying earlier in the process can therefore work to safeguard candidates, preventing their application from becoming one of indistinguishable thousands.

But a candidate's zeal to apply early should not result in a rushed application, especially when early submission is detrimental to the quality of the personal statement, letters of recommendation, or supplemental essays. The written components of the application can require weeks or months to complete to a high standard. Personal statements and other essays should be given considerable attention and letter writers should be given ample time to work without feeling pressured. Most importantly, an applicant should take all of the time needed to ensure the maximum possible LSAT score.

When asked about the timing of law school applications, Elice Giorgione of Pepperdine Law School recognized the importance of early submission, saying, "If you have a score within our range, it is probably better to apply earlier." It's important to note that the advice to apply earlier is tempered by having "a score within our range." Because LSAT performance is one of the most determinative factors in admissions, a low LSAT score can nullify the advantage of applying early.

This information is significant for candidates who are considering taking the December LSAT to improve their score. While the December test will result in an application that won't be reviewed until the end of December or later, a higher LSAT score may be worth the wait. For example, a November applicant with a 159 is unlikely to be admitted to a top-15 school. But if the same candidate were to apply in January with a 163, that candidate may garner serious consideration at some of the country's most prestigious institutions.

The moral of this story? All things being equal, it is better to apply to law schools early. But no amount of timeliness can salvage an application with a low LSAT score.