Approach Admissions Like a Lawyer

Timing and precision are critical in applying to law school, just as they are in the legal profession. 

In a recent episode of LSAT Demon Daily, Nathan Fox and Ben Olson addressed a question from a student who scored a 172 on the August LSAT and is now deciding whether to apply to schools this cycle or wait.

If you’re in a similar situation, this article will help you make the best decision for your future. 

The Dilemma

The student, "R," improved from a 170 on their first LSAT to a 172, but this was still below their recent practice test average of 175. R missed the registration deadline for the next LSAT and is now considering deciding if they should apply with their 172 or retake and apply next year. 

Two Sides to the Argument

R has crushed it so far. 172 is a great score, but R knows they can do better. If you’ve got a great LSAT and you’re ready to apply, you’re in a good position. But, getting greedy for a couple extra points could make the difference to get into the top law schools in the country, and would increase your scholarship offers. There’s no wrong answer, but there is a better answer.

The Case to Apply Now

A score of 172 may already be competitive for your preferred school. Yes, missing the next LSAT registration deadline was a mistake, but R is still in a strong position for admission. Applying now might not be disastrous, especially with a solid GPA. Plus, R is free to decline his offers of admission if they believe they would get better offers with a higher LSAT. 

The Case to Wait

The other argument, which Ben and Nathan lean toward, is to take advantage of time. If you wait until the next admissions cycle, you can retake the LSAT without stress and aim for a higher score. You’ll also have the advantage of submitting a well-prepared application early in the cycle without juggling your LSAT prep with application essays and deadlines.

Gain the Lawyer Mindset

In the legal profession, preparation is everything. Lawyers who consistently win cases don't miss deadlines or rush. They meticulously plan and ensure every aspect is fully covered before they make a move. 

Could you be more prepared? Could you start thinking like a lawyer before you start law school? Taking an extra year would allow you to get a higher LSAT score, allow more time to plan, and open professional opportunities that would make you a better applicant—and maybe even a better lawyer.

The Bigger Picture

There’s no real penalty for waiting a year. You could use this time to gain more work experience, travel, or pursue your other interests—all of which could strengthen your law school application. 

By waiting, you can retake the LSAT aiming for a score that matches or exceeds your practice tests. A higher score will make you a strong contender at more and better law schools.

Waiting also means you can apply early in the next admissions cycle and thoughtfully write your application essays, giving you the chance to put your best foot forward.

Final Advice

If you're serious about law school, treat the application process like your first legal argument. That means planning ahead, meeting every deadline, and giving yourself the best chance to succeed. Applying late in the cycle with a rushed application could hurt your chances while waiting another year could set you up for long-term success.

For R—and for anyone else in a similar position—waiting might feel frustrating, but in the context of a legal career, it’s a small sacrifice for a potentially much bigger reward.