Do you know where you're applying already, or are you waiting for your scores?

[LawSchoolGuy]

I know that when I took the LSAT I already knew where I wanted to go, and studied to get the scores that I would need for those schools. However, a lot of my friends applying to law school this year are waiting for their scores to figure out where they are going to apply. Which camp do you guys fall under?

[DoubleAgent]

I have an idea of where I would like to apply, but it's going to depend on my score.

[SteelyDan]

I already know where I want to apply, and was scoring in the right range on my practice tests...the real test felt much harder though, so I hope it just felt harder because it was the actual test and not because I bombed.

[Anne]

I already know where I want to apply, and was scoring in the right range on my practice tests...the real test felt much harder though, so I hope it just felt harder because it was the actual test and not because I bombed.

FWIW, I actually think that knowing where you want to go and prepping to obtain the necessary score is the way to go. It gives you a goal, whereas just going wherever your score dictates leaves you at the mercy of the testing gods (although I guess the argument could always be made that you're always at the mercy of the testing gods! ).

[lawdog]

I have an idea of where I would like to apply, but it's going to depend on my score.

That's a popular (and legitimate) approach. A lot of people have a general idea of the school, or schools, they are interested in, whereas some just know that they want to attend law school. Since the LSAT plays an integral role in the admissions process, for a lot of students it makes sense to work on maximizing their LSAT score, which can then be used as a basis for determining or narrowing their options.

[Col. Sanders]

I definitely have some favorites. You people can't tell me it's ALL about the score and therefore the ranking of the school. Region of the country, how cool is the city, etc. has to come into play too!

[Anne]

I definitely have some favorites. You people can't tell me it's ALL about the score and therefore the ranking of the school. Region of the country, how cool is the city, etc. has to come into play too!

I'm glad you're thinking that way, Sanders! I wish more people would do that. Although LSAT score and rankings play a part, the other factors you mentioned should also be taken into consideration.

[Jeffort]

I definitely have some favorites. You people can't tell me it's ALL about the score and therefore the ranking of the school. Region of the country, how cool is the city, etc. has to come into play too!

I'm glad you're thinking that way, Sanders! I wish more people would do that. Although LSAT score and rankings play a part, the other factors you mentioned should also be taken into consideration.

It's certainly not all about the numbers and where you CAN get accepted.  Where you want to and would be happy living for a long time is a very important factor.  I wouldn't let a big life choice about where to put down roots and live for many years get decided for me by my GPA/LSAT score combo and what law school admission committees say.  

Geographics played a big role in my LS applications decision making process.  I'm a born and raised Socal boy.  Weather conditions and temperature ranges are important to me.  My ideal temp range is ~66-74° and I like to be as close to the beach as possible.  I've spent tons of $$ over my life to live in some beachfront places with an ocean view from a balcony and/or to live in places where it doesn't get too hot or too cold that are near a beach.  I can handle the cold and don't mind putting on a hoodie or layering up more for colder temps (provided it doesn't go sub zero like Minni winters) but I cannot stand or tolerate extreme heat, it gives me 'brain fever'.  Everybody that has been in an LSAT class I've taught quickly learned to bring a sweatshirt because I always, first thing I do when I walk into the room, is set the AC to keep it 68-72°.

Along with researching which law schools your numbers put you in range for it is really important to consider where in the country you will be happy living for many years.  After three years earning your J.D., unless you attend HYS or another nationally recognized top 10 school, your best job prospects in the legal field will be in the area where you earned the degree.    

[lawdog]

I definitely have some favorites. You people can't tell me it's ALL about the score and therefore the ranking of the school. Region of the country, how cool is the city, etc. has to come into play too!

No doubt!  Not sure who you're referring to with "you people!" but I absolutely agree that those factors should come into play!  I would certainly not suggest basing a huge decision such as where to go to law school on just rankings, in the same way that I would hope that admissions decisions about an applicant wouldn't be based soley on that person's LSAT score.

With that said, not everyone has a single dream school--there are plenty of students for whom several schools might fit the bill, so of course its a sensible approach to consider your scores in narrowing your choices.

[SteelyDan]

So now that scores are here, where is everyone applying?

[Alabama Slama]

So now that scores are here, where is everyone applying?

I already knew where I was applying but thankfully my score is high enough for the schools. I'm applying to all the AL schools.