It is thrilling to make the decision to apply for law school. However, excitement quickly becomes overshadowed and confused by anxiety and confusion. How do I apply? How do I apply? What are the steps?
There are many questions, and Enjuris can help you answer them.
Let’s first look at the facts. The first time law school enrollment at ABA-approved law schools has been up since 2010. This is good news for law faculties, but it also means that law school applicants will face more competition.
You can get an advantage over your competitors by starting the application process early so you can apply when law schools open for applications. You should know that many law schools have a rolling admissions system that favors applicants who submit early.
You should begin the application process in January of your junior year at undergraduate college to ensure that your applications are submitted by October of your senior years.
- Let’s take an in-depth look at what you should do over the next 10 months.
- March: You have 8 months to submit your applications
Start preparing for your LSAT. The LSAT is a standardized test that is administered at several testing centers across the country by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
The LSAT is unlike any other test that most people have ever taken. The time constraints and difficult questions can be nerve-wracking. It is a good idea for you to set aside at least three months to study for your LSAT.
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Although everyone prepares differently for the LSAT, there are some general approaches that can be used to study for it:
Practice a timed test. LSAC offers a free practice test. A timed practice test can help you determine your baseline score, which is the score that you have before beginning any study. This will give you an idea about how much work you need to do. You’ll also get an idea of how the LSAT sections work and the time it takes to answer each question. If you don’t complete the test within the time limit or score poorly, don’t be discouraged. This is why you are getting an early start, to practice and improve.
You can order additional sample exams. Here you can order prior exams from LSAC. Prior exams are the best way to prepare yourself for the LSAT, according to most people. You’ll get more familiar with the test as you take each exam. You’ll recognize which sections need your attention as you score each exam.
Buy LSAT prep books. There are many LSAT prep books that you can purchase. Every book is different but they all provide an overview of the LSAT sections and sample questions. They also offer strategies to tackle each type of question.
You can enroll in an LSAT prep class or hire a tutor. Although it’s not required, it can be beneficial if you have the financial resources to pay for an LSAT prep course.
April: You have 7 months to submit your applications
Register for the LSAT with your LSAC.org Account. You can also register over the phone. Visit the LSAT Registration Page for more information.
May: You have 6 months to submit your applications
Register for Credential Assembly Service (CAS), using your LSAC.org Account.
The CAS acts as the gateway between you and law schools. All of your application materials will be submitted to CAS. CAS will verify the materials and send them to each law school. Most ABA-approved law school require that applicants use CAS.
June or July: You have to wait 4 or 5 months before your application is submitted
Learn how to take the LSAT. It is now time to take the LSAT. These are some tips for the night before the exam and on the day.
- You should know what you will need for test day. Have it ready the night before.
- Get to bed earlier to ensure a good night of sleep.
- Get a good breakfast but avoid anything that you would not normally eat or drink.
- Layer up for the exam.
- Allow plenty of time for the trip to the test center.
- July: You have 4 months to submit your applications
Your LSAT score will be emailed to you approximately three weeks after the test. Scores range between 120-180. Compare your score to the average score of the schools you are interested in attending so you can make an informed decision about whether you should retake the LSAT.
August: You have 3 months to submit your applications
Start narrowing down your list of schools to which you would like to apply based on your LSAT score and other factors.
September: You have 2 months to submit your applications
Start gathering all the materials you need to submit your application. The following are required by most schools:
- Formulation
- Application fee
- Resume
- Personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Transcript for Undergraduate
- Score on LSAT