When to Get Your Applications Out

One thing that always astounds me is when I see people on TLS or when I talk to people in real life that say that since the application deadline is April 1, they've got some time to decide on where they should apply.

People, that's the LAST possible date you should apply! Please please PLEASE don't wait until that date. You won't get in anywhere (unless you've got a 3.8+, 174+) and you certainly won't get any money anywhere.

I am a firm believer in "the earlier, the better" mentality when it comes to submitting applications for admission. Most schools start accepting applications mid-September or October, so ideally you'll have everything ready and uploaded into your LSAC account by the first day applications are available for your dream school. I know, I know, this sounds like particularly gunnerish behavior, but I swear, it will pay off.

You see, the way I look at it, when AdComms first start accepting and  reviewing applications, they're looking for a reason that you should fill one of their x number of seats. As time goes on, their mentality shifts to looking for a reason that you shouldn't fill one of their x number of seats. They're much more likely to find a flaw in your application the longer you wait, because now they're comparing you to so many other students applying at the same time. Plus, earlier in the cycle they've got more empty seats, so they're going to be more forgiving if you have one number that isn't up to par. It is so much harder to get in to a school if you wait a while to apply.

Not to mention, schools are more likely to take your application seriously the earlier you apply. It shows schools that you're genuinely interested in their institution, not just applying as an afterthought.

Here's my take on the timeline: If you apply by mid-October, you're way ahead of the game (in a good way). If you apply by Thanksgiving, you're applying in a timely manner. If you apply by Christmas you're cutting it close. Any time after January, you're really pretty late. And after February 15? Forget it. This is especially true if you're a splitter.

PLUS, the earlier you apply the more quickly you will hear back (in most cases). I personally heard back from over 70% of the schools that I applied to by the end of January, when a lot of students were just getting out their applications!

So, do yourselves a favor. Spend the summer getting everything (and I do mean everything) ready to apply on Day 1. You'll be so grateful that you did. You'll get more acceptances and more money than if you want until later in the cycle, I guarantee it.