Written by: WSCL Admissions Team
Applying to law school is a daunting process. Between test dates, transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters, it can start to feel like the deadlines just keep multiplying. Add in the pressure of deciding where to spend the next few years of your life, and it’s no wonder so many applicants feel overwhelmed before they even hit the “submit” button.
If you’ve started researching how to make the process smoother, you’ve probably heard one piece of advice again and again: apply early. But what does that really mean, and does it actually make a difference?
To find out what the benefits of applying early are, we spoke with Rhonda Cohen, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Western State College of Law, who has guided hundreds of aspiring lawyers through the admissions process for 20 years. She has seen every kind of applicant and knows how timing can affect the outcome of applications. Rhonda makes it clear that applying early doesn’t guarantee admission. But it does offer clear advantages, like faster decisions and strong merit-based scholarship opportunities for those who qualify. Additionally, it can offer peace of mind, which alone can provide relief while you deal with the uncertain task of submitting applications.
Why Early Applications Give You an Advantage
Early Applications Mean Early Decisions
One of the most obvious advantages of applying early is simple: you get your decision faster. “Once your application is received and complete, within four to six weeks, you should have an answer,” Rhonda explains. “You’ll know whether you’ve been admitted, and that takes a lot of stress out of the process.”
Western State, like many law schools, follows a rolling admissions process, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received, rather than all at once. This means that students who apply early are first in line for review and will get a response far earlier than those who wait until the last minute.
That head start allows applicants to plan ahead and get a feel for the school. Early admits often get to visit campus, meet current students, and get access to the best scholarships. In a cycle as competitive as law school admissions, that can make all the difference.
Early Applicants Get More Scholarship Opportunities
As mentioned above, a major benefit of applying early is that you gain access to more scholarship funding. While every application is evaluated the same way, the earlier you apply, the more scholarship money and seats may be available to you if you are admitted and qualify.
“The earlier you are in the game, the more seats there are, and the more scholarship money there is to give out to qualified candidates,” Rhonda says. Because Western State awards merit aid on a rolling basis, funding is distributed as the class fills. By spring, it is possible that the best scholarships will have gone to earlier-admitted applicants.
Applying by December will give you access to the best awards. By contrast, you can still be admitted if you apply in June, but you’ll have fewer financial options. Applying early doesn’t guarantee a scholarship, but it keeps every possible door open for you to receive the best scholarships if you qualify.
What If Your LSAT or GPA Isn’t Where You Want It?
A lot of applicants wrestle with the same question: Should I apply now, or wait until I have a stronger score? And that’s totally understandable. Your LSAT and GRE carry real weight in the admissions process. However, so does timing.
Rhonda explains that students actually have more flexibility than they think. “If you realize your score isn’t what you want, you can go back and take the LSAT again,” she says. You can indicate your intent to retake the test on your application, or even call Admissions after you’ve submitted to let them know you plan to retake it. “Your application won’t be reviewed by our committee until that new test score comes in,” she assures.
That communication keeps you in the early cycle without sacrificing the chance to improve your application. You’re not penalized for wanting to do better; you just need to keep the admissions office in the loop. And if you change your mind about retaking the test, Rhonda says it’s no problem: just call, update your file, and move forward. If you’re planning to take the LSAT, read our blog post to learn what to expect and how you can get prepare for it.
When Waiting Is the Better Strategy
While applying early is beneficial to many students, there are times when waiting can actually work in your favor. Rhonda is refreshingly straightforward about this: if both your GPA and test scores fall well below the 25th percentile for the schools you’re targeting, applying early won’t overcome those predictors. In that situation, taking time to strengthen your academic profile can make a huge difference.
That extra time can be used strategically to score higher on the LSAT, take more courses to boost your GPA, or gain experience in a legal setting. These steps will strengthen your application by demonstrating maturity and persistence, and showing that you’re ready for the rigors of law school. This can give you the space to present the strongest, most confident version of your application, and that can be the difference your application needs.
Inside Western State’s Admissions Process
How Western State Reviews Applications
At Western State, every application is reviewed the same way, regardless of when it’s submitted. “We treat everybody equally,” Rhonda explains. “It’s not about when you applied. It’s about your qualifications.”
The rolling admissions process means applications are reviewed as soon as they’re received and complete. The committee looks at each application holistically, looking at test scores, GPA, personal statements, resumes, and recommendation letters. The end goal is to find students who are strong academically, passionate about the law, and who show potential to be great law students.
Still, at Western State, early admission comes with a perk: getting the chance to experience what student life is like. “If you’re admitted early, we’ll often invite you to sit in on live classes,” says Rhonda. “That’ll really tell you about the environment in class, how professors teach, and how students interact.”
Having that experience can make all the difference. After all, this is where you’ll be spending 3–4 years of your life, so it’s crucial for you to be confident that it’s the right place for your legal journey.
Balancing GPA, Test Scores, and Experience
Law schools weigh several factors in applications, like academics, test scores, and professional experience. And the key is not necessarily perfection, but balance. “You don’t have to be in the 75th percentile in both,” Rhonda says. “A high LSAT can balance a lower GPA, or vice versa.”
Having strong work experience and recommendation letters can also make your application stand out, particularly when your stats are similar to other applicants. Additionally, the admissions committee strongly values upward trends and growth. So if your GPA isn’t the greatest, your grades can still hold weight if they show a consistent upward trend in your later years. Jobs, family responsibilities, internships or leadership roles are also a plus, as these experiences show that you have what it takes to handle law school.
In the end, admissions decisions depend on a balance of numbers, experience, and well-written essays. A balanced, thoughtfully prepared application signals that you are ready for this, and that’s what’ll make you shine in front of committees.
The Dreaded Waitlist
Something that can dampen anyone’s spirits is finding out that you’ve been placed on the waitlist. But it’s not the end of the road. Even strong applicants can end up on a waitlist during a competitive cycle. “Applications last year were up, and the competitive nature was up just as high,” Rhonda says. “If your numbers are below our median scores, you may end up on a waitlist.”
In a law school with rolling admissions like Western State, seats can open up periodically throughout the cycle. So if you’re waitlisted, your application will remain under consideration for a lot longer than schools with fixed review deadlines. “Don’t be discouraged,” Rhonda adds. “We have pulled students off the waitlist as late as July.”
Students who stay in touch with Admissions have the best shot. Updating them with your new grades, test scores, or accomplishments will show that you’re persistent and interested, two traits that law schools love in prospective students.
The Confident Mindset of Early Applicants
While applying early to Western State doesn’t give you a leg-up in how you’re evaluated, Rhonda notices a trend: early applicants tend to arrive more prepared. “Students who apply early typically have it all planned out, have taken their tests, and have everything ready to go,” Rhonda says. “They embark on the journey with a greater enthusiasm and academic readiness.”
This sense of preparation often translates to real confidence in law school. Early applicants usually have done their research, learned about the programs, and visited campuses before applying. As a result, they tend to be more prepared for classes when they start law school.
Timing Strategies That Work
Why Waiting Can Limit Your Options
Western State accepts applications from September 1 through July 1, but applying late can shrink your options. “By June, things are getting complicated,” Rhonda explains. “Seats are filling up in the full-time program, and maybe there won’t be a spot. You might have to go part-time or miss out on a higher scholarship you could have gotten if you applied earlier.”
Because decisions are made as applications come in, waiting means there will be fewer open seats and less scholarship funding available to you.
Students who are admitted earlier also get to visit the campus and are invited to admitted-student events. This means you’ll get to experience what student life is like, and talk to current students, before you decide where you want to go. If you apply late, you might miss out on these opportunities to get to know the school you’ll be at for the next 3–4 years of your life.
Submitting early doesn’t guarantee admission, but it may give you access to more funding and a chance to experience life on campus so that you can enter law school on your terms.
How to Be Ready to Apply Early
Applying early is never about rushing it. It’s about making sure you’re ready. Here are some suggestions from Rhonda:
- Do your research early. “I’ve started to see more sophomores and juniors at law-school fairs,” she says. “They’re asking about GPA and college majors. These are great ways to prepare, especially when applying to an ABA-accredited law school like Western State.”
- Know your numbers! Compare your GPA and LSAT or GRE scores to your target schools’ median scores, so you can plan realistically.
- Polish your personal statement and resume! Your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase who you are and what kind of law student you’ll be. Your resume can demonstrate that you are reliable and can get things done.
- Give your recommendation letter writers enough time by informing them well ahead of the deadline. The strongest recommendations take time, and your writers are likely juggling other commitments.
- Visit the law school you want to go to, if possible. Western State hosts monthly info sessions and invites admitted students to sit in on classes.
- Make sure your application is complete before you submit it. Missing materials will delay the review.
- Stay in touch after you submit your application. If you retake an exam or have new achievements to share, let Admissions know!
Each of these things demonstrates that you’re organized and professional, qualities that committees really like in applicants.
Western State’s Timeline at a Glance
Every law school operates on its own admissions calendar. Because Western State follows a rolling admissions process, the earlier you apply, the sooner you’ll hear back, the more opportunity you’ll get to experience school life, and the more options you’ll have when it comes to scholarships and program choice. Here’s how our timeline works:
- Application window: September 1, 2026 – July 1, 2027
- Typical decision timeframe: 4–6 weeks after you submit your application
- Best time to apply: Before December 31 for the widest scholarship and seat availability
- Unique perks for early admits: Attend first-year classes, meet faculty, and connect with current students
- Admissions support: Monthly info sessions, tours, and personalized guidance year-round
If you’re someone who values structure and clarity, Western State’s timeline makes it easy for you to plan ahead and move forward with confidence. And that’s what matters most: giving future law students the time, tools, and confidence to start strong.
A Final Word from Western State’s Admissions Office
After years of reviewing applications, Rhonda Cohen has seen one theme repeat itself: preparation and timing go hand in hand. “When sophomores and juniors come to fairs asking about GPA, readiness, and what we look for, it shows passion,” Rhonda says. “That preparation really pays off.”
Applying early allows you to own the entire process and make confident choices about where you’ll study, how to finance your education, and how to prepare for success. At Western State, it also opens doors to connect with professors and students long before your orientation begins.
Law school is a serious commitment, both academically and personally. By starting early, asking the right questions, and approaching the process with clear goals, you give yourself every advantage possible. The earlier you begin, the sooner you can focus on what truly matters and start building the legal career you’ve always wanted.
Ready to take that first step? See if Western State College of Law at Westcliff University, the oldest law school in Orange County and one of the most affordable law schools in California, is the right law school for you. Visit Western State’s Admissions page to learn more about applying and joining our next incoming class.