Crs Law: Application Process Simplified

Applying for a CR12, CR1, or CR-1 visa can be a complicated process. In Kenya, a CR12 is a legal document issued by the Registrar of Companies that confirms the current directors and shareholders of a company. It is often required for legal, banking, and business transactions. In the US, a CR1 or CR-1 visa is for the spouse of a US citizen. The first step to obtaining this visa is to file a Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, with the Department of Homeland Security.

Sign up for LSAC's Candidate Referral Service

Signing up for LSAC's Candidate Referral Service (CRS) is a great way to be discovered by law schools and can save you a lot of money in application fees. The CRS is a free, opt-in service that allows law schools to access your undergraduate GPA, LSAT score, demographic information, and law school preferences. This service is especially useful for law schools to reach out to students whose grades, scores, and preferences align with their institutions' requirements.

When you sign up for CRS, you are authorising LSAC to share certain personal information with law schools, agencies or individuals working on their behalf, and other eligible programs related to legal education. This includes your name, mailing and email addresses, phone number, biographical, academic, and employment information, as well as any information you have provided about your law school preferences.

The CRS gives you the opportunity to be discovered by law schools you may not have considered. Oftentimes, law schools target candidates that are geographically located near them to advertise workshops or events. Schools may also reach out based on your profile (ethnicity, GPA, LSAT score) with scholarship opportunities or other legal education programs that might interest you.

To sign up for CRS, you will need to create an LSAC account on their website, www.LSAC.org. In the upper right corner, there is a "create an account" prompt. In the dropdown, select "Future JD Student" and fill out the biographical information requested. Once you have created your account, you can sign up for the CRS via the link provided on the LSAC website.

Register for the LSAT

Registering for the LSAT is a crucial step in your law school application journey. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Create an LSAC Account

To begin, you will need to create an account with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). This is a crucial step as the LSAC website will serve as your central platform for registering for the LSAT, signing up for other essential services, and eventually submitting your law school applications. Go to the LSAC website and create your account by providing the required personal information.

Step 2: Understand the LSAT

The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is a standardized test that plays a significant role in your law school application. It assesses your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills, which are essential for legal education. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and an unscored writing sample. Understanding the format and content of the LSAT is crucial for your preparation.

Step 3: Choose a Test Date and Register

On the LSAC website, you will find the upcoming LSAT test dates and their corresponding registration deadlines. It is recommended to take the LSAT by the summer before the year you plan to attend law school. This timing gives you the opportunity to retake the test if needed and still meet application deadlines. Choose a test date that suits your preparation timeline and register for the LSAT by logging into your LSAC account. You will be required to pay a registration fee, which is currently $180 for the LSAT or $205 for the GRE.

Step 4: Prepare for the LSAT

After registering, focus on preparing for the LSAT. Familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and timing. Official practice tests and study materials are available on the LSAC website, and there are numerous test preparation resources, including books, online courses, and tutoring services. Developing a study plan and consistently practicing with sample questions will help you build the skills and confidence needed to perform well on the LSAT.

Step 5: Test Day

On the day of your LSAT, arrive at the test center early with your admission ticket and a valid form of identification. Make sure you are familiar with the test instructions and prohibited items. During the test, focus on reading and understanding the questions carefully, managing your time effectively, and using strategic guessing if needed. Remember that your writing sample will be sent to law schools along with your LSAT score, so approach it thoughtfully.

Step 6: View Your Scores

Your LSAT scores will be available online through your LSAC account. You will receive a score report that includes your score for each section, a percentile ranking, and your overall score. Scores are typically released three to four weeks after the test date. If you are unsatisfied with your scores, you can choose to cancel them or retake the LSAT on a future test date.

Remember, registering for the LSAT is a crucial step, but it is just the beginning of your law school application process. Stay organized, continue building your application package, and don't hesitate to reach out to the LSAC or individual law schools for any clarification or assistance you may need. Best of luck with your law school journey!

Submit academic transcripts

Academic transcripts are an essential component of your application to law school. Here is a detailed guide on how to submit them:

Understand the requirements:

Most law schools require official transcripts from all your previous academic institutions, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. These transcripts provide an overview of your academic performance and are necessary for the admissions process. Make sure to carefully review the requirements of each law school you are applying to, as they may vary.

Contact your previous institutions:

Get in touch with the registrar's office or student records department of your previous schools to request official transcripts. They will guide you through their specific process for requesting and sending transcripts. Some schools may offer electronic transcripts, while others will mail them directly to the law school or the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

Provide transcripts to CAS:

The Law School Admissions Council's (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is the central platform for processing and submitting transcripts to law schools. You will need to register for an account and pay the associated fees. Once you have signed up, submit your transcripts to CAS. They will verify and process your transcripts before sending them to your chosen law schools.

Follow up on the status:

After submitting your transcripts to CAS, keep track of their processing status. Log in to your CAS account regularly to check if your transcripts have been received and approved. If there are any issues or delays, contact CAS for assistance. They will help ensure your transcripts meet the requirements and forward them to your selected law schools.

Meet deadlines:

Law schools typically have application deadlines, and it is crucial to submit your transcripts before these deadlines pass. Each law school may have its own timeline, so stay organized and submit your transcripts accordingly. Submitting your transcripts early also increases your chances of receiving unsolicited fee waivers and demonstrates your interest in the program.

Contact the law schools:

If you have specific questions or concerns about transcript requirements, don't hesitate to contact the admissions office of the law schools you are applying to. They can provide you with school-specific guidelines and ensure your transcripts are submitted correctly. This proactive approach demonstrates your interest and engagement in the application process.

Gather letters of recommendation

When applying to law school, it is important to gather letters of recommendation. Law schools tend to prioritize academic letters of recommendation over employer recommendations. However, if you have been out of school for a long time, it is better to submit recommendations from employers who know you well rather than professors who may not remember you.

Once an individual agrees to write a recommendation on your behalf, submit their contact information on LSAC. LSAC will then reach out to them with instructions on how to submit the recommendation. While most schools require only two recommendations, many require three. Therefore, try to secure at least three solid recommendations to keep your options open.

Letters of recommendation, along with other relevant documents such as transcripts, LSAT scores, and application forms, can be uploaded to the Law School Admissions Council's (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service. This is an online portal that allows you to sign up for the LSAT, fill out applications, and submit all necessary documents. As of 2020, the cost for this service is $195 for five years of access.

Fill out applications

Once you have signed up for the LSAC's Candidate Referral Service (CRS), you will need to fill out your applications. This is done through the LSAC's online portal, where you will also sign up for the LSAT and upload all relevant documents.

The LSAC platform is where you will fill out and submit all applications to ABA-approved law schools. You can submit applications before all your transcripts or letters of recommendation are processed by LSAC, but your application file will not be complete until all documents are processed and transmitted to law schools. The deadline at most top-tier law schools is December or January, but it is recommended that you submit your applications as early as possible.

When filling out your applications, you will need to provide biographical, academic, and employment information. This includes your undergraduate GPA, LSAT score, and law school preferences. You will also need to provide your name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number.

In addition to the online application, you will need to submit transcripts and letters of recommendation. For transcripts, you will need to contact the university directly or use a centralized service for generating transcripts, such as the National Student Clearinghouse. For letters of recommendation, it is recommended that you prioritize academic letters over employer recommendations. However, if you have been out of school for a long time, it is better to submit recommendations from employers who know you well. Once an individual agrees to write a recommendation, submit their contact information on LSAC, and LSAC will reach out with instructions. While most schools require only two recommendations, it is a good idea to secure three solid recommendations to keep your options open.

Frequently asked questions