This recommended Time Line for Fall 2018 admission assumes that you will complete and submit your applications by Thanksgiving 2017. It’s an ideal time line — meaning you started thinking about the process at least a year and a half before you intend to start law school. As you’ll see, there a number of places where you can “catch up” to the time line, if you didn’t start thinking about things that early.
January – March 2017
- Decide when you’ll take the LSAT (June or September) and how you’ll prepare
March – May 2017
- Register for June LSAT and Credential Assembly Service
- Prepare for June LSAT
- Identify your ideal recommenders
- Talk with recommenders
- Start researching law schools
April 26, 2017
- Deadline for registering for June LSAT
June 12, 2017
- Take the LSAT
June – September 2017
- Prepare for September LSAT (if you did not take June)
- Visit law school websites, become familiar with schools
August 2, 2017
- Deadline for registering for September LSAT
September – October 2017
- Request transcripts from UMass registrar and from other schools you have attended
- Visit law schools, if possible
- Verify accuracy of Credential Assembly Service information
- Give LSAC LOR forms (or have LSAC email electronic recommendation link) to recommenders
- Make final decisions about which schools to apply to
- Draft personal statements
- Complete applications online
- Check in with recommenders
- Request Dean’s certification letters (if required)
September 12, 2017
- Take the LSAT (if you did not take it in June)
October 2017
- Oct. 20-21: New York City Law School Forum
November 2017
- Nov. 10: Boston Law School Forum
- Finalize applications and transmit
Late December 2017
- Check on LSAC that files are complete; follow up if necessary
January – May 2018
Early January 2018
- File FAFSA and financial aid applications
March – April 2018
- Notifications arrive from law schools
- Weigh offers, scholarships
- Make a decision
- Pay seat deposit