Fall: Junior (3rd) Year
1. Determine if law school is for you.
2. Start researching law schools (visit the LSAC site).
3. Decide when to take the LSAT: February or June.
4. Prepare for the LSAT. If you are taking it in February, immerse yourself in studying. Consider taking a prep course or hiring a tutor. Review test prep books and take as many exams as you have access to.
5. Register for the LSAT. If you are taking it in February remember to register at least 30 days before the exam and remember that seats fill.
6. Identify faculty who might serve as recommendation letter writers . Cultivate relationships with these faculty and they will have a positive response (and good things to say) when it is time to for you to ask for a recommendation letter.
7. Meet with prelaw advisor or other faculty who can provide you with information and feedback on your progress towards gaining admission to law school.
Spring: Junior (3rd) Year
1. Take the February LSAT (if planned).
2. If you took the February LSAT, get your score (3 weeks after the exam). Decide whether your LSAT score is high enough to give you a good chance of admission at your chosen law schools. You may retake it in June or October.
3. If you plan to take the LSAT in June, register early. Remember to register at least 30 days before the exam and remember that seats fill.
4. Continue researching schools.
5. Continue considering faculty and cultivating relationships.
Summer between Junior (3rd) and Senior (4th) Year:
1. Take the June LSAT (if planned).
2. If you took the June LSAT, get your score (3 weeks after the exam). Decide whether your LSAT score is high enough to give you a good chance of admission at your chosen law schools. You may retake it in October.
3. If necessary, register and prepare for the October LSAT.
4. Register with the LSDAS and begin your Credential Assembly Service application.
5. Have your higher education transcripts sent to LSDAS.
6. Finalize your list of law schools.
7. Gather each school's application materials. Download applications and request additional information and application materials if needed.
8. Draft your personal statement. Prepare a draft of your personal statement and review it with your advisor, other professors, friends/family, and anyone else who will read it and give feedback.
9. Draft your resume. Again, seek feedback.
Fall, Senior (4th) Year:
1. Request recommendation letters from faculty (usually 3). Provide recommendation letter writers with a copy of your resume, transcript and a summary of aspects of your academic/professional/personal life accomplishments for them to consider.
2. Update your resume.
3. If needed, take the October LSAT.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which makes you eligible to apply for financial aid.
5. Triple-check your law school application before finalizing it with the Credeential Application Service
6. Prepare and submit law school application forms to each school.
7. Confirm that each application was received and is complete. Typically you will receive an email or postcard. If you don't, make contact with the admissions office.
8. Submit completed financial aid applications.
Spring, Senior (4th) Year:
1. Submit an updated transcript to the LSAC.
2. Acceptance, rejection, and wait-list letters begin to roll in. Evaluate acceptances.
3. Visit law schools you've been accepted to, if possible.
4. Send thank you notes to faculty who have helped you. Let them know the outcome of your application and thank them for their help.
5. Send your final transcript to the school you will attend.
6. If your application was rejected, evaluate your application and consider reasons why and how to improve, if you decide to reapply.
