Timeline for LSAT prep/Applications

<p>Assuming that I will apply as early as possible to law school, when should I take an LSAT prep class? When is the best date to take the LSAT so that the score is available early? I'm assuming that LSATprep/LSAT/applications is similiar to SAT and that I should take the LSAT during my junior year and be ready to get applications in at the very beginning of my senior year? I'm currently a sophomore and would appreciate any timing advice!</p>

<p>If you can fit the prep in around you studying for finals June of your junior year would be the best time for an early fall appllication. Given that nothing you take in college will affect your lsat score, maybe taking the October test at the start of junior year would cause the least disruption in your college studies.</p>

<p>The best time to take the test is June between junior and senior year of college. If you can’t do that, take it October of your senior year. If you take the October test, I recommend registering for the LSDAS before that and ordering that your transcripts be sent to it BEFORE you take the October test. If at all possible, approach your profs for LORs BEFORE you take the October test. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, write your personal statement. </p>

<p>Then, if you take the October LSAT, your file will be “good to go” as soon as your score comes in. You’ll be able to get all your apps out before Thanksgiving, which is essential. </p>

<p>Too many people who wait 'til October to take the LSAT don’t take all the other steps --ordering transcripts, asking for LORs, etc.–until they get their scores. So, their files aren’t “complete” until after Thanksgiving.</p>

<p>also keep in mind that preparing the law school application is a pretty time consuming project. From personal statements-diversity statements- tweaking the application so you can address why a particular school may meet your needs.</p>

<p>The higher your lsat score, the less important the application package may be-
A 174 LSAT should get you into CCN without too much elaboration on your application.
But if you are in the 166-170 range, you really need to sell yourself by using your application to “introduce” yourself to the admission committee.</p>

<p>my own kid has been spending the past month- revising and tweaking her essays. She’s almost good to go- and expects to start sending them out by end of week (she hopes). But the application process can be a royal pain. She had one LOR that never made it to LSAC. She had to recontact the professor. All is well on that front as LSAC now has everything- but getting that LOR took about 2 months.<br>
so just keep in mind, that the application process may take longer than you think.<br>
Ideally (IMO) one should request LOR by spring of junior year to ensure LSAC has it on file by September- remember professors may want to enjoy their summer vacations too. And plan on spending 4 to 8 weeks on writing/ proofing/revising your essays.
The process may take longer than you think.</p>

<p>2 questions. Please please answer.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I was on the LSAT sign up page today. I wrote the LSAT in 1999. I noticed it only asked if we had written it within the last 5 years. Will my 1999 score appear on my test results if I sit this upcoming cycle?</p></li>
<li><p>Has the LSAT changed at all in the last 10 years? I see lots of LSAT study guides (e.g. 10 real tests, published in 1999). Can I use these or has the test changed and I need newer material?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks in advance?</p>

<p>armstrong- there was a “significant” change in the Reading Comprehension section about 2 to 3 years ago. So I would think it wise to get newer study guides. If you are going to make the effort to go through the ordeal again, you might as well use more up to date study material at least for the reading section.</p>

<p>also for those trying to figure out how much time is needed to prepare application packets-- Keep in mind, some schools have different length requirements for the Personal Statement.<br>
So many of you may need to have 2 or three different versions of your personal statement depending on which schools you are going to apply to-</p>

<p>some schools specifically say 2 pages; others suggest 2-3 pages and some schools allow as much as 4 pages.<br>
so the editing process and keeping track of the requirements for each school also add to the prep time to complete the applications.</p>

<p>good luck to all who are applying this cycle.</p>