Is January a bad time to apply to law school?

Asked by: Miss Lexi Nader  |  Last update: July 26, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (2 votes)

Any application submitted between the beginning of December and the end of January is generally considered “on time.” For some schools, especially schools with a lower median GPA or LSAT scores, applying in February is also considered on time. Applying after February is definitively late in the application cycle.

Is applying to law school in January too late?

For most nationally ranked law schools, the January LSAT date will be the latest date accepted in order to apply to start law school in the fall. If your application shows a pending LSAT date, law schools will put your application on hold until the score comes in.

What is the best month to apply to law school?

The best time to apply.

Most law schools start to accept applications by early October and evaluate them on a rolling basis. There are more open spots at the beginning of the season, so early applicants have an advantage. That said, you shouldn't rush.

Is it OK to apply to law school in February?

For some of you, you can apply in February and be okay. For some of you, applying in February is not setting you up for a very successful cycle and you should consider waiting until the next cycle.

Is December 1 too late to apply to law school?

Most law schools don't open their applications until the fall. Usually, applications open between early August and early September, with some opening in October. The majority of students aim to submit their applications between late August and late December.

Is January Too Late to Apply to Law School?

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Is the February LSAT too late?

It's Not Too Late!

For some lower-ranked schools, a February score is not too late. They are perfectly happy to consider it, given the less competitive nature of their admission cycles.

Is taking the LSAT in December too late?

The bottom line is that if by taking the December LSAT you can score even a point or two higher, then it's a superior choice to taking the September LSAT.

What month is too late to apply to law school?

With application rates back up, the ideal law school admissions timeline has you submitting your applications by the end of December. With that said, some law schools do accept applications through February. If you've only just decided to apply, there is a chance you'll get in.

Does applying late hurt your chances law school?

If you apply late in the cycle, admissions officers have likely filled the bulk of their law school class by the time they review your application. At this point, they are evaluating you against the applicants still under consideration or on their waitlist. This can be a difficult position.

Is it bad to apply to law school late?

The general rule of thumb: “the early bird gets the worm.” It's always better to apply earlier to law school than later. Most law schools (even those with application deadlines) have rolling admissions, where seats in the incoming class are assigned as soon as they start receiving applications.

What is the easiest month for LSAT?

Since the difficulty of the LSAT is carefully calibrated and curved, no test date is easier than another. Popular times like June and September may fill up early, but that is merely a reflection of the academic calendar since many test-takers are in school and have the most time to focus on the test during the summer.

What is the toughest year of law school?

Most students consider the first year of law school to be the most difficult. The material is more complex than they're used to and it must be learned rapidly. What's more, the way students are taught and tested is very different from high school or undergrad.

Which month is best for LSAT?

If you are still in college and plan to go to law school right after graduation, you should take the LSAT in the summer after your junior year or the fall of your senior year. For the balance of 2023, the test will be offered in June, August, September, October, and November—the full list of dates for 2023-24 is here.

How far in advance should I apply for law school?

Students should apply to law school in the fall (preferably by the end of November) of the year before they want to start law school. Most law schools only accept new students in the fall semester.

What is a priority deadline for law school?

Priority deadlines signify a date after which your opportunity for admission may diminish. Since rolling admissions programs admit students in a rolling process, there can be real risks associated with submitting a late application. A late application is one submitted after the priority deadline.

Does applying early to law school help?

While you may see better results and higher acceptance rates when applying early, it's equally important to give yourself enough time to submit a high-quality resume, law school personal statement, and supplemental materials.

Is 22 too late to start law school?

“Both groups can be extremely successful if they are in law school for the right reasons and at the right time for themselves.” According to the Law School Admissions Counsel (LSAC), about half of all law school applicants from 2011 to 2015 were between 22 and 24 years old.

How can I increase my chances of getting into law school?

Table of Contents
  1. Prepare a strong application.
  2. Choose your college major carefully.
  3. Take rigorous, relevant undergraduate courses.
  4. Aim for a high college GPA.
  5. Conduct original research and write an honors thesis.
  6. Be strategic about your extracurricular and work experiences.
  7. Study hard for the LSAT or GRE.

How common is it to drop out of law school?

The first-year law school attrition rate nationwide is nearly 7%. 10 Enrolling in law school but failing to finish offers no greater marketability than a bachelor's degree. It does, however, substantially add to a person's debt load.

Is January too late to take the LSAT reddit?

There will be less money and less spots open for you. Law schools operate on a first come first serve basis, so you'd be giving yourself the best shot by waiting til September to apply for 2024 admissions.

Is 25 too late to start law school?

Some people fear that they may be too old to attend law school, but that is simply not the case. In reality, there isn't a perfect age to attend law school, so don't hold yourself back. Learn about some of the reasons it could benefit you to attend law school later in life.

Should I take a gap year before applying to law school?

In many cases, taking time between college and law school can give you time to strengthen your applications, which is in both your best interest and the law school's best interest. Law schools also prefer for applicants to take sufficient time to confirm that law school is the right career choice for them.

Should I take the LSAT in November or January?

1. You can still apply to law school with January LSAT scores. Some law schools consider the January LSAT as the final LSAT you can take and still submit an application for admission in the fall because their application deadlines fall in early February.

Is January a good time to take the LSAT?

First, it's administered in the dead of winter and it's nondisclosed. This means that you won't see the test content until after the fact. But consider this: the January test may be your best—and last—chance to get the score you need and still apply for admission in the Fall.

What months are the hardest for the LSAT?

Using that data, you'll find that the December exam consistently has the easiest "curve," and the June exam consistently has the hardest.