Should I start over?

ariesathena
Mon, 18 May 2015 14:09:36 +0000

Basically what I’m asking is if this is a good idea? I’m worried that reapplying will hurt my chances, taking the year out will look bad and just that ultimately it will turn out to be a waste of time. And at what rank is it not worth accepting an offer from a law school?

It’s the exact opposite. Things that will hurt you: going to a law school that you got into despite having not studied for the LSAT and applied at the last minute. Things that will not hurt you: applying again; re-taking the LSAT and getting a better score; working for a year and having something sensible to say about why you’re sure you want to attend law school.

If a school wants you now, they will want you even more with a higher LSAT score. That makes them look better.

Your alma mater will matter for the rest of your life. The student loans you take out will matter for at least a decade. The decision to reapply, study more for the LSAT (take the October one, by the way; you’re too close to June to really do it justice), and get into a better school and/or take on less debt is a no-brainer.

I will also be that old, cranky person: law school and lawyering is NOT to be done on the fly. It’s something that you need to WANT, and to want to put everything into. It’s a competitive, overcrowded profession, and law school is there to beat you up. The bar is no walk in the park. Get your head on straight before you attend - and part of that is understanding the need for exceptional preparation.