Are Law School Early Decision Programs Worth It?

By Sydney Montgomery, Founder & Executive Director

Are you ready to embark on your journey to law school but confused about the various application options available? If you're a first-generation or minority law school applicant, you're in the right place. In this blog post, I'm here to guide you through the myths surrounding early action, early decision, and the rolling admissions timeline.

Understanding Rolling Admissions

Before diving into the world of early applications, let's clarify what rolling admissions means. Most law schools operate on a rolling admissions cycle, which means they review applications as they come in and make decisions continuously. However, this doesn't imply that they make decisions based on the order of submission. The process is holistic and comparative, so they might wait to assess all applications before making a final decision.

Why Apply Early?

It's essential to apply early for several reasons. First, the number of available spots decreases as the application cycle progresses, making it more competitive to secure a seat in law school. Therefore, applying in the fall, ideally before Thanksgiving, ensures you have more opportunities to secure a spot.

Moreover, if you're not a strong candidate based on your numerical metrics (GPA and LSAT scores), applying early can still benefit you. Law schools admit students below the medians, but they might have limited spots for such applicants. By applying early, you increase your chances of securing one of these spots.

Early Action vs. Early Decision

Early action means applying by a specific deadline and receiving a decision by a set date. It's distinct from early decision, which is binding. When you apply early decision, you commit to attending the school if admitted, regardless of the financial aid package offered.

One advantage of early action is that it signals your strong interest in the school, which can be a plus during the admissions process. However, you shouldn't rush your application just to meet the early action deadline. Focus on submitting the strongest application possible.

Early decision can be beneficial for some applicants, especially if they have lower numerical metrics. It demonstrates a high level of interest, but it's essential to be certain about your choice because it's binding.

Scholarships and Early Decision

One common misconception is that applying early decision eliminates the possibility of receiving scholarships. This is not always the case. Some schools offer full-ride scholarships tied to their early decision programs. These scholarships are designed to secure your commitment to the school, regardless of other offers.

On the flip side, some early decision programs don't come with scholarships, and you may still receive the same scholarship offer you would have without applying early decision. Scholarships are typically used to entice strong students, so if your numbers are below the school's medians, you might not have been a strong scholarship candidate anyway.

Choosing Early Decision Wisely

Ultimately, deciding whether to apply early decision requires careful consideration. You need to be certain that the school is your top choice, and the financial aspect should also align with your goals and resources.

Some top-tier law schools may not offer merit scholarships and primarily rely on need-based financial aid or loan repayment assistance programs. In such cases, the financial benefits of applying early decision may be limited.

Final Thoughts

In summary, early action, early decision, and rolling admissions are integral parts of the law school application process. They offer unique advantages and considerations for prospective law students. To make informed decisions, evaluate your readiness, the strength of your application, your commitment to the school, and the school's financial offerings.

Remember that applying early doesn't guarantee success, but it can enhance your chances. To maximize your chances of getting into the law school of your dreams, invest time in crafting a compelling application and consider the application timeline that suits your unique circumstances.

If you’re looking for support to apply by the end of the year, we recently announced our four-week Fast Track package, which offers comprehensive application support and unlimited essay reviews! You can also look into our standard private packages and essay editing support.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@smontgomeryconsulting.com with any questions this admissions cycle!