191. Should You Wait to Apply to Law School

Sydney Montgomery, discusses whether prospective law school applicants should apply this cycle or wait until the next. She explains the rolling admissions process, emphasizing that applying early increases acceptance and scholarship chances, while late applications are riskier. Many applicants, she argues, rush the process with subpar LSAT scores and poorly reviewed essays, potentially costing them significant scholarship money and increasing their law school debt. She suggests viewing the application process as a two-year journey—one year for LSAT preparation and another for crafting strong applications. Montgomery stresses that taking extra time can lead to higher LSAT scores, better essays, and relevant experience, all of which improve admission outcomes. She highlights the importance of financial planning, as waiting a year can reduce student loan debt and lead to better job prospects. Through real-life success stories, she illustrates how applicants who took additional time were admitted to top law schools like Harvard and Stanford. Ultimately, she advises applicants to wait if they are rushing or cutting corners, ensuring they present the strongest possible application for better long-term career and financial benefits.