New year’s resolutions are flying fast and furious, and we have heard from many prelaw advisors that this is the time when many students start seriously thinking about law school and what still needs to be done. In that spirit, we have created a law school application checklist of everything that needs to be done before applications are due for your students.
Below is the student checklist! We hope you and your students find it helpful.
- Create your calendar of outstanding obligations, and choose an LSAT date with plenty of time to study (think 100-120 hours)
- Make an appointment with your prelaw advisor and get any and all information or resources they have about law school, the LSAT, and the admissions experience.
- Go to LSAC.org and register for your test date and location (the sooner, the better– test centers fill up quickly in some areas!), as well as the CAS (Credential Assembly Service), the means by which you will submit your application. Don’t forget to add your test date to your new best friend: your calendar.
- Figure out how you are planning to prepare for the LSAT: classes, self-prep with books, tutors, and attend some free events! Then register/buy books/sign up and get it on that calendar.
- As you begin your LSAT preparation, start researching schools and programs you are interested in. Get some face time with law school admissions officers and representatives by seeking out free events, law school fairs, etc. Consider visiting schools you are serious about, and ask questions of students, professors, alumni, and the admissions office.
- Set your LSAT score goals and continue to prepare, keeping a positive attitude and a systematic approach. Schedule weekly practice tests and put them on your calendar.
- As you choose the schools to which you will apply, add their admissions deadlines to your calendar– but keep rolling admissions in mind! At many law schools, the earlier in the process you apply, the better chance you have. Also talk to the schools about admission fee waivers if you know you are applying!
- While continuing to focus on the LSAT process, contact possible recommenders for your letters of recommendation. Check out how many you need for schools, and prepare your requests, including forms from the LSAC.
- Start brainstorming your personal statement, then start writing.
- Print your ticket for test day, take the test, and wait for your score!
- Instructions from the LSAC on transcripts: “ask registrars to send your official transcripts to LSAC. Request forms are available from your LSAC.org account. Allow at least two weeks from the time of receipt for us to process your US or Canadian transcripts, more if your transcripts are from outside the United States, its territories, or Canada.”
- Check out your Academic Summary Report on your LSAC account once all transcripts come through, and watch for any errors!
- Create and edit your résumé– have people you know with résumé experience take a look and critique it for you, especially your prelaw advisor. Get some sets of eyes on that personal statement as well.
- Check out the addenda and optional essays on your law school applications, and get them ready to roll.
- Get your LSAT scores back, and fill in the rest of the application, making sure to proofread.
- Pay the fees, and submit your applications!
