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Applications:
Electronic vs. Paper
One of choices
a law school applicant faces is which application method is best:
paper, LSAC electronic applications, or individual school electronic
applications.
Both electronic
and paper applications are viable and widely accepted, so you do
not hurt yourself by choosing one method over another. However,
in the last few years, electronic applications have become more
popular and eventually they will be the de facto standard.
For that reason, and because the electronic applications are easier
to complete, we generally recommend that our students use the electronic
forms. That said, here are few points about each option:
Paper applications
- Generally
take much longer to complete because each form must be filled
out anew. Plus, there is the possibility that you will make an
error while filling out a page and have to redo that page.
- Typing the
form is inexact and can look sloppy (items aren't centered, etc);
filling out the forms by hand looks unprofessional.
- Allows you
to fill out each field exactly as you want it.
- The school
is used to the forms and gets exactly the information they want
in the layout they selected.
Electronic
applications (LSAC)
- The fastest
to complete since they typically use a standardized set of information
for all fields.
- Errors are
easily correctable and the forms are neat and clean.
- Because
your information is standardized at the start of the application
process, you have considerably less flexibility in tailoring your
application to each school.
- The forms
are often a bit different than the school forms, but so many people
use the LSAC applications that schools are accustomed to seeing
LSAC forms.
- The use
of the LSAC electronic applications is free when you sign up for
the LSDAS.
Electronic
applications (School)
- Faster than
paper but slower than LSAC since you have to re-enter the information
for each school.
- Errors are
easily correctable and the forms are neat and clean.
- Allows you
to fill out each field exactly as you want it.
- The school
is used to the forms and gets exactly the information they want
in the layout they selected.
Given the above,
electronic school forms are usually recommended if they are an option,
but if not, use the LSAC forms. And, keep in mind that on the
LSAC electronic applications website, each school has provided their
preference regarding the use of electronic applications. In
order to find the preference of each school, log into your account
on the LSAC website, click on the Applications tab on the top of
the screen, and then click on the Applications box at the top of
the screen.
As always, if
you are unsure about what method to use, contact the law school
for more information on their preference.
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