Many students ask whether they should take “time off” or when is the best time “strategically” to apply to law school. Law schools accept applicants directly, or one or more years after college. These days, a majority of law students do not enter law school directly after college. This is usually the best option for students who want to explore other areas before “settling down,” or are unsure about whether, when, or where they want to go to law school.

We generally urge you to consider taking at least one year off before applying to law school. In part, this is because it often helps students to decide whether or not law school is right for them. Additionally, the time between college and law school offers an opportunity for self-exploration, travel, or interesting work that becomes more difficult after law school. Finally, having some post-collegiate experience often helps students in law school because they have additional career experience and perspective.

Think strategically about whether to apply senior year or not – your application may be strengthened with the addition of work or travel experience, or your senior year grades and honors.

It is best to apply to law school when you think your application will be strongest. If you are doing interesting work, your application will generally get somewhat stronger a year or more out of school. Furthermore, if an applicant is not accepted at a particular school, it is unusual for that candidate to be accepted the next year when she reapplies. Generally, unless the candidate’s credentials have changed significantly during that year, they will really not stand a better chance for admission. Therefore, you should aim to apply when you think that your chances are the best, rather than taking a shot with the expectation that you can try again the next year if you are unsuccessful.

A note on deferring: Generally, the best time to apply to law school is the time you’re ready to attend. However, some students choose to apply in their senior year and then defer. Most law schools grant one-year deferrals regularly, although often resist subsequent deferrals. (With rare exceptions – for instance, students with international fellowships are routinely granted additional deferments). If you want to defer, beware that many schools make their deferral decisions on a first-come, first-serve basis. Law schools will often grant deferrals until their entering class gets too small, and then stop granting them. This means it is very much in your best interest to get your deferral request in as early as possible.

Ultimately, these can be very tough decisions, and only you can make them!

Either way, if you are thinking about law school now or in the future, we strongly suggest that you talk to someone on the pre-law committee so we can help you think through your options and plans. Also, we suggest that you ask professors or teaching fellows for recommendations before you graduate to have on file at Lowell House. That way, if you decided to apply to law school now, or five years down the road, you will not have to track down old professors who probably do not remember you well. The Lowell House pre-law tutors and advisors are always available to provide support throughout the law school application process, regardless of when you apply.