
Law School Applicant Checklist
Freshman and Sophomore Years
- Select a major field of study that is rigorous, appealing, and in which you can do well.
- Begin to establish a positive impression with professors who could write letters of recommendation for you.
- Become involved with student organizations, activities that interest you and can lead to positions of substantial responsibility.
- Start exploring the work of attorneys and paralegals through internships and volunteer work.
- Be sure to take a course in logic to help you with the LSAT.
Junior Year
- Become familiar with the law school applications process through a study of the Office of Pre-Law Advising web site and attendance at Office of Pre-Law Advising/St. Thomas More Society/Phi Alpha Delta functions.
- Start your search for the right list of law schools for your interests and career plans using the resources available on-line or in the Office of Pre-Law Advising library.
- Make an appointment to see the Pre-Law Advisor to go over any unanswered. questions and gain additional information not readily available or missed.
- Begin Preparing for the LSAT administered in June.
- Register with LSAC and LSDAS.
- Secure work for the summer in a law-related field.
Senior Year (or Year Before Entering Law School)
- Complete list of prospective schools.
- Gather application materials for each school.
- Arrange for the transmission of all application materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, application, personal statement, etc.).
- Ask for letters of recommendation and provide those willing to write with proper forms, stamped and addressed envelopes, the deadline, and any other materials requested.
- Make the arrangements for dean’s certifications for the schools that require them.
- Write a draft of your personal statement, check for errors, and then consult with the Pre-Law Advisor on your draft. Revise accordingly.
- Monitor your LSDAS account regularly for the receipt of materials.
- Take the LSAT in October (if necessary).
- Complete all applications by late November.
- Take the LSAT in December (if necessary).
- Check with schools in December/January to make sure application is complete.
- Complete the FAFSA and any institutional financial aid applications as soon after January 1st as possible.
- Meet with Pre-Law Advisor in spring after receiving responses to applications to discuss options (if necessary).
- Take appropriate actions on acceptances, wait-lists, and financial aid.
- Before leaving campus arrange for the transmission of final transcript to the law school you plan to attend and/or any schools still considering your application.