<p>Other than the opportunity to retake, what are the disadvantages of taking LSAT in September instead of June?</p>
<p>Not much. The disadvantage for my D was that she delayed selecting the schools to which she is applying. Most law schools do rolling admissions, so the early bird does get the worm. If you can discipline yourself to fill out the applications and study for the LSAT at the same time, there is no penalty for taking the test in Sept/Oct.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>As you already know, as a practical matter, you lose the ability to retake. Sometimes things do go wrong–you get sick, something goes wrong at the test site, etc. </p></li>
<li><p>If you wait to see your scores before deciding where to apply, it’s hard to get your apps in during the first “wave.” It is my anecdotal understanding…I’ve NO proof and I admit that…that merit money is more plentiful when you get your app in early. That could matter if you are one of the minority of candidates to whom merit money may be offered and for whom it would impact your choice. </p></li>
<li><p>Some schools waive app fees based on LSAT scores. Again, if you take the test earlier, my anecdotal info suggests you’re more likely to be offered these. </p></li>
<li><p>(Don’t laugh.) The June test is the only one given during the afternoon. For my own kid, this is important. Kid’s just not a morning person. If you’re assigned to a test site some distance away, getting to the test site on time can mean getting up at the crack of dawn or staying over at a motel the night before the exam–neither would be good for my kid. </p></li>
<li><p>Sometimes the October test date conflicts with other course work.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I took it in September of my senior year, after studying diligently throughout the summer. I applied to law school a year later, as soon as they started taking applications; I worked and traveled during the year in between. (I actually applied from overseas, which was more of an issue then than it would be now, when applications can be done on-line.)</p>
<p>Georgetown sent me an LLM application, by surface mail, although I had requested a JD application by airmail. By the time it arrived, it was too late to apply. Berkeley (where I matriculated) sent my acceptance letter by surface mail, but fortunately sent me a separate letter encouraging me to enroll, so I had timely notice of my acceptance.</p>