transcript update/lor expiration date/lsat?

[apl1993]

three questions:

1) I haven't yet applied to any schools this cycle and based on my December lsat score I'll be applying later in the cycle. Since I uploaded my transcripts to CAS, a quarter has ended and I've gotten new grades (which improved my overall GPA, though obviously by just a smidgeon). So should I send for a new transcript with the grades from this last quarter if i decide to apply this cycle or should I just go with my current transcript?

2) Do letters of rec have an "expiration date"? As in, if I choose not to apply this cycle, will my LORs still be usable next cycle, or will I have to get new ones?

3) Is three lsat attempts too many?

Thanks in advance!

[Adam Tyson]

Thanks for the questions, apl1993, and I hope I can help.

First, if your new scores have improved your GPA any, I would submit the updated transcripts, for two reasons. One, why the heck not? Every little bit helps, am I right? Two, if you don't, the admissions folks might wonder why you left them out, and they might assume that your grades dropped and you were trying to hide something. Avoid that doubt, get the bump up (however small it may be), and get the latest info into your app.

Second, LORs do not expire, unless they were written in the present tense (this person currently works for me, they are currently in my class, etc.) Most LORs will be about your past, and that won't have changed - you did what they said you did, you were as awesome as they said you were, etc. No need to get them updated just because your application dates have slipped some.

Finally, three LSATs is not too many! That's the maximum in a two year period, but as long as your scores are improving and you are prepared to talk about why you took three tries to get where you got, that's not an issue. Most schools are only concerned with your high score, so go for it. Just consider writing an addendum if your scores are radically different, and put a positive spin on why your scores went the way they did.

Good luck!