March 2011
September 2011
December 2011
August 2011
February 2012
- Start LSAT Prep
(for June)
- Start brainstorming application essay
- Take June LSAT
- Start writing your application essays
- Start LSAT Prep
(for Oct retake), if necessary
Finalize law school applications
- Submit application, if you haven't already
- Retake Oct LSAT, if necessary
- Early decision/action letter(s) may arrive
- Most regular decision letter(s) begin arriving
- Start narrowing down list of schools to go to
- Visit schools for admitted students day
- Law schools begin to accept applications
- Submit your application, if finished
October 2011
June 2011
March 2012
January 2012
Early Bird
August 2011
Feb/Mar 2012
April 2012
January 2012
June 2011
- Start LSAT Prep
(for October)
- Start brainstorming application essay
Start writing your application essays
Submit your application, if you haven't already
Nov/Dec 2011
Some schools may want to interview
- Most decision letter(s) begin arriving
- Narrow down list of schools
Regular
May 2012
June 2012
April 2012
December 2011
Rushed
- Start LSAT Prep
(for February)
- Start brainstorming application essay
January 2012
- Finalize law school applications
February 2012
- Take February LSAT
- Submit your application
- Most decision letter(s) begin arriving
- Narrow down list of schools
- Seats may open-up for those waitlisted
Application Cycle from Start to Finish. Law schools use the rolling admissions process. This means "first come, first serve." So if all things are equal between you and another applicant, the person who applies earlier has a distinct advantage over the person applying later. Below are three approximated hypothetical timelines. Which timeline you ought to follow, depending on when you plan on beginning the entire process.
The early bird timeline is a rough schedule tailored for those who are "on top of it".
Ideally you want to start the entire LSAT and application process six (6) months before due date. This provides plenty of time to prepare for and take the LSAT (twice, in case you need to retake) as well as sufficient time to produce the highest quality application package.
But keep in mind that there is no exact science behind the application process. Every person should follow their own schedule based on their own unique circumstance.
October 2011
- Take October LSAT
- Start LSAT Prep
(for Dec retake), if necessary
- Finalize law school applications, and submit when finished
The rushed timeline is a rough schedule for those who are applying to law school last minute.
This timeline only provides 1-2 months to do it all: prep for the LSAT, take the LSAT, get recommendation letters and apply to law school. Many folks (even those highly disciplined) have a difficult time performing well under such extreme time pressure. We highly advise against following this method. Please consult with us or your pre-law advisor before you start this intense process.
Keep in mind that those adopting this timeline will be stressed (guaranteed). Also, the likelihood of being admitted to the top choice law school(s) is much lower by applying so late in the game. Once again, there is no perfect science behind the application process, so find the schedule that works best for you.
The regular timeline is an approximation for those who are holding off LSAT prep and law school applications until the summer.
Typically college students, who can't find the time to worry about law school during the regular school year, adopt this timeline. It gives approximately three (3) months to study for the October LSAT. And if necessary, it provides the option of taking the December LSAT (the last acceptable LSAT for most law schools).
Keep in mind that those adopting this timeline will have an extremely busy summer - studying for the LSAT and applying to law school will be like having a part-time job. Again, each person should find the schedule that best fits his/her need.
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