Applying before LSAT score

[Johnny Vaughn]

I was wondering if it's possible to apply before you receive your LSAT score yet? If so does it even really change anything?
Thanks!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Johnny,

It's not only possible, it's pretty common as well. What happens at the law schools is that as they receive pieces of your application, they basically check off boxes on a long list of requirements. However, they won't look at your app until every piece is received, and so when you send in your application without an LSAT score, they simply wait until CAS sends them your LSAT score and then they forward it to the admissions committee for review.

So, it's normal, and it would be the same thing as if one of your LOR writers was slow in submitting their letter.

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

[LsatSoon2BMaster]

Hi Johnny,

It's not only possible, it's pretty common as well. What happens at the law schools is that as they receive pieces of your application, they basically check off boxes on a long list of requirements. However, they won't look at your app until every piece is received, and so when you send in your application without an LSAT score, they simply wait until CAS sends them your LSAT score and then they forward it to the admissions committee for review.

So, it's normal, and it would be the same thing as if one of your LOR writers was slow in submitting their letter.

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

If I am retaking in December because of problems on the October LSAT(I had a shift in answers on my scantron) would it be possible to apply without LSAT score and then send them both when I get my December score back?

Would it give my application any advantage or would I hear back earlier if I submit earlier without LSAT scores than if I were to wait?

[Jon Denning]

Hey master,

Thanks for the question! As Dave notes, you can absolutely apply before having your LSAT scores, and schools will simply hold on to your application until all the "boxes" (required components) are checked. Meaning they won't really review your full application until they have a score, or scores if that's what you tell them the plan is.

My advice though is to always get in touch with each school directly just to confirm their policies (there can be subtle variations in how they treat incomplete apps, as I understand it), and to let them know your plans. They'll give you detailed info on exactly how to proceed and what you can expect from them.

Hope that helps!

[LsatSoon2BMaster]

Hey master,

Thanks for the question! As Dave notes, you can absolutely apply before having your LSAT scores, and schools will simply hold on to your application until all the "boxes" (required components) are checked. Meaning they won't really review your full application until they have a score, or scores if that's what you tell them the plan is.

My advice though is to always get in touch with each school directly just to confirm their policies (there can be subtle variations in how they treat incomplete apps, as I understand it), and to let them know your plans. They'll give you detailed info on exactly how to proceed and what you can expect from them.

Hope that helps!

This does help. Thanks a ton for your time! Just so I am clear even though I have a October score now I can apply without sending them it but when I get my December score and send it to them they will obviously see both scores. Also they will have no access to my October score until I send them my December?

Thanks Again!