We’re in a highly fluid situation, but in the meantime here are some takeaways I learned today from a presentation that LSAC did along with some admissions deans:
LSAT
LSAC is still waiting to decide whether April will get cancelled. They have gone on record that they WILL provide an at-home/online opportunity to take the test in time to submit your applications in the coming cycle. They are working on the security issues so that the scores can be trusted. And if they need to add more test administrations in May or the summer or the fall, they'll do that. Keep checking the LSAC site for updates. Both LSAC and the law schools want you to be able to apply in 2020, so their interests are aligned in that way. If you’re nervous about April, go ahead and reschedule it — there’s no fee to move it if you reschedule by March 31.
Related to that: Will the ABA and law schools waive the LSAT requirement? LSAC thinks no [but of course they have a vested interest in preserving the LSAT requirement, so we’ll see].
Admissions process
The law school admissions process looks the way it always has. Law schools had already been reviewing applications online, so that’s already standard operating procedure. There are new restrictions on travel, of course, but they are trying to replicate in-person meetings with applicants on Zoom. Everyone is navigating the new normal, and they’re trying very hard to be nimble and flexible.
Waitlists
The number of schools that will still need to fill seats for this fall will work to your advantage. There will probably be more movement than usual in the waitlist period over the summer. If applicants who had already put down deposits decide to defer, for example, that will open up spots.
Fee waivers
LSAC continues to offer fee waivers, so if you’re finding yourself in unexpected financial difficulties, contact them.
Transcripts & recommendations
How will law schools evaluate transcripts? For sure it will be frustrating for you that your A might turn into a P on your transcript. Don't worry. Every single law school will know that Spring 2020 was an unusual one, and they have seven other semesters in order to evaluate your academic performance. That being said, they will look more closely at your academic recommendations, and if you can get an academic recommender to speak about your work during this wonky semester, that will be helpful.
Remember that admissions is still holistic. There is no one magic semester that makes the difference. They will still want the big picture of what you have accomplished, what you hope to do in the future, and how you expect law school to fit into those plans.
Addendum
You’ll still have the opportunity to write an addendum to explain what is happening in your own situation. They know that not everyone is experiencing the same kind of education in their new online learning environment, and you might find yourself wanting to give them some context.
Bar membership & employers
Law school deans are collaborating with state bar associations and law firms to think through the challenges for students in this crisis.
Financial aid
Law schools know that a lot of people are taking a financial hit, and they will be planning for that in their budgets for future classes as well.
Also, do apply for free money out there if you are underrepresented in the legal profession. There are special scholarships for that. The LSAC website can refer you to some of those resources.
Big picture
1. Stay the course. Keep moving forward. This crisis reminds us that we need great lawyers now more than ever. Faculty and students are working on the very issues that are being raised by this crisis. Health law faculty are deeply involved, for example. Every issue that is important to society has a legal dimension, and this crisis is no different, whether it involves liability standards for makers of new ventilators, or the legal issues around stay-at-home orders. This stuff is real. Lawyer-leaders are still essential. If law is still a passion for you, law schools will still be there. There are so many good law schools across the country that you will have access to a high quality legal education if you want it, and if you don’t get into one law school, there will be another one that’s a good fit. Do you want to go to a certain law school, or do you want to be a lawyer doing cool stuff? Stay focused on the big picture. You don’t have to go to any one school.
2. Continue preparing. Whatever it is you were doing on this journey, you should keep going it — LSAT prep etc. Law schools are ready and waiting for you. Society is ready and waiting for you. Keep making progress towards your applications. If you've already applied, communicate with the law schools. They want you to be successful. Don't hesitate to reach out.
3. If one of your dream schools has already closed a deadline, there's another great school out there that's a good fit with a later deadline, or you can apply next cycle. Law schools aren’t going anywhere.
Stay well!