Law School Application Process
Admission Factors
Law schools consider a number of factors in admission, but most schools will consider the following: application form, law school admission test, personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, resume, and addenda (if necessary).
Considering Law Schools
The most important factors to consider in a law school vary by the individual’s preferences. You might consider the following factors: your competitiveness, location, cost and scholarships, academic programs/specialties, reputation/prestige, bar-pass rates, job placement and employment rates, practical training opportunities, and alumni networks. In addition to researching law schools, visit law school forums, open houses, and individual law schools.
Steps in the Application Process
You should plan to submit your law school applications during the fall the year prior to starting law school. (E.g., if you wish to begin law school in fall 2022, you should submit your applications during fall 2021.)
- Sign up for an account with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
- Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)– it is recommended to take the LSAT during the summer prior to submitting your law school applications. Find resources for studying for the LSAT here.
- Complete the LSAT Writing within one year from your LSAT test date.
- Sign up for the Credential Assembly Services (CAS)- At a minimum, register 6-8 weeks before the first law school application deadline). CAS will compile and send these items to the law schools to which you apply: transcript summarization, letters of recommendation, law school report, and electronic application.
- Request transcripts from all schools you have attended, even if you did not earn credit.
- Request letters of recommendation. Most schools required 2-3 letters of recommendation. Aim to have 1-2 letters from academic references.
- Register with the Candidate Referral Service (CRS) if you want law schools to recruit you
- Submit applications electronically through LSAC [link to lsac.org]. In addition to the application form, include the following:
- Include a resume to highlight organization involvement and work experience
- Answer the question prompt required for the personal statement
- If necessary to explain a character and fitness issue or other issues, include an addendum.
Check out these short videos about the application process:
Law School Admission Factors
Grades and Test Scores for Law School
Personal Statements for Law School
Letters of Recommendation for Law School
Resumes for Law School
Financing Law School
The cost of attendance for law school includes tuition/fees, room/board, books/supplies, personal expenses, and transportation.
Most law schools will automatically consider applicants for scholarships. In assessing scholarship offers, consider whether the award is renewable, the GPA requirement for renewal, and how many students are likely to meet the renewal criteria.
Loans make up a significant portion of funding for legal education. Eligibility for federal loans, like Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans, require submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you plan to pursue specific types of legal work, like public interest, investigate federal and law school loan repayment assistance programs that can provide repayment assistance.
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