Apply to Law School
When it's Time to apply...
You'll need to compile certain documents to apply to law school.
The components of the law school application may vary, so check the requirements of each law school to which you plan to apply. At a minimum, schools will require a complete application form, copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score or scores, 2-3 letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Some schools may also ask for a writing sample or resume.
Common Questions
Applying to law school can be complicated, but we're always here to help.
How Do I Apply?
All law school applicants must subscribe (for a fee) to the Law School Admission Council's (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS). CAS serves as a repository for your LSAT scores, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and all other application materials. The entire law school application process is conducted through the CAS.
What Will It Cost?
Each law school you apply to will require an application fee, which varies by school and could range from $50 to $85. You'll also need to pay for the LSAT and CAS registration fees.
How Many Schools Should I Apply to?
There is no magic number, but on average, students apply to five or six law schools. In general, apply to one or two schools in each of the following categories:
- reach schools: about 20% or less of its applicants with your GPA and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score were recently admitted.
- target schools: your GPA and LSAT score are approximately the same as the medians for the previous year's entering class.
- safety schools: at least 80% of the applicants with your GPA and LSAT score were admitted in the previous year.
When applying, remember that each school requires an application fee. Also, keep in mind that it's rare for applicants to gain admission to all law schools to which they apply.
When Should I Apply?
Submit your law school application as early as possible in the fall of the year prior to enrollment. You should aim by November 1, but no later than Thanksgiving. Admission decisions are granted on a rolling basis, which means that law schools evaluate applications as they receive them and do not wait until the deadline to do so. Admission becomes more competitive as the process progresses because there will be a larger pool of applicants competing for a small number of available spots.
Should I Visit?
It's not required, but it can help! Consider visiting one or more law schools if you're not sure if you should attend, you're trying to decide which schools to apply to or you've been accepted to a law school but you haven't been on its campus.
Ask an Advisor
Thinking about a career in law? You've got an advocate in Professor Elizabeth Wheat, your Pre-Law Advisor. With her eclectic expertise, ranging from environmental issues to experiential learning and law school guidance, she's here to support you every step of the way.