LSAT Test Dates - Is December Too Late?

[Dave Killoran]

This morning a student asked me the following:

Hi Dave, the other day I had a slight stressful moment that made me change my registration from September to December. Is this a disadvantage with the application process for Fall 2018 as December scores are released after the new year?

This is a very good question, and one that we hear often. The short answer is that it's not a problem to take the later test, and thus December will be just fine. But in making that decision, it's helpful to keep the following rule in mind: Take the LSAT that will produce the highest score for you. Let's talk about that first, and then come back to the idea of whether taking December is too late in the application stream.

Conventional wisdom dictates that you should submit your completed application as early as possible because law schools use a rolling admissions process, which means that schools consider applicants in batches as the applications arrive. When an application comes in at the beginning of the application period (in the fall of each year), there are the fewest number of competing applications completed and the greatest number of available spaces in the class. That situation then reverses over time, and as students are accepted, there are fewer available spaces but of course more total applicants since the applications keep rolling in. So, the benefit of applying early is established. But, it's just one factor in admissions decisions, and by comparison, your LSAT score plays a much larger role (see Why Is My LSAT Score So Important In The Law School Admissions Process?). At most school, your LSAT score is the single most important factor in your application, and so you want to do everything possible to submit the highest score you can achieve. Thus, when compared to how early you apply, a higher score takes precedence (even that score is just 1 or 2 points higher!). We did a statistical analysis of applicants, and results bore this out—see Does submitting an early law school application improve your chances? for the full analysis. The bottom line is that if taking the December LSAT positions you to score just a bit better, then it's a superior choice to September.

So, the above should make you feel better from a score standpoint, but let's also look at how applying December places you in the applicant group as whole. LSAC released applicant numbers a while back, and I made an analysis of when students applied based on that information—see Hoping to apply to law school early? What actually is early? for the full discussion. If your application is complete by about January 10th or so, you will still be in what's called the First Group, which is the first 40% of applicants. Thus, regardless of score considerations, while September does allow you to apply earlier, December still allows you to be in the first half of applicants and that's pretty reasonable.

Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

[yrivers]

Hi Dave,

Thanks so much for this post! I haven't seen this analysis elsewhere, and it was helpful.

If you don't mind, could you extrapolate and/or suggest what students should work on until their December LSAT Exam rolls around? So, for instance, should students get their letters of recommendation, resume, and/or personal statements done? Are there minimum items students should absolutely do before December? Trickiest part, of course, is having to balance LSAT prep -- but also not knowing how many drafts/how long your writing will take after your December exam.

If you can share your thoughts, that'd be great!

Thanks,
Yaesul

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Yaesul,

Great to hear from you! I'm glad you asked this question, and in answering it I'll assume that focusing on your LSAT prep is the top priority. With that in mind, what should you focus on as far as your application? Here's how I see the priority list in rough terms:

• 1. Your GPA (if applicable). If you are still in school, your grades have to be at the top of the non-LSAT list. If possible, you want to improve your GPA, and so nailing your regular studies has to be given emphasis. Every little bit counts!
  
  
  2. Your Personal Statement. Your LSAT score and GPA are the two most important pieces, but after you address those two, the next most important piece is your personal statement. The essay gives you the opportunity to speak directly to the Adcomm and for them to get to know you, and you should try multiple themes and create numerous drafts because your essay must be perfect. Not pretty good, or even great, but simply awesome and amazing. Here's a two good starting points that cover what they are looking for: PowerScore’s Law School Personal Statement Seminar and The PowerScore Ultimate Law School Personal Statement Resource List.
  
  
  3. Your Letters of Recommendation. This only applies if it is possible to improve on the ones you have already secured, but if so, the extra time from September to December gives you the opportunity to either secure new recommenders or improve upon the ones that are already in process. This should help clarify what you are seeking: PowerScore’s Law School Letters of Recommendation Webinar.

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

[yrivers]

This is perfect. Thank you, Dave!