While it’s never too early to start considering your law school search, it can be difficult to know when or where to begin. The timeline below will help you stay on track—or even get ahead—in your search.
First and second year
- Select a major in a field that interests you, where you can enjoy the material, challenge yourself, excel academically, and maintain a strong GPA.
- Start building relationships with your professors so they become familiar with your work and can serve as recommenders in the future.
- Introduce yourself to your pre-law advisor, Dr. Aysegul Zeren in the Career Center by scheduling an appointment using My Journey to discuss your interest in law school and how to prepare to be a competitive applicant.
- Self-enroll in the canvas course, "Law School Application Process and Preparation."
- Engage in informational interviews, internships, or job shadowing to gain firsthand experience and insights into the legal profession and your career interests.
- Participate in extracurricular activities and student organizations that offer leadership opportunities, teach teamwork, and encourage community engagement.
- Select your Career Interest Area on Handshake to receive biweekly newsletters from the Career Center, including job and internship opportunities, as well as internal and external event information. Click here for instructions
- Attend information sessions by the Career Center.
Third year (Fall)
- Meet with Dr. Zeren to evaluate your academic, extracurricular, and work experiences, and review the application process.
- Set up an account with LSAC (Law School Admissions Council) and familiarize yourself with the LSAC website.
- Begin preparing for the LSAT. Take practice LSAT to familiarize yourself with the test.
- Continue getting to know your professors.
Third Year (Spring)
- If you feel prepared to take the LSAT, consider registering for the June test.
- Secure a summer job or internship in a law-related field or any area that requires you to develop leadership skills.
- Research law schools and compile a preliminary list based on your criteria.
- Attend prospective student days at law schools, or schedule an individual visit to explore your options.
- Meet with Dr. Zeren to refine your law school list and application strategy.
Summer between Third & Fourth years
- Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
- Register for the LSAT if planning to take it in September or November if you did not in June.
- Update your resume.
- Begin drafting and revising your personal statement.
- Have transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended sent directly to LSAC.
- Ask potential recommenders if they would be able to write letters on your behalf.
- Attend prospective student days or arrange individual visits to law schools.
Fourth year (Fall)
- Complete any pending tasks from the summer.
- Register for the LSAT if planning to take it in January or March.
- Finalize your list of law schools and review their specific requirements.
- Meet with Dr. Zeren to request a critique of your personal statement draft, finalize, and upload.
- Verify that your CAS file is complete and submit your applications by November 15.
Fourth year (Spring)
- Complete the FAFSA and any institutional financial aid applications as soon after January 1 as possible.
- Decide which law school to attend if you receive multiple offers. If needed, meet with Dr. Zeren to review your options as schools respond.
- Take appropriate action on acceptances, wait-list statuses and financial aid packages.
- Pay your seat deposit on time. Please note the deadline varies by school.
- Inform Dr. Zeren of your decision.
- Complete graduation requirements and finalize plans for law school.