Law School Application Timetable

This Checklist is intended to be a general list of the things you need to do, and when you need to do them, to apply to law schools.  It is not specific to any particular school, nor is it a "one-size-fits-all" guide.  The Checklist assumes you are a "conventional" student pursuing a four-year course of study.  Not all of the items will apply to everyone.  You should work closely with your prelaw advisor to develop a plan that suits your needs, and you must check with each law school where you're applying for that school's dates and deadlines.

JUNIOR YEAR

February

____ Request interviews at law schools you're interested in, if you need special accommodations for applications, admissions, or attendance
____ Request waiver of LSAT fees (those who qualify for waiver)
____ Request LSAT preparation course information

March

____ Request law school catalogs and admission information
____ Get Law Services Information Book from Law Services or prelaw advisor
____ Sign up for LSAT preparation course
____ Sign up for June LSAT and register with LSDAS (late March)

April

____ Sign up for June LSAT and register with LSDAS (if not done in March)
____ Begin LSAT preparation course OR
____ Get LSAT self-study materials and begin studying for LSAT

May

____ June LSAT admission ticket arrives; verify accuracy and correct errors with Law    Services
____ Continue LSAT prep course OR
____ Continue LSAT self-study

June

____ Take June LSAT 
____ Begin visiting law schools you're interested in

July

____ June LSAT score arrives; check accuracy
____ Finish visiting law schools
____ Make list of law schools you're applying to
____ Register with LSDAS (if not already done) OR
____ Order and pay for extra copies of Master Report if you need more (LSDAS)
____ Sign up for LSAT preparation course (if you're taking the October LSAT)

August

____ Order official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate and professional schools; arrange to have sent directly to LSDAS
____ Get current application forms and materials for every law school you're applying to
____ Get current financial aid forms for every law school you're applying to
____ Sign up for October LSAT (if you missed June LSAT or are retaking the test)
____ Begin LSAT preparation course (for October LSAT) OR
____ Get LSAT self-study materials and begin LSAT self-study (for October LSAT)

SENIOR YEAR

September

____ Law School Master Report arrives; check for accuracy and correct errors with LSDAS
____ Make arrangements for letters of recommendation
____ Begin completing law school application forms, including essays
____ Continue LSAT preparation course (for October LSAT) OR
____ Continue LSAT self-study (for October LSAT)
____ October LSAT admission ticket arrives; verify accuracy and correct errors with Law Services
____ Make application deadline list for every law school you're applying to

October

____ Take October LSAT (if you didn't take June LSAT or want to retake)
____ Finalize law school applications and essays
____ Collect letters of recommendation or check to see that recommenders have finished and sent
____ Double-check all applications for completeness and accuracy
____ Mail law school applications (certified, return-receipt requested) unless waiting for October LSAT score
 

November

____ October LSAT score arrives; verify accuracy
____ Mail law school applications (certified, return receipt requested) if not done in October or if awaiting result of October LSAT
____ Law schools acknowledge applications (if mailed in October)
____ Confirm receipt of applications with law schools that haven't acknowledged

December

____ Order updated official college transcript, if needed
____ Law schools acknowledge applications (if mailed in November)
____ Confirm receipt of applications with law schools that haven't acknowledged

January

____ Complete and file previous year's tax returns

February

____ Complete and send financial aid applications (certified mail, return-receipt requested)