After finalizing your law school list and starting your application process, take careful steps in taking or retaking the LSAT (if applicable) and filing your FAFSA for fall semester (if needed).
Be mindful that schools’ admissions seasons often feature strict/final or priority/suggested deadlines; applying later in the season decreases your odds of admission significantly.
Winter
No matter whether you are applying early decision or regular admission, it is wise to select your law school list as early as possible. Be sure to research each school’s application requirements, deadlines and enrollment timeline so you can plan and organize accordingly. LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) also makes registration simpler as they will send your LSAT scores and transcript(s) directly to each institution you apply to.
As soon as possible, start asking professors and work supervisors for letters of recommendation, giving them ample time to compose your letters before your applications are due. Although you may need to coax some reluctant recommenders out of their holiday hangovers, it will certainly pay off!
Take your time filling out your applications, editing each carefully before submitting them. Depending on the school, this process could take four or six months to complete.
Spring
If you are still contemplating law school, it’s important to be aware that applications for the fall semester open in April. Now is an excellent opportunity to finalize your school list and draft polished application essays; take or retake the LSAT if needed; request transcripts from undergraduate schools (and graduate ones if applicable); file FAFSA so as to qualify for federal financial aid – it could save time later!
Law schools review applications until their application deadline, usually March or April. After that point, applications submitted after that point will be considered on a space-available basis. If accepted to law school, make sure all necessary enrollment-related details have been taken care of, such as receiving all materials needed and attending admitted student events and orientation, as well as securing housing arrangements and enrolling for events related to your class enrollment. For those still considering law school options should explore potential scholarship offers before making their final decision.
Summer
Applying to law school requires planning. Now is the time for applicants to organize themselves: request transcripts from both undergraduate and graduate studies, have them sent directly to LSAC’s Central Application Service (CAS), file their FAFSA (opening October 1) and start creating application materials such as personal statements and recommendation letters if applicable; take or retake the LSAT if needed.
Students should ensure all application components are uploaded and error-free before beginning their applications for law school admissions. Law schools review applications on an ongoing basis, so early application can increase your chance of merit scholarships and being offered seats later in the process. It may be worth applying even after final deadlines have passed as some admissions committees can be more accommodating; but be wary not to overextend yourself as admissions can be exhausting and stressful!
Fall
With fall applications opening in September, now is an excellent time to begin compiling your application. Take your time reviewing each step carefully, and don’t rush your submission; doing so increases the risk of making an error by accidentally uploading an attachment that shouldn’t have been or submitting incomplete applications.
Law schools utilize a rolling admissions process, so applications begin being reviewed almost as soon as they’re received. Early submission gives applicants a greater chance of acceptance and scholarship money.
Students applying in December, January or February have drastically lower odds of admissions compared to those submitting applications by September. Even if accepted, applying so late won’t leave you with much merit aid to help pay for law school education.