Law School Application Timetable

Law School Application Timetable

Your route to law school typically starts in the spring of your undergraduate junior year (to take the most common situation). You will need to take the LSAT no later than the fall of your senior year, almost one full year prior to the fall when you plan to start law school. The following is a typical timetable which will help keep you focused on your goal. Be sure to also check the specific requirements of the schools you are planning to apply to.

Spring
Order the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and information book (www.lsac.org)
Order the Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools from LSAS (www.lsac.org)
Register for the June LSAT
Register for a LSAT preparation class with GetPrepped.com

Summer
Take the June LSAT
Start drafting your personal statement (click here for more information)
Start identifying individuals from whom you can request recommendations
Make a list of schools you'll be applying to
Send away for applications
Register for the October LSAT if you are unhappy with your June test score

Early Fall
Look over the application forms as they come in
Visit the LSAC web site at www.lsac.org for schools offering web based applications
Make a photocopy of all the application forms
Subscribe to LSDAS (the required service that summarizes your transcripts)
Send transcript request forms to all undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended
Contact individuals from whom you wish to receive recommendations
Revise your personal statement

Mid Fall
Finalize your personal statements
Transfer application information from the photocopies to the actual application forms
Take the October LSAT if necessary
Send in your applications

Late Fall
Follow-up with your recommenders to send in their recommendations
Review the master report from LSDAS summarizing transcripts for mistakes
Submit financial aid applications

Spring
Decide which law school offer to accept

The Following Fall
Start the fall semester at law school