Law School Admissions Timeline
First and Second Academic Years
Take challenging classes that build logical reasoning, analytical, research, and writing skills. Law-related courses are not required but may introduce law school concepts.
Keep a strong focus on coursework to ensure a good GPA.
Join pre-law student organizations: such John Marshall Pre-Law Society or Women Pursuing Law.
Begin your research on law schools and the legal profession.
Set up a login and learn the LSAC (LSAC.org) website.
Consider an internship or membership on one of the competitive teams: Mediation, Mock Trial, or Moot Court.
Foster relationships with professors by utilizing office hours and class time for letters of recommendation.
Start a college resume to add accomplishments, jobs, and honors as accumulated.
Meet with pre-law advisors to help with classes, interests, and other opportunities that complement interests.
Academic Year Before Graduation
Investigate law school programs and review online applications to determine which require additional essays, dean’s certifications, or other extra material.
Register for the LSAT and Credential Assembly Service. Try to take the LSAT early, ideally in Summer. Be sure to give yourself at least four months to prepare.
Brainstorm ideas for your personal statement, and complete a rough draft.
Determine if any addenda (grades, LSAT, conduct) are necessary.
Request admissions materials from schools in which you are interested. Attend law school visits, law fairs, and an LSAC Forum to gather materials from various law schools.
During the summer, approach potential recommenders for letters. If they agree, send them a packet with your resume; personal statement (or a draft, if necessary); copy of your transcript, and, for professors, mention your best work in their class in a cover letter specifying a deadline by which you need your letter sent. Complete the recommender form on the LSAC website.
Send transcripts from every institution you have college credit to LSAC for processing through the Credential Assembly Service.
Graduating Academic Year
Continue revising and polishing your personal statement and resume. Draft any necessary addenda. Meet with your pre-law advisor to get a review and assistance with these documents.
Check your LSAC account to confirm that all transcripts and letters of recommendation have been received.
Retake LSAT if necessary.
Keep records of applications and all communication with each school.
Confirm that applications are complete through online status checks or school communication.
Note if there are special scholarship applications and any deadlines.
As soon as possible, fill out the FAFSA and send reports to schools where you have been accepted and are hoping for financial aid awards.
Inform law schools of your decision.
Arrange to have your final transcript (which shows your degree has been awarded) sent to the law school you’ll attend. The ABA requires this of all law school matriculants.
