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!

Junior Year

• 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.

Senior Year

Fall Term

• 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 five to eight 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.

Winter Term

• 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.

Winter/Spring Term

• 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.

Spring/Summer Term

• Secure law school housing.
• Summer reading list.
• Apply for student loans, if needed.
• Make certain law school has current contact information.
• Graduate from Drexel.
• Enjoy your summer – RELAX.