Application Timeline

First Year, Second Year, and Pre-Junior Year (if applicable)

Focus on earning good grades: GPA is one of the two most important components of law school applications (LSAT score is the other).
Become involved on campus: Biddle Law Society, The Mock Trial Association, athletic teams, student government, whatever interests you. If you can, seek out positions that showcase additional responsibilities beyond "member."
Register for professional memberships and newsletters to stay up to date on events and information. You will be given access to the pre-law newsletter through completing this interest form.
Attend pre-law events, meet attorneys, and consider a co-op in a law firm, government agency, not-for-profit organization, or corporate legal department.
Schedule an appointment with the pre-law advisor.
Explore legal careers using TypeFocus, LinkedIn, and the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Attend the Philadelphia Law School Fair each year to learn about schools and programs of interest.
Law schools will require addendums explaining any personal, professional, and/or academic areas of concern. The easiest way handle these is to avoid having to write them!

Decide if you will be applying for law school while still a student or if you are planning to take a gap year(s).
Begin LSAT preparation: Use actual, previously-administered tests (available at www.LSAC.org).
Attend mock LSAT(s).
Meet with pre-law advisor to discuss LSAT preparation and grades.
Research ABA-Approved law schools (check out the list at www.LSAC.org).
Begin considering which law school attributes are important to you.
If planning for a dual degree program, be sure to check all program entry requirements.
Register for the LSAT (available at www.LSAC.org).
Submit transcript requests to ALL undergraduate schools attended.
Make a financial plan for your law school application process; if fee waivers are needed, research how to apply.

Take LSAT if not taken previously, or re-take, if necessary.
Arrange meetings with admissions representatives from schools you're interested in.
Register for your Credential Assembly Services (CAS) report, which allows all your information to be easily transmitted to the schools you're applying to.
Meet with pre-law advisor to discuss application process and formulate a plan.
Determine topic for personal statement, submit draft(s) to pre-law advisor for comments.
Finalize application list of 5 to 8 law schools (safeties, middles and stretches).
Submit applications by late-November/early-December (watch earlier deadlines for ED/EA programs).
Check online file status regularly to monitor applications.
Attend LSAC's New York recruitment forum and/or Philadelphia Law School Fair.

Re-take LSAT in December (if necessary).
Continue to monitor file status to keep abreast of status of applications.
Promptly respond to all supplemental requests for information from law schools.
Keep pre-law advisor informed as schools issue decisions.
Prepare for any required admissions interviews.
Talk to current students to find out information about the program, classes, and other key factors like cost of living, housing, and campus culture.
Reevaluate list of schools as appropriate/consider submitting additional applications if necessary.

Plan visits to law schools.
File the FAFSA after submitting your federal tax return.
Evaluate financial aid and scholarship packages. Negotiate aid, if possible. Consult pre-law advisor for best practices, if needed.
Narrow choices.
Make decision.
Pay seat deposit on or before deadline.