Apply Early

It is always a good idea to complete your applications long before schools' deadlines. It allows you time to address any problems that may arise during the submission of your materials.

Applying early will also put you at an advantage if the schools you are applying to use "rolling admissions," i.e., they review applications as they arrive.

When rolling admissions are used, law school seats may be filled throughout the admissions season. So, if you wait until the school's stated deadline, you may have less of a chance of gaining admission.

Law School - Timeline

Planning Timeline

Junior Year

Continue exploring the legal field
Attend the Cal Law School Fair in the fall
Attend Law School Workshops on applying, writing the statement, obtaining letters, etc.
Obtain the LSAT & LSDAS Registration & Information Book from the Career Center or the LSAC
Register for the June LSAT
Register with the LSDAS
Allow 4-6 weeks to prepare for the LSAT
Order unofficial transcripts and review for any discrepancies
Consider opening an account with the Letter Service
Start requesting letters of recommendation
Start investigating law schools

Summer after Junior Year

Take the June LSAT
Receive LSAT score (3-4 weeks after test)
Review law school choices in light of LSAT scores
Request law school admissions materials
Register for October LSAT if necessary
Continue requesting letters of recommendation and checking on their status
Begin writing the personal statement

Fall of Senior Year

Finalize letters of recommendation
Order official transcripts
Finalize personal statement; submit it for an Online Statement Review
Take October LSAT if necessary
Request financial aid information from law schools
Request Dean's Appraisals if necessary
Complete and send admissions applications before Thanksgiving

Spring of Senior Year

Contact law schools to see if applications are complete
Complete and submit financial aid materials
Evaluate admissions offers
Thank letter writers and inform them of your plans

Back to Law School home