The law school application process can be quite a maze. It’s difficult to know when schools will accept applications and what steps should you take if you miss a deadline!
To maximize your chances of acceptance, submit your strongest applications as early as possible. Doing this can significantly boost your odds for admission.
September
If you’re considering applying to law school, start your application process at least a year in advance. This gives you ample time for research and preparation of your application.
Additionally, you must take the LSAT, which is an essential step in preparation for law school. This test measures your critical thinking abilities and can predict your likelihood of being accepted to a top law school.
Start your application process by submitting a complete package through CAS (Law School Admission Council). This should include either LSAT or GRE scores and at least two letters of recommendation.
October
Most ABA-accredited law schools begin accepting applications for Fall 2022 admission on or around September 1. Once received, most schools begin reviewing them quickly thereafter.
It’s essential to submit your application early for the best chance at receiving merit scholarships that may not become available later. Furthermore, law schools use a rolling admissions process which favors those who submit their applications early.
At this stage, it’s essential to do all your research and prepare for the LSAT. Additionally, create a prioritized shortlist of law schools you are considering attending, along with draft school-specific content (such as essays or entry letters).
November
Law schools typically follow a rolling admissions cycle, meaning acceptances and scholarships are distributed throughout the year. To increase your chances of acceptance without compromising quality of application, try to submit early (September 1 to November 30) for consideration.
While applying, take advantage of all available resources to boost your chances of admission into a top school. This includes taking the LSAT and taking practice tests as often as possible.
Receiving high-quality letters of recommendation is essential to your success in the application process. You can do this by reaching out to friends, family members, and colleagues who are familiar with your academic and professional accomplishments.
December
December is an ideal time to apply to law school, as this is often when all applications can be submitted simultaneously. Many schools use a rolling admissions process that rewards those who submit their applications early and frequently.
When selecting which law schools to apply to, it is essential that you do your due diligence. Read each school’s official information and also look into online forums or sites where students share feedback about their experiences. This way, you can make an informed decision.
January
Law schools typically follow rolling admissions cycles, meaning students who apply early have a better chance of being admitted. Furthermore, getting your applications in early can make you eligible for scholarships that may be available.
The LSAT test can have a major impact on your admissions chances. To maximize success, we suggest taking the test as early as possible – ideally in October of the year you plan to apply.
In addition to taking the standardized test, you must submit transcripts and letters of recommendation. These are essential application materials so make sure they are sent in promptly. Make sure each one receives a thorough edit – or ask trusted individuals to do it for you!
February
Law schools operate on a rolling admissions cycle, meaning acceptances and scholarships are given out throughout the year. Typically, there are three phases to this process: Early, On Time and Late.
September is the ideal time to apply to law school, as that’s when most schools open their applications. It’s also a great opportunity to finalize your list of target schools, gather their application materials and ensure you’re prepared for the next step.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential schools, take some time to visit each one. This will give you a firsthand impression of their campus life and help you decide which ones deserve your consideration.
March
When applying to law school, the ideal time is typically around September of the year prior to beginning classes. This is when most law schools begin reviewing applications and considering a large number of scholarship offers.
If you haven’t already, be sure to register with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS). It can be an efficient way to expedite the process and save yourself some stress.
Meanwhile, do some preliminary research on what needs to be submitted and how much it will cost. Having all this info organized ahead of time will help keep you on track throughout the application process.
Many law schools offer rolling admissions, which means they’ll accept applicants on a space-available basis late into the application cycle. This can be advantageous for students with high LSAT and GPA scores since it helps ensure they don’t miss out on their dream law school.
April
April is the last month before law schools open their fall classes, and this is when they give final consideration to the composition of their entering classes, taking into account lower-than-expected yields among applicant groups.
By this point, many applicants should already know their admission or waitlist decisions. It’s still wise to double-check everything is in order and start preparing for law school by attending admitted student events.
Applying early is a great way to guarantee you receive full consideration at the law schools you’re most interested in, especially if those schools offer rolling admissions as late applications can reduce your chances of acceptance.
May
The law school application process can be a lengthy one. It takes time to gather all necessary materials and submit them in a timely manner.
To guarantee your application is ready to submit when the deadline comes, start early. Many schools have rolling admissions cycles, so submitting an early application could increase your chances of acceptance as it gives the admissions committee more time to review it.
As with all applications, it is important to complete the form thoughtfully and completely. This means giving each personal statement or essay a careful edit, as well as asking people you trust for recommendations in writing.
June
Many law schools employ a rolling admissions process that rewards candidates who submit their applications early and frequently. This is especially true for those applicants who select “early decision” options at their top choices.
Now is the perfect time to begin crafting your personal statement and application essays. Additionally, now is an ideal time for requesting recommendation letters from professors, employers, or other influential figures who can vouch for your candidacy.
Completing the LSAT is one of the most time-consuming components of applying to law school, so do your best to finish it as soon as possible. Ideally, take it in January or February of the year that you plan on applying.
