Too Late in the Game to Apply for Fall 2016 Admissions?

[kim4956]

Hi,

I decided to apply to law school a tad later during the admissions "cycle" and am wondering if my chances of getting in would be significantly diminished as a result. I plan to apply to a part-time program in the DC area, so that I can work and attend school at the same time. I am taking the February LSAT, so if I decide to apply for the fall 2016 admissions, this is basically my one and only shot to get a strong score!

A few questions. First, is it true that part-time admissions criteria are slightly lax by comparison to full-time admissions? Most schools say that the same standards are applied to both programs, but I've also heard it was slightly easier to get into part-time programs.

Second, since I decided to go to law school so late in the cycle, is it better that I wait another year to apply? I know that most schools do take scores from the February test, but I'm wondering if competition for space would be too tough at this point...

Also, how important is work experience in admissions? I worked for almost ten years and went to one of the top three undergrads in the country. Can't remember by ugrad gpa, but I think it was between 3.6-3.7? Just concerned that I'll need an even stronger LSAT score given my late decision to apply!

Insights?

Kim

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Kim,

Thanks for the questions! Let me see if I can help you out here:

• 1. Yes, part-time programs often have slightly lower numbers for their admittees. It's not dramatically different, but often a point or two lower on the LSAT side. At Georgetown, for example, the full-time program median LSAT and GPA numbers are 169/3.73; in the part-time program those numbers are 167/3.59 (see page 2 here). So, if we look solely at the numbers, it's just a bit easier to get in on the part-time side. This is the case at many law schools.
  
  2. Just because the competition is more difficult at this point doesn't mean you shouldn't apply this year. If you get in, then it won't matter that it was more challenging Law schools use a rolling admissions process, which means they consider applicants in batches as the come in (as opposed to waiting until the admissions deadline has passed and then considering all applicants in the same period). Thus, at the start of the process there are the greatest number of seats available and the fewest applicants, and as the process goes on there are fewer available seats but more applicants vying for those seats. So, it is indeed an advantage to apply as early in the process as possible (see this article for what "early" actually is in this process). However, an acceptance in December is the same as an acceptance in February, so it's all about whether you can get in. Good applicants will get accepted no matter what time of year it is, so I'd take your shot now. If you don't get in, then re-apply next year.
  
  3. Work experience is important, and there's been some greater emphasis on it in recent years. Having that separation between your college graduation and your application date adds depth to your resume, broadens your real-life experience and achievement, and often produces a more mature and serious student. Those are all good things in the eyes of a law school Will work experience outweigh a low GPA or LSAT? No, but then again nothing really offsets those (well, maybe an Olympic gold medal or some similar super achievement!). Your GPA is competitive, but the LSAT can really help you here. If you go out and post a really high score, it will compensate for many different issues that an applicant might have. It's always been crazy to me that a 4 hour test outweighs 4 years of school (or 10 years of work), but that's the way that it is. So, look at that as an opportunity: score well and it will do wonders for your chances.

Please let me know if that helps. Thank you!

[kim4956]

Super helpful. Thanks, Dave!