Applying to Law School

Your campaign for law school admission should begin up to 18 months before you step into your first law classroom. For example, if you plan to matriculate directly following graduation, you will want to start the process in the spring semester of your junior year. Below is a checklist/schedule of what you should be doing during each season.

SPRING

Review the NYU Prelaw website for an overview of the law school application process.
Meet with a preprofessional advisor to discuss the law school application process and if you haven’t already, watch the Prelaw Overview Webinar
Start reviewing LSAC’s Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools and researching law schools.
Register for the June LSAT (you can re-take in September if your score needs improvement).
Begin preparing for the LSAT using a method most appropriate for you (e.g., prep course, tutor, practice exams, etc.).

SUMMER

Take the June LSAT.
Subscribe to LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
Begin drafting your personal statement.
Send transcript request forms to all undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended.
Think about which faculty members you will ask for recommendations. Review the LSAC's section on letters of recommendation.
Begin to compile a list of schools to which you might apply, and visit their websites for more information.
Visit as many of your target law schools as possible (if you have the means).
Register for the September LSAT if you are not satisfied with your June score.
Meet with a career counselor at Wasserman to have your resume critiqued.

EARLY FALL

Attend the “Writing the Personal Statement for Law School” workshop sponsored by our office.
Meet with your recommenders. Provide them with a copy of your resume, personal statement, and transcript so they have ample information to write the strongest recommendation possible. In addition, if you are seeking a recommendation from a professor it may be helpful to bring a copy of a written assignment that has been submitted for a grade from their course for reference.
Make a checklist and schedule of important dates and deadlines for each law school application.
Attend an LSAC Law School Forum if you are able to do so.
Attend law school information sessions on campus, which are presented throughout the fall semester.
Meet with the expository writing center to revise your personal statement. Tailor it to specific essay topics, if any, on individual applications.
Attend as many of the prelaw events sponsored by our office as you can.
Take the September LSAT, if necessary.

MID-FALL

Finalize your personal statement. Have several people review it for tone and clarity and to ensure that it is error-free.
Put the finishing touches on your applications.
Check in with your recommenders to find out the status of your letters of recommendation.
Request financial aid application materials from your target schools, making sure you review the instructions carefully.
Obtain a copy of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application. You must complete this form to be eligible for federal and private aid.
If you have completed your applications, send them in early (by Thanksgiving).

LATE FALL/WINTER

Verify that your recommenders have submitted their letters of recommendation to LSAC.
Submit any remaining law school applications.
Complete and submit all financial aid forms.

SPRING AND SUMMER

Review financial aid notices from law schools.
Attend law school events for accepted students to which you are invited.
Decide which law school offer to accept, and submit the necessary deposit.
Complete your student loan applications.
Review your finances to be certain you will have sufficient resources to meet law school expenses.

REFERENCES:

Lammert-Reeves, Ruth. (2004) Get Into Law School: A Strategic Approach, The Expert Advice You Need to Get Into the Law School You Want. Kaplan, Inc.

Linda Dunleavy, Vassilev, George, and Kathy Toro. Law School Applicant Guide. Providence, RI: Brown University: Office of the Dean of the College & Center for Careers and Life After Brown, 2015.

THE APPLICATION

Transcripts & GPA

Admissions committees require official transcripts from every higher education institution attended, both undergraduate and graduate, even if you took only one or two courses. Competitive applicants should strive for a minimum 3.5 GPA, but this number is higher at many law schools. (Consult the ABA Official Guide to Law Schools to find the minimum GPA for schools that interest you.)

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)

The LSAT is the standardized test required for law school admissions. The test will be offered six times a year and consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions, and a 35-minute writing sample. Section questions measure reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logic skills. Competitive applicants should strive for a minimum score of 160, but many schools look for higher scores. We advise taking the LSAT in June of the year in which you will apply, with September as a backup date. A number of ABA-accredited law schools also accept the GRE General Test in lieu of the LSAT (check www.ets.org for a list of schools).

Personal Statement

As most law schools do not offer interviews, the personal statement may be the only time for an applicant to speak directly to the admissions committee. Applicants should reflect upon and think carefully about how to describe themselves—their values and motivations—and how to go beyond their résumé and transcript. It is recommended to consult with the Writing Center and attend workshops sponsored by CAS Preprofessional Advising.

Recommendations

Two letters of recommendation from instructors are highly recommended for those applying in their senior year of college and recent graduates. Letters should speak to the applicant’s academic performance, intellectual promise, creative abilities, writing and research skills, communication skills, etc. One additional letter may be submitted by a recommender who can speak to an applicant’s leadership ability, professionalism, work ethic, and/or personal character.

Résumé and Extracurricular Experiences

Applicants should submit a résumé that highlights their education, professional experiences, community service, and other extra-curricular activities. Law schools prefer well-rounded applicants who have done more than simply attend classes and pay close attention to your extracurricular involvement. Applicants are strongly advised to take full advantage of the Wasserman Center to create a résumé that speaks to their strengths.

Dean’s Certification

Some law schools require a Dean’s Certification Form to verify a student’s good standing in the NYU academic community. CAS students seeking certifications should complete a Dean’s Certification Request Form. Certifications typically require two weeks for processing. (Students in other NYU divisions should go to their own Dean’s Office.)

Timing of Applications

Students and alumni are advised to apply to law schools in the fall (November is ideal), as law schools admit applicants on a rolling basis.