LSAT and Law School

[mattmcnairy]

Hello,

I was thinking about when the best time for me to apply to Law School would be...I have read that due to the decreasing number of applicants , LSAT scores can get an applicant into schools they may have not been able to get into a few years ago when there was a larger pool...I am currently a Junior in College looking to graduate in May 2015 and going into Law School in Fall 2015 but have been thinking of double majoring which would push Law School back a year to Fall 2016. I read reports that in February 2014 the number of LSAT takers increased for the first time in awhile

Would I be in a worse position if I applied in Fall 2016 as compared to Fall 2015? I understand it is a personal decision, but I would definitely like some solid advice on the matter as it is an important decision to make as I have studied hard and prepared myself for my goal of Law School

[Jon Denning]

Hey Matt,

Welcome to the Forum! That's an interesting question you raise. Obviously it's tough to predict exactly what LSAT numbers will look like in the coming year or two, but I think it's safe to assume that they'll stay relative steady--they may rise (or fall, although I doubt it) a bit, but it should be fairly negligible on the scale of 100,000+ people.

That in mind, I'd advise you to prioritize your academics over thoughts of when it might be easier to get into law school. If you'd like to stay in school for an additional year then I say go for it. Admissions in 2016 won't be different in any appreciable sense than in 2015.

The one footnote to that is more about the LSAT than admissions: take the test when you're ready. You mention you're studying hard at present, so if you feel ready to take the test later this year do it! Scores are good for 5 years, and you want to take it when you're fresh and performing at a level you're pleased with--if that's the case in a few months don't hesitate to get it out of the way, even if you won't apply for another year.

I hope that helps with the decision and please let me know if you've got additional questions!

Thanks!