If applying to law school is in your future, this timeline will tell you exactly what you need to do and when to do it. And while that may sound like a long time, it will definitely fly by.
You can also start earlier if you like. Or, with hard work and a lot of hustle, you can start a little later—but just make sure you give the law school admissions process the time and attention it deserves. Start by reflecting on your goals.
Turn those reflections into a list of law school search criteria. Research legal career paths. If you want to go to law school, you probably already have a pretty distinct career path in mind. Maybe you want to be an intellectual property lawyer or work as in-house counsel in a specific industry. But how much do you really know about the work? Before researching law schools, you should get to know the legal field, including any specializations that interest you. They can offer valuable insights for the law school admissions process, make sure your timeline is on track, and perhaps even recommend schools.
You might be able to access their services as an alumnus too. Make an LSAT study plan. The LSAT is now offered six times a year. Work backwards from when you plan to take the LSAT to schedule time to study, take practice tests, complete an LSAT course, and perhaps work with a coach or tutor. Create a tracking system like a spreadsheet for your law schools and search criteria. You can track everything from application deadlines to info session dates to whether or not the school has your favorite rec athletic team.
Is there a lot of cooperation? Does the school have good resources for students? Don't be afraid to ask pointed questions — was this school their first choice? Would they choose it again? Ask about the methods they use and how open they are to working with students. You might consider asking about career prospects for law graduates — do they recommend legal academia? Use the chance to ask questions you have about the application process — portfolios, LSAT scores, etc.
Don't be afraid to ask probing questions — what will automatically disqualify an applicant? What makes a really good application? After you've completed your visits, take some time to process what you've seen and heard. How did you feel at each school? Which school seemed most likely to challenge you? And remember, if you met with individual people, it's always a good idea to send a polite email thanking them for their time.
And don't hesitate to ask genuine follow-up questions. It's never too early to start building a network! List your programs. Bachelor of Laws. Master of Laws. Juris Doctor. Online Degrees.
Student Resources. Student Tips. Elizabeth Koprowski. October 21, Prepare well for your visit Law schools understand that the choice to attend is a big one, and they're used to students wanting tours and visits. The following article, written by TLS user and forum moderator YCRevolution, provides a suggested timeline for applying to law school for current undergraduate students planning on enrolling after graduating college. Published October , last updated August The legal job market is saturated with attorneys and a JD is not an automatic one-way ticket to riches.
Depending on your goals, it may only make sense to attend a Tier 1 top law school or perhaps only a top school. Register for an LSAC account if you have not already done so. If you have any criminal convictions or academic sanctions, you will definitely need an addendum addressing the conviction.
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