Define a pool of schools that you may be interested in applying to. The list should be built with the following considerations in mind: geographical location, what region of the country you may wish to practice, cost, perceived reputation of the school in rankings, clinical and academic programs available, Bar exam passing rates, job placement success, starting salaries of graduates and likelihood of acceptance.The pool should include 10-15 schools at the begining.To build this list you can use the Official Guide to Approved Law Schools published by the American Bar Association. For more information contact ABA.
Subscribe to LSDAS/LSAC (see LSAC link on the Other Links page) and prepare to take the LSAT in June or September of the year before matriculation. The December test is also acceptable.
Interview potential references. Most schools ask for two references but will accept up to three. These references should always be people who know you well and can write a detailed letter about you. Avoid testimonials from famous people or those with titles, but who really cannot talk about your ability to do law school work. Ask your references if they would be willing to do it and provide them with a resume and a copy of work you did in their class to spur their memory.Always have at least one academic reference from a teacher who knows you well. Consider using the LSDAS reference service so as to be sure the references get sent.
The application including the personal statement (see Personal Statement page) should be completed by late November and applicants should confirm the receipt of applications by late December or early January. WARNING:Applicants must disclose, if asked, any misconduct findings against them by any school or criminal activity that resulted in a conviction. If you lie on your application in any way or knowingly falsify information you may be expelled from law school or disbared when the information is disclosed.Most law schools will ask the Dean of Students for a letter to confirm that you are in good academic standing and have no misconduct charges.
Make sure that you send to LSDAS the transcripts from all schools you have attended as an undergraduate no matter how old.The LSDAS will convert all your grades into a standard GPA which allows comparison between schools.LSDAS will then send the new GPA to all the schools that you apply to- only their record can be used so do not send it on your own to the law schools.