If you’re wondering not only what you need to do to prepare for law school application, but also when, take a look at this handy planning timeline.
Note: It is not preferred or required that you begin law school immediately after finishing your undergraduate degree. Thus, you can adjust this planning timeline accordingly so that it coincides with the date you expect to start law school.
Two Years Prior to Beginning Law School
- Determine when you’ll be taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and devote four to six months to preparing for it. (Note: If you’re studying abroad, think about how the LSAT will fit into that timeframe, and be realistic! The LSAT is offered internationally if you need that option.)
- Research potential law schools and their career outcomes.
- Approach professors, supervisors, and others to ask for recommendation letters.
- Take the LSAT in the summer to submit your law school application(s) early.
- Begin working on your personal statement during the summer.
- Consider taking the course OUE 3205 Law School Exploration if you prefer a more structured, guided approach to the law school application process.
One Year Prior to Beginning Law School
- Applications open on September 1 to begin law school the following Fall. Law school has a rolling application process with deadlines often into summer, but submitting applications prior to December 1st offers the most admission and scholarship options.
- Finalize your personal statement.
- Fill out law school applications for early review processes.
- Register for the Law School Admission Council’s (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS), a centralized application system, approximately six weeks prior to submitting applications.
- Take the LSAT (if you haven’t already).
- Fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) materials to be considered for scholarships for law school.