Application Timeline for Juniors

While it is ideal to follow the general parameters provided in the following timelines, this is not always possible. In a sense, it is never too late to begin preparation for applying to law school. While all applicants should meet with a HPPLC Prelaw Advisor to construct an individualized timeline, it is essential to do so for those who come to the decision to apply relatively late in their academic career.

Fall Semester of Junior Year

• Attend Law Day in the early fall, and other prelaw events. Check to make sure you are still signed up for the prelaw email list. To register, click here.
• If you haven't already, consider opening a letters of recommendation file with HPPLC. Read "Why Should You Use the HPPLC Recommendation Service?" Review the recommendation section of this website by clicking here.
• It is best if you have on file at least two academic recommendations and one extracurricular or work recommendation by the end of your junior year. Be sure to get to know your professors, and try to have the letters in your file prior to the summer. Consult with a Prelaw Advisor to make sure your writers have the correct forms in advance.
• Take a strictly timed practice LSAT test. You don't need to prepare for it-the idea is to get a perspective on how much future preparation you will need in order to obtain a score that you'd be happy with. HPPLC has all past disclosed LSAT exams on file for you to borrow without charge. Just ask our receptionist. HPPLC also has the most up-to-date admission statistics for every law school in the country.
• Determine your weakest section of the LSAT and begin working on it NOW. For suggested LSAT preparation materials, see "LSAT and Logic Games Resources."
• Especially if you are still exploring the idea of a career in law, consider a law-related job or internship for the spring or next summer. Explore the listings available at the Career Development Center, and look at the websites for the departments of Political Science, Criminal Justice, and SPEA for law-related internships that are open to non-majors.
• Read "Law School Admissions--Questions and Answers for Juniors and Seniors," "Application Guide for Law School," and "What Law Schools Look for in an Applicant."

Spring Semester of Junior Year

• Decide when you will take the LSAT, and how you will prepare. June after junior year is usually best-if you can be well-prepared by then. It is to your advantage to submit applications by Thanksgiving of your senior year. After January 1 the competition for seats at many schools starts to increase dramatically. Note that the February LSAT will be too late for most (but not all) schools. If you are planning on taking the December LSAT, be sure to meet with a Prelaw Advisor.
• Identify factors important to you in your choice of schools (small/large, rural/urban, location, specialties, joint degrees, etc.). It usually takes a lot of research to even decide where to apply. Start early.
• Develop a rough list of the schools you think you want to explore further. Spend some time reviewing their websites and look up information about them in the latest edition of the LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, available in bookstores, libraries, and HPPLC. Check the online version here. Spend some time exploring this cumbersome site-although often frustrating to navigate, it contains excellent information.
• Get a list of 8-12 schools: 2 safety, 2 reach, and several where you would be solidly competitive based upon your GPA and projected LSAT score. See the LSAC's UGPA search to find out how law schools treated last year's applicants with your combination of numbers.
• Prepare seriously for the LSAT. We suggest that you begin preparation 3-4 months prior to the exam. Consider an LSAT prep course if you feel you would benefit from one (HPPLC sponsors a low-cost prep class). Many will do fine without one. Consult with a Prelaw Advisor if you have questions or concerns.
• If you can, take the LSAT in June (register for it in April).

Summer between Junior and Senior Years

• If you did not take the LSAT in June, prepare for the October LSAT.
• Visit schools. Try to meet individually with admissions officials. Follow-up with thank-you notes.
• Find old applications online and look at the prompts for personal statements. Start working on your statement during the summer. Expect this process to take at least 3-4 weeks and several rewrites. See, HPPLC Prelaw Publications Writing an Effective Personal Statement for Law School; and The Personal Statement.