Law School Application Process

This process can be broken down into three distinctive areas:

1. LSAT preparation and test taking;
   
   
2. LSDAS subscription; and
   
   
3. Law school applications
   

LSAT PREPARATION AND TEST TAKING

The optimum time to take the LSAT is in June of your junior year or approximately fourteen months prior to when you expect to enter law school. You may opt to take the test during the fall semester of your senior year, but that is the latest that you should take the LSAT. Preparation for the LSAT is equivalent to a three credit course. YOU CANNOT CRAM FOR THIS TEST. Don't attempt to take the test unless you are well prepared. Remember that multiple test scores are averaged and initially reported by LSAC as an averaged score (law schools do see multiple scores). Test results are available four to six weeks after the test. Therefore, taking the test in June gives you the opportunity to research viable schools during the summer based on your GPA and LSAT. All pertinent deadline dates are published in the most current LSAT registration booklet (available in mid-March) or at www.lsac.org. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) is the umbrella organization, which oversees LSAT administration and the application process. There are three ways in which you may communicate with LSAC, on-line, telephone, or mail.

• LSAT preparation

  There are several commercial LSAT prep courses available. The decision to invest in a course is based on your personal study habits. Do you have good time management skills? Will you dedicate a large portion of your time to preparation? Do you understand the structure and concepts of the test?

  If you decide to prepare for the test on your own, purchase one of the LSAT preparation guidebooks available in any major bookstore or online and start your review. Once you are comfortable with the test content, purchase past LSATs through LSAC and start to work through the tests section by section. Don't forget to time yourself as you become more confident. Timing is critical. Past LSATs are also available in Pattee Library.

• LSAT content

  The test is made up of five sections, but you are scored on only three of those sections: analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and logic games (35 minutes each). You will be asked for a writing sample (30 minute section), which is scanned and sent to the law schools along with your LSAT score. One of the sections is a duplication of the three sections referred to above, but it is used as a sample for an upcoming test and not scored.

• The day of the test

  Make sure that you are well rested. Stop practicing at least two days before the scheduled test. You will receive an entrance ticket and are required to show an additional picture ID. You will be fingerprinted upon arrival at the test site. Make sure that you make any arrangements for special needs or accommodations well in advance of the test date.

LAW SCHOOL DATA ASSEMBLY SERVICE (LSDAS)

LSDAS is the middleman between you and the law schools. This service is mandatory and compiles the information listed below, scans, and forwards the material electronically to the law schools. This is a subscription and is in effect for only one year. There is a separate fee for the LSAT and the LSDAS. All current applicable fees are available in the LSAT Registration Booklet or on the LSAT Web site at www.lsat.org.

• LSAT score/s

• Letters of Recommendation (LSAC will process three)

• Official transcript (must be forwarded directly to LSDAS from all undergraduate/graduate institutions you may have attended)

• Writing sample from LSAT

Once the law schools receive your application, the law schools request all of the above information from LSDAS.

LAW SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS

This is the final step in the application process. You should complete your applications during the fall semester of your senior year. Thanksgiving is a good target date, but winter break is usually when most students complete their applications. All law schools have extensive Web sites, and you will be able to find most applications online. Some schools have the online submission capability. You may also purchase the LSAC CD, which offers you the ability to research law schools based on many criteria: LSAT/GPA numbers; location; special programs, etc. The LSAC CD allows you to complete a template, which you can then transfer to the schools' applications. Of course, you may also request applications by mail.

Your final application packet will include:

• application

• application fee

• personal statement

• a résumé