A few weeks back there was some confusion about the LSAC's reporting of applicants for fall 2015 and percentage change from last year. LSAC has now clarified what was going on. Quoting now from the LSAC:
As of 8/8/15, there are 339,006 fall 2015 applications submitted by 53,548 applicants. Applicants are down 1.8% and applications are down 4.0% from 2014.
Last year at this time, we had 100% of the preliminary final applicant count.
Important Note: Inconsistent 2015 applicant and application volume data were posted as of August 8 at this location. Applicant and application numbers for all terms (spring, summer, fall, and winter) were posted, rather than just the data for fall admission that is usually used. The updated data are correct and cover fall 2015 applicants and applications only.
We are transitioning to the use of all-term volume data for consistency with American Bar Association reporting standards. This change will occur with LSAC’s first publication of 2016 volume data. The data from the new system were posted in error.
H/t Paul Campos.