{"id":3351,"date":"2021-06-01T11:29:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-01T11:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.kaplanlsat.com\/?p=3351"},"modified":"2022-04-19T20:07:32","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T20:07:32","slug":"get-law-school-comprehensive-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/lsat\/get-law-school-comprehensive-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Law School Admissions Timeline &#038; Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Applying to law school is a long process with many steps. The earlier you start to build relationships with professors, consider what type of law you are interested in, and plan for taking the LSAT, the better. Our Kaplan LSAT experts suggest first asking yourself, what\u00a0needs to be done?<\/p>\n<p>Get a great start by checking out the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/lsat\/\">LSAT study resources<\/a> on our checklist of things to be done before your applications are due, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/lsat\/lsat-test-dates\">fill in a calendar<\/a> with what you know is already on your agenda: school, work, obligations, birthdays. Looking ahead is the best first step on your path to LSAT and law school victory.<\/p>\n<h2>3 Years Before Law School: Plan<\/h2>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Start looking into your areas of interest, researching schools, and talking to advisors. You can even target specific classes that can help you prepare for the LSAT. If you\u2019re applying to law school soon and haven\u2019t started \u201cyour plan\u201d in earnest, that\u2019s OK. There are no prerequisites for law school, besides a competitive LSAT score and a strong GPA.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>Give thought to what type of law you\u2019d like to practice: entertainment, personal injury, criminal, and so on.<\/li>\n<li>Consider taking writing, critical thinking, reading-intensive, and logic courses. While not required for law school admissions, these will give you a leg up when it comes time to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/lsat\">prepare for the LSAT<\/a> and will help prepare you for law school.<\/li>\n<li>Get familiar with resources like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lsac.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Law School Admission Council<\/a>, through which you will later submit your application, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nalp.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">National Association for Law Placement<\/a>, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanbar.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">American Bar Association<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Look into joining a preprofessional student organization with other prospective law students.<\/li>\n<li>Enhance your knowledge of the legal field by talking to practicing attorneys in different industries, law school students, and others with firsthand experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><strong>Law School Admissions Tip #1:<\/strong> connect with a pre-law advisor early\u2014and often. advisors can help you map out your curriculum and timeline and might eventually write or compile your recommendations. they may also have connections with the law school admissions community.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div  style='height:30px' class='hr hr-invisible   avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>2 Years Before Law School: Prepare<\/h2>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>The next order of business is to prepare for the LSAT and start pulling together the pieces of your law school applications. A strong GPA and LSAT score, as well as a well-written personal statement, will help you stand out.<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li>Research specific law schools. Consider factors like location, cost, reputation, competitiveness, employment prospects of alumni, and financial aid availability.<\/li>\n<li>Make an LSAT prep calendar. Include important dates, like deadlines for test registration, applications, and financial aid. Schedule your test prep, as well. Give yourself <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/lsat\/how-should-i-study-for-the-lsat\/\">three to six months<\/a> before your test date to prepare.<\/li>\n<li>Consider which professors know you well enough to write strong, positive recommendations. Contact them early so they\u2019ll have plenty of time to meet your application submission deadlines.<\/li>\n<li>Start working on your law school application early. Give yourself plenty of time to draft and revise your personal statement and resume.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div><strong>Law School Admissions Tip #2:<\/strong> Take a free practice LSAT to figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Consider other LSAT prep options, like enrolling in an LSAT course to help boost your score.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><div  style='height:30px' class='hr hr-invisible   avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_hr '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>1 Year Before Law School: Apply<\/h2>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>Now is the time to finalize your law school applications and take care of all the small but vital details involved. Here are some pointers to wrap up the application process with professionalism and efficiency.<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/lsat\/when-should-i-take-the-lsat\/\">Choose your LSAT test date<\/a> and reserve your seat on\u00a0<a title=\"LSAC\" href=\"http:\/\/www.lsac.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LSAC.org<\/a>. The LSAT is given eight times a year: March, April, June, August, October, November, January, and February. Register for an exam date no later than the fall in which you plan to apply\u2014or a year before you will be starting law school. This will give you ample time to re-prep and retest if necessary. Sign up as soon as registration dates open. Seats can fill up quickly.<\/li>\n<li>Figure out how you are planning to\u00a0<a title=\"Last Minute LSAT Preparation: Top 5 Reading Comprehension Tips\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/lsat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">prepare for the LSAT<\/a>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/lsat\/lsat-courses\">classes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/lsat\/lsat-books\">self-prep with books<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/lsat\/courses\/lsat-tutoring\">LSAT tutors<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/lsat\/free\/lsat-free-events\">attend some free events<\/a>! Then register\/buy\/sign up and get it on that calendar. Remember that if you have any questions, we are always available to help on\u00a0<a title=\"Kaplan LSAT Twitter\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kaplanLSATPrep\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a title=\"Kaplan LSAT Facebook\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/KaplanLSAT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a>, or by phone. Still in school? Make an appointment with\u00a0<a title=\"Questions to Ask Your PreLaw Advisor\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nalp.org\/pre-law_questions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">your prelaw advisor<\/a>\u00a0and get any information or resources they might have.<\/li>\n<li>Set your\u00a0<a title=\"What\u2019s a good LSAT score?\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/lsat\/what-lsat-score-do-i-need\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LSAT score goals<\/a>\u00a0and continue to prepare, keeping a positive attitude and a systematic approach. Schedule weekly practice tests and put them on your calendar.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure all supporting materials\u2014test scores, transcripts, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/lsat\/how-to-write-a-law-school-personal-statement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">personal statement<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/lsat\/law-school-admissions-disclosure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">addenda<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.law.harvard.edu\/current\/careers\/opia\/toolkit\/resumes\/sample-resumes.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">resume<\/a>, and letters of recommendation\u2014are included in your application package or otherwise safely en route to your prospective schools\u2019 admissions offices.<\/li>\n<li>Submit your law school application through the centralized LSAC application system. Law schools use a rolling admissions process, so the earlier you apply, the greater chance you have for acceptance and earning merit-based scholarships. As you choose the schools to which you will apply, add their admissions deadlines to your calendar&#8211; but keep rolling admissions in mind! At many law schools,\u00a0<a title=\"When Should You Apply to Law School?\" href=\"http:\/\/abovethelaw.com\/career-files\/law-school-application-timeline-when-should-you-apply-to-law-school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the earlier in the process you apply, the better chance you have<\/a>. Also talk to the schools about admission fee waivers if you know you are applying!<\/li>\n<li>Wait for acceptance letters!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div><strong>Law School Admissions Tip #3:<\/strong> Spend some time on your personal statements, thinking about how you want to come across. Have at least two people review them\u2014someone who knows you well and someone who knows how to write well.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><div  style='height:30px' class='hr hr-invisible   avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_hr '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>Six Months Before Law School: Decide<\/h2>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>Here comes the fun part: deciding where you want to go to law school. Keep these things in mind while you\u2019re narrowing down your choices.<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"Law School Admissions: Choosing a Law School\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/lsat\/law-school-admissions-choosing-a-law-school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Weigh the pros and cons<\/a> of each program carefully. Beyond rankings and reputation, look for the best fit for you, taking into account each school\u2019s specific programs and student culture. Visit schools wherever possible.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t forget to consider non-academic factors like climate, extracurricular opportunities, setting, cost of living, and financial aid.<\/li>\n<li>Look into options for financing your education: grants, fellowships, scholarships, and other opportunities. Law schools give significant scholarship money based on test scores.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div><strong>Law School Admissions Tip #4<\/strong>: When deciding where you want to go, talk to current students at your top-choice schools. They can offer firsthand perspectives on student life, workload, course selection, etc.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><div  style='height:25px' class='hr hr-invisible   avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_sidebar '><span class='hr-inner ' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>Let Kaplan help get your law career off to the right start with comprehensive LSAT test prep. For more information and to get an overview of all we have to offer, view our<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/lsat\"> LSAT prep<\/a> offerings.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div  class='avia-builder-widget-area clearfix  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last '><div id=\"text-68\" class=\"widget clearfix widget_text\">\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span data-sumome-listbuilder-embed-id=\"b09e45baf32bb094b1db7ecb7bbced76db6d5ddeedea46d11ddd040e8de23baa\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div id=\"text-69\" class=\"widget clearfix widget_text\">\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span data-sumome-listbuilder-embed-id=\"47f64185b039c44474f0041fb26ab7c506845672b7ebef37d1d95bc82f27b02f\"><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Applying to law school is a long process with many steps. The earlier you start to build relationships with professors, consider what type of law you are interested in, and plan for taking the LSAT, the better. Our Kaplan LSAT experts suggest first asking yourself, what\u00a0needs to be done? Get a great start by checking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38286,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[25],"tags":[354,26],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3351"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3351"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3351\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47569,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3351\/revisions\/47569"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3351"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3351"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}