Apply this year or next?

[jenahration]

I began the live course in September and am planning on writing the LSAT in January. I did a practice test about a month before class untimed and got around a 152 and my L2 GPA is 3.73. I am working full-time and finishing up a class in the next two weeks so I haven't studied much beyond the class yet but will be aiming for 15-20hrs/week studying once my class is done.

I was also hoping to take a LOA from work in December to study a month full-time and focus on areas where I need to improve, complete practice tests without burning myself out, as well as give myself the peace of mind that I did all I could to excel (my top choice school averages scores so I need to do well the first time and need above a 160 for almost guaranteed admission). Unfortunately, my LOA is likely going to be denied and now I'm a bit worried and confused about whether or not I should write the LSAT later than January, which also impacts whether I apply to law school this year or next.

I'm wondering if anyone has advice on whether they think studying part-time between October-January is adequate, if I should apply to schools and withdraw my applications if I don't feel ready by January, or whether I should just choose a later date to write the LSAT and apply for 2021.

Thanks!

[Adam Tyson]

Thanks for the question! That's a tough situation to be in, but let's not get ahead of ourselves - you're not in that situation just yet, because you still might get that leave you're requesting. Also, you can decide right up until the night before the test to withdraw if you're not ready, so there's no need to make that decision now.

Studying part time, if you are efficient about it and dedicated to doing the work, can be very effective, and you have plenty of time to get ready for the January test, so that leave of absence, while it would be nice to have, may not be necessary. Your practice test score is not that far from where you are trying to get, so your goals are reasonable and achievable. I'd say you should keep studying with the intent to take the test in January, and get your application all put together sooner than that so you can get it submitted well before the deadline. You don't need to have that LSAT score in hand when you apply, so long as the schools know you are planning to take it. So line up those Letters of Recommendation now, and get to work on your Personal Statement too. Prepping the other important components of your application can be a way to give yourself breaks from the LSAT now and then, which will help you avoid burning out, especially with juggling working and studying.

I'm curious, if you don't mind sharing - where are you applying that still averages scores? I'm not aware of any U.S. schools that do that, so are you perhaps planning to study in Canada?

Short answer: keep studying and practicing, and you can decide later about whether to take or delay.

[jenahration]

Hi Adam,

Thanks so much for the response. It was very helpful.

I do live in Canada and the school I'm most interested in, the University of Alberta, still averages the LSAT

[kliu49]

Hello!

I have a similar dilemma (though I am not in Canada), except that I am aiming for a full ride. In order to get that, my target score is in the 165-170 range. I am worried that January is too late for major scholarship money. Would it be better to wait, prepare everything before the next cycle of admissions, and submit it next September? I would really appreciate the input.

Thank you!

[Adam Tyson]

While a lot of seats will already be spoken for by January, many more will not, and scholarship money will still be in play, especially if your score is above the median for the schools you are applying to. I say go for it, take the test when you are ready to get that target score, and if the offers you get are not acceptable then you can a) negotiate with those schools that send you acceptances for more money, and/or b) choose not to attend next year and maybe plan a retake to drive up your score and get more leverage for next cycle. Testing now, rather than waiting, at least gives you the option to see what's available!