Ep 113: Are Law School Early Decision Programs Worth It?
In this episode, Sydney discusses the intricacies of early action, early decision, and rolling admissions in the context of law school applications. She addresses common misconceptions and offers insights into the advantages and considerations of applying under various admission timelines, including early action and early decision. The episode also delves into how applying early may impact scholarships and financial considerations for law school applicants. Listen in as we provide valuable advice and debunk myths surrounding the application process.
Episode Highlights
Rolling admissions is a continuous process where applications are reviewed and decisions made as they arrive, dispelling the misconception that decisions are strictly based on submission order.
Early action does not necessarily mean a faster decision but rather a commitment to applying by a specific date and receiving a decision by another designated date.
It is important to be prepared and make a well-considered application to showcase genuine interest in a school when applying early action.
Contrasts early decision, a binding commitment, with early action, clarifying that choosing early decision should only occur if you are unequivocally committed to a particular school.
We highlight the potential impact of early decision on admissions and scholarships, noting that some schools offer full-ride scholarships tied to early decision programs.
We advise that while early decision can provide an admissions bump for some applicants, applying with a strong, well-prepared application is essential.
We acknowledge the financial considerations and scholarships tied to early decision, debunking the myth that it always means a loss of scholarship opportunities.
We cannot stress enough the importance of assessing whether early action or early decision makes financial sense for your chosen school, as not all schools offer these options.
We encourage applicants to ensure their applications are strong, including LSAT or GRE scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and the timing of their submission, before considering early action or early decision.
Tweetable Quotes
“Apply early decision only if you can say, ‘This is the school for me, it does not matter what else happens.’ This is the unwavering commitment you should have to truly make the most of early decision.”