Law School Application Checklist: Word document download

LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL:

• Obtain a copy of the LSAT and LSDAS Registration and Information Booklet from Career Services, The Pre-Law Advising Program office, or from a member of The Pre-Law Advising Program committee to get information on the LSAT and LSDAS.
• Register for an LSAT preparation class or purchase an LSAT preparation book to fully prepare for the LSAT.
• Buy a law school guide. For example, Law Services' The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools or Kaplan/Newsweek Law School Admissions Advisor. Research law schools and the admission process.
• Register with Law Services to take the October LSAT.
• Subscribe to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). LSDAS prepares and provides LSAT transcript reports for each law school to which you apply. If you subscribe to their Letter of Recommendation Service, LSDAS also will send your letters of recommendation to each law school to which you apply.
• Compile a list of schools to which you will be applying, and gather as much information as you can. Visit their websites and visit as may schools as possible.
• Start requesting law school applications, or purchase the LCACD from Law Services to complete all of your applications electronically.
• Photocopy all application forms. Make a checklist and schedule for each application.
• Send transcript request forms to all undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended.
• Start thinking about who you want to write your letters of recommendation.
• Begin writing your personal statement.

EARLY FALL:

• Attend the law caravan held on The College of Wooster campus and/or attend a neighboring college's law caravan to talk with admission officers and collect application and law school information.
• Send transcript request forms to all undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended.
• Talk with recommenders. Provide them with a copy of your resume, your personal statement, and your transcripts so they have ample information to write the best letter of recommendation for you.

• Start working on your photocopied applications.

MID-FALL:

• Transfer application information from photocopies to the actual applications, making sure to spell-check all documents.

• Check on your recommenders and the letters of recommendation they are writing on your behalf.

• Take the October LSAT.

• Request financial aid application materials from the schools to which you are applying, making sure to follow the instructions very carefully.

• Obtain a copy of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Study Aid) application from the federal government, library, college financial aid office, or online. Remember: you must complete this form in order to be eligible for federal and private aid.

• If you have completed your applications, send them in early.

• If necessary, register for the December LSAT.

LATE FALL/WINTER:

• Verify that your recommenders have mailed their letters of recommendation for you.

• Complete all financial aid forms and mail them.

• Complete any remaining law school applications, and mail them.

• Take the December LSAT, if necessary.

SPRING/SUMMER:

• Review financial aid notices from law schools.

• Attend law school events for accepted students to which you are invited.

• Decide which law school offer to accept, and send in the necessary deposit.

• Complete your student loan applications.

• Review your finances to make certain you have sufficient resources to meet your law school expenses.