Keep Your Scheduling Options Open

In this episode of the LSAT Demon Daily podcast, we heard from Robert, a non-traditional law school applicant who’s aiming to apply for the 2026 school year, which aligns with his retirement from the military. 

Here’s a breakdown of the advice shared by Nathan and Ben, founders of LSAT Demon, on Robert’s path to law school and handling the application process.

GPA Concerns

Robert wonders if his online undergraduate degree might impact his law school chances. With a high GPA of 3.89 (and likely to rise slightly by graduation), his concern is whether he should take some traditional, in-person classes to improve his profile.

Nathan and Ben reassured Robert that law schools focus primarily on the GPA itself rather than the source of the degree.

A strong GPA, whether from online or in-person coursework, is a powerful asset in law school applications. They advised against taking extra classes just for the sake of appearing more traditional; the number is what matters, not where it’s from. With his solid GPA, Robert’s focus should be on combining it with a high LSAT score and applying broadly.

Timing and Applying

Robert mentions he’s planning to apply “by the end of 2025,” but Nathan and Ben offered a more strategic approach. 

Instead of waiting until late in the application cycle, they suggested he aim for early fall 2025, ideally in September as applications open. Applying early increases your chances of securing better offers, including scholarships, because schools have all their spots and aid available.

A common pitfall for many applicants is letting LSAT preparations spill into the late stages of the application cycle. It’s best to prioritize the LSAT well in advance, so you can avoid a rushed application timeline and maximize your opportunities.

Start LSAT Prep Early

Robert initially planned to take the LSAT next summer, but Nathan and Ben encouraged him to adopt a more flexible timeline. 

Instead of setting a rigid date, they advised him to start prepping now. His initial score of 142 is a typical starting point, and with a goal in the mid-to-high 160s, steady practice will be key to achieving the best outcome.

The most effective approach is to keep studying until you consistently hit your target score, then sign up for the test. 

If you’re in a similar situation, starting early will allow you to spread out your testing opportunities, which could be invaluable if you need multiple attempts to reach your goal. Aiming for an earlier LSAT test date, perhaps as soon as January 2025, could give you a smoother path to success, with plenty of time for retakes if needed.

Making the Most of the GI Bill

Robert’s military service qualifies him for the GI Bill, which could cover many law school costs. However, he mentioned an interest in securing a full scholarship to use the GI Bill benefits for his children’s education instead. 

This is a savvy plan, as the GI Bill is an incredible resource for higher education costs, and Nathan and Ben agreed with his idea of saving it for his kids.

They urged Robert to seek a scholarship rather than rely on the GI Bill for law school. Many schools offer significant scholarships for strong applicants, particularly people with competitive LSAT scores and GPAs. Using a scholarship for law school means Robert can keep the GI Bill for his family, maximizing the value of both.

Key Takeaways for Law School Success

If you can relate to Robert's story, committing to early preparation will give you the best chance of getting into your top-choice law school. 

Focusing on his LSAT first, targeting an early application date, and leveraging his GI Bill wisely will position Robert nicely to enter the law school of his choice with strong financial support. 

To see your chances of getting into a particular law school, check out our Scholarship Estimator.