Law school applications are in many ways very similar to college applications. But there is at least one way in which they differ — the timing of applications.
Applications to college are often submitted at or near the deadline. For law school, this can be very different. Almost all law schools operate on a rolling admissions policy.
Most law schools open their applications on Sept. 1 or Sept. 15. Their final deadlines, though, vary tremendously. Some law schools have deadlines as early as February. Others have deadlines as late as May or June.
You ideally do not want to wait until the final deadline to apply. Because schools operate under a rolling admissions policy, it is advisable to apply much earlier than the deadline. They read and accept applications on a rolling basis, throughout the fall, winter and spring.
I’ve seen that applying earlier often produces a better result. Of course, you still need to apply when you are ready and your application is the best it can be — with your essays perfected, a stellar resume and hopefully the best grades and test scores that you can achieve.
So when should you apply? As soon as you are ready. I often advise that applicants try to submit by Thanksgiving at the latest.
What about early decision? If there is a school you know that you would attend, above all other schools, you can try to apply early decision. However, most law school applicants I have worked with want to be able to see what merit and other scholarships they might receive from several different schools, instead of relying on just one school.
If you do apply early decision, find out what the law school’s policy is on scholarships and aid for early decision applicants. Also find out if the decision is binding. Perhaps look at schools that have early action — which may not be binding.
What if it’s November but your LSAT score is still low? Consider waiting until the next cycle to apply, giving yourself more time to retake the test. Most law students now take one or more years for professional development between college and law school. If you are still in undergrad, and your scores are not where you want them to be, I recommend that you consider taking a professional development year at this point. I’ve met many law students who worked for several years before going to law school.
Taking the time to present the best possible application — and then applying in the early part of the admissions cycle — could ultimately give you the best possible chance of admission to your dream school.
Either way, make sure to time your applications carefully. You can check the Law School Admissions Council (www.lsac.org), for a daily tally of how many applications and applicants there are in this cycle, as compared to last year. Look at the national volume summaries to see how this cycle is shaping up. In a more competitive cycle, when applicants and applications are way up, the timing of your applications could be especially important.
Hillary Mantis consults with applicants applying to law school, as well as with prelaw students preparing to apply in a future admissions cycle. She is the author of several books on careers in law and law school admissions. You can reach her at hillary.mantis@yahoo.com.
