LSAT and Law School Admissions Forum

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General questions relating to law school or law school admissions.
 slhall
  • Posts: 3
  • Joined: Nov 29, 2012
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#6767
I am a Canadian law school applicant, and my first choice law school originally stated that the upcoming December writing of the LSAT was the latest allowable writing. I am registered to write this LSAT and I have not written the LSAT before. The other day, I checked their website and there was a notice that they've decided to also accept the February LSAT but that they strongly recommend that students take the LSAT before that. Last year, the median GPA of accepted applicants was 83% and the median LSAT was 166. My GPA is 82% and my practice LSAT scores are sitting at about 164. I am wondering what my chances of getting into this school are, why this law school would suddenly extend their LSAT deadline, and what the implications of this for my chances of being accepted.
 Anne Chaconas
PowerScore Staff
  • PowerScore Staff
  • Posts: 98
  • Joined: Mar 08, 2011
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#6807
Hey slhall,

Acceptance into Canadian schools is a little harder to predict than acceptance to U.S. schools, so it's difficult for me to give you what I would consider a confident estimate of your admissions chances. However, given that you are very close to last year's median numbers, I would put this school in the range of "target" schools for you, which means that you have a good (although not excellent) chance of getting accepted based on the credentials you listed. Given that the LSAT is often weighed more heavily in admissions decisions (both for U.S. schools as well as those Canadian schools that accept it), if you can get your score in the 168+ range that would increase your chances nicely. Of course, make sure to really focus on all of the other parts of your application; your numbers should be complemented nicely by any essays you are required to write, and your résumé/CV should make sure to focus on your academic achievements, extracurricular leadership positions, and any unique personal traits or hobbies that you feel would make you stand out.

As to why the school might suddenly choose to allow students to submit the February LSAT, it's hard to speculate. It could be many reasons: they may not have gotten sufficient applications yet, and want to broaden the pool by letting students take a later LSAT; they may have received so many requests for extensions that they thought it would make it easier if students could just take the February LSAT; they may want to remain competitive with other schools which accept the February LSAT. It's difficult to say, and you shouldn't try to worry about it too much. Note that they do say that they strongly recommend that applicants take an earlier administration, so you're actually doing exactly what they suggest.

As to what this might do to your chances, I don't think it will affect them very much (in fact, it might actually give you a boost). Keep in mind that, when it comes to law school admissions, the earlier you submit your application, the better. Waiting until the last second typically ends up with you competing for a much greater number of students for a much smaller number of available spots. The fact that you will be among the earlier group of applicants due to your LSAT date is a good thing, and will let you get your application in ahead of the rush that might ensue due to the school's sudden allowance of February LSAT scores.

In any case, I would strongly recommend that you don't worry about why they added the February date or what this might do to your chances; both of these are things that are out of your control. Instead, focus on doing as well as you can on the LSAT, completing your applications in the best way you can, and submitting your file as soon as your LSAT score becomes available. Then you'll be giving yourself the best chance of acceptance. :)

I hope that helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions. Best of luck on the test tomorrow!
 slhall
  • Posts: 3
  • Joined: Nov 29, 2012
|
#6809
Thank you for your reply, I found it very helpful :)
 Anne Chaconas
PowerScore Staff
  • PowerScore Staff
  • Posts: 98
  • Joined: Mar 08, 2011
|
#6839
I'm glad it helped! If you have any other questions, be sure to let us know.

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