Applying to law school can be both relaxing and stressful. Begin by making a list of schools to apply to, researching their requirements, and compiling an initial list.
Letters of recommendation should come from professors and supervisors who know you well enough to describe your academic and professional achievements honestly and objectively. Retake the LSAT, add extra work experience or volunteerism, etc.. to your application for admissions consideration.
January
Apply to LSAC by sending their law school report and letters of recommendation directly. Additionally, take this opportunity to consider additional materials like personal statements and interview experiences that could enhance their application.
Schools will begin reviewing applications this fall, with admissions decisions expected by early December. Now is an opportune time to reflect upon your goals and make any last minute adjustments to your school list.
February
Now is the time to apply to law school! If you have your list of schools ready and are fully prepared, now is the time to submit them.
Continue to communicate with your recommenders if necessary, particularly if all letters haven’t come through yet. Now is also an opportune time to complete preparation of your personal statement and other application materials, including registering with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
March
As schools review applications and send interview invites, admitted students complete enrollment checklist items and attend admitted student events.
Many schools operate binding early decision programs and will notify accepted students before March. Other institutions use rolling admissions processes that notify applicants as applications come in during spring and summer.
April
Once spring semester grades have been posted, applicants can start fine-tuning their law school applications. Now is an excellent time to request recommendation letters and arrange summer activities that will enhance your application resume.
Law schools typically accept applications on an ongoing basis until early spring when acceptance decisions will begin being sent via email. Staying ahead of the game and meeting the application deadlines is key!
May
Many law schools accept students on a rolling basis, meaning applications can still be reviewed even after the deadline has passed. An early LSAT score should always be taken into consideration for admission considerations, however.
Register with LSAC and have them send your application materials directly to all the schools for which you have applied (for a fee, of course). Negotiate financial aid as necessary, and visit campuses if possible – don’t wait too long; this time of year can be hectic!
June
Once all applications have been submitted, they are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Applicants who took the June LSAT should make sure theirs are reviewed as quickly as possible to avoid missing out on admissions opportunities.
Attend admission student open houses, orientation sessions, and any other events available if possible. Ensure all enrollment requirements have been fulfilled from final transcripts to immunization records.
July
Check out additional law schools by searching databases, using guidebooks or attending admissions fairs or forums. Register with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which for a fee will package together LSAT scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation for mailing out to schools that you apply to.
As soon as your application materials, including personal statements/essays and LSAT scores arrive, get started working on them immediately! Admissions committees review applications on an ongoing basis until all seats have been filled.
August
Applications open in August, so now is an opportune time to start working on your application and preparing for interviews. Ask your recommenders for their letters of reference early, and contemplate your personal statement.
Assuming no deferral programs exist at your prospective law schools, it is generally wisest to submit applications just prior to your expected matriculation year in order to maximize your chance of admission into their top choice programs.
September
Starting work on your law school applications now can make the difference for early admissions cycles. Don’t waste this month getting ahead.
Reread your application essays and personal statements carefully with someone outside your circle before having others read them too. Also register with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which can package LSAT scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation ready for submission to law schools on an ongoing basis – many law schools admit students on rolling basis.
October
Many law schools offer programs for juniors to apply early and receive deferred admission in years after graduation. Furthermore, many have special admissions programs designed specifically to support military service members, Teach for America teachers, or any other types of service-minded students.
Get to work on your application and personal statement as early as October, taking or retaking the LSAT if necessary. Register with LSAC and have them package all of your transcripts, LSAT scores, letters of recommendation for all law schools that interest you.
