Application Process

Below are some general suggestions for the law school application process.

Law School Application Components

Law school applications are typically composed of the following components:

  • School-specific application form
  • Credential Assembly Service(CAS) Law School Report, which includes your undergraduate transcript, GPA, and LSAT score(s).
  • Personal Statement
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume and Work Experience(s)
  • Addendum Statement(s), if needed

Because applying to law school is costly and time consuming give yourself plenty of time to prepare each element of the application.

Application Timeline

Law school admission is often based on a rolling admissions system, which means they begin reviewing individual applications as soon as they are fully submitted. You should aim to have your applications completed by the end of October or beginning of November. Thus, you should begin preparing the various component of your application about one year before you plan to apply. For instance, if you plan to apply to law school in the fall of your senior year, you should begin preparing to apply during the fall of your junior year.

Sample Application Timeline

End of Fall / Beginning of Spring Semester Junior Year:

  • Meet with your Prelaw Advisor.
  • Create your LSAC
  • Register for the LSAT.
  • Study for the LSAT (give yourself 4-6 months to study).

By the End of Spring Semester Junior Year:

  • Request letters of recommendation from faculty.
  • Begin working on your Personal Statement.
  • Consider attending regional law school admissions fairs.

Summer Before Senior Year:

  • Take the LSAT.
  • Finalize your personal statement.
  • Attend regional law school admissions fairs.

Beginning of Fall Semester Senior Year:

  • Create your Credential Assembly Service account (CAS) through LSAC.
  • Process CAS letter of recommendation requests.
  • Request transcripts.
  • Attend regional law school admissions fairs.
  • Retake the LSAT, if needed.
  • Submit completed applications.

Spring Semester Senior Year:

  • Visit select school to which you have received admissions offers.
  • If you are wait listed at a school, remain in contact with the school’s admissions officers. Submit a letter of continued interest and schedule a tour to show that you are still interested in the school.
  • Accept/decline law school admission offers and submit the required deposits.