Applying to law school is a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) offers a range of resources to guide applicants through the journey, from deciding which law schools to apply to, to submitting the application and supporting documents. LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) plays a crucial role in streamlining the application process by collecting and organising transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other necessary documents. Applicants are advised to register for the CAS and create an LSAC online account early in their law school journey to stay organised and meet deadlines. The LSAT is another critical component of the application process, with most law schools requiring a strong LSAT score. To increase their chances of admission, applicants are encouraged to apply to multiple schools, including a dream, a reach, and a safety school.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Account creation | Create an LSAC online account to track your applications and deadlines |
LSAT registration and preparation | Register and prepare for the LSAT, a requirement for most law schools |
Law school research | Research and choose law schools that meet your interests and needs |
Law school forums | Attend LSAC Law School Forums to meet recruiters and learn more about the legal profession |
Credential Assembly Service (CAS) | Register for CAS to streamline the application process and send transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other documents to LSAC |
Transcripts | Request and submit official transcripts to LSAC |
Letters of recommendation | Request and submit letters of recommendation to LSAC |
Candidate Referral Service (CRS) | Sign up for CRS to be discovered by law schools that match your interests and preferences |
Application submission | Complete and submit applications electronically through your LSAC account |
What You'll Learn
LSAC online account creation
Creating an LSAC online account is the first step towards applying to law school. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) is there to guide you through the entire process, from registering for the LSAT® and preparing, to applying and choosing a law school.
Your LSAC JD Account is a powerful tool that enables you to register for the LSAT, search for and apply to schools, find your prelaw advisor, manage letters of recommendation, and help law schools find and recruit you.
To create an LSAC online account, you will need to provide some basic personal information, such as your name, contact details, and educational background. You will also need to create a username and password. It is important to keep your login credentials secure and remember that you are agreeing to observe the copyrights and restrictions on the use of password-protected information when you sign up.
If you are a college or university registrar and wish to create a new LSAC.org account, you should contact Anthony DiDonato at registrar@LSAC.org. For admission directors, you can request an account or receive login information for an established account by sending an email to LawSchoolEngagement@LSAC.org.
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LSAT registration and preparation
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test required for admission to law school. It is created and administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The LSAT is offered nine times each year at many testing centers across the United States. The test is also available at digital test centers and in a digital, remotely proctored format.
The LSAT tests skills necessary for success in the first year of law school, including reading comprehension, reasoning, and writing. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and an unscored written essay called LSAT Argumentative Writing. The multiple-choice portion of the LSAT includes two scored Logical Reasoning sections, one scored Reading Comprehension section, and one unscored variable section.
To register for the LSAT, you must create an LSAC account and indicate your preferred test date and location. The deadline to register is generally 5-6 weeks before the test date, but registration opens long before that. The basic fee to take the LSAT is $238, and additional fees may apply for changing your test date or location.
When preparing for the LSAT, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types. Official LSAT practice tests and preparation books are available through LSAC's LawHub platform. It is also recommended to take a timed LSAT practice exam to establish a baseline score and identify areas for improvement. Developing a study plan that suits your learning style and time management abilities is crucial. Many students benefit from joining study groups or enrolling in commercial LSAT preparation courses.
It is important to give yourself ample time to prepare for the LSAT, as it can take several months to fully understand the material and consistently achieve a desired score. Taking regular breaks and prioritizing mental health during the preparation process are also essential for optimal performance on the LSAT.
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Law school research
Researching law schools is an important step in the application process. LSAC (Law School Admission Council) provides guidance and tools to help you with your law school applications. They recommend applying to at least three law schools: a dream school, a reach school, and a safety school.
LSAC's Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs
Start your search with LSAC's official guide, which will help you find schools that meet your interests and needs. You can add the law schools you're interested in to your School List in your LSAC JD Account. This account will help you track the status of your applications and deadlines.
LSAC Law School Forums
Attending an LSAC Law School Forum allows you to meet law school recruiters in person and gain exclusive insights into the legal profession, the benefits of a law degree, and LSAT prep.
LawHub™
LawHub provides resources to help you navigate the admission process, including the Law School Application Status Tracker, which lets you view the progress of your applications from one convenient, secure dashboard.
Admission Unmasked and Law School Unmasked
These resources provide insights to help you navigate the law school admission process, prepare your applications, and set yourself up for success in your first year of law school.
LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
CAS simplifies and streamlines your law school applications by collecting your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other documents. When you're ready to apply, CAS combines your materials with your LSAT score and sends a report to your chosen law schools.
Candidate Referral Service (CRS)
CRS is an optional service that helps match students with specific interests to schools that offer what they are looking for. This includes matching based on location preferences, program interests, or other needs.
Application Requirements
Individual law schools have specific application requirements, so make sure you know what your chosen schools want. The basic application form typically includes biographical, academic, extracurricular, and conduct information.
Additional Components
- Personal statement: An essay required by almost all law schools. It can cover why you want to go to law school, or address specific topics requested by the school.
- Letters of recommendation: Most schools ask for 2-3 letters, although this may vary.
- Transcript(s): Request these from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, and have them sent directly to LSAC.
- LSAT score(s): As the administrator of the test, LSAC already has these scores and will automatically link them to your file.
- Résumé: Upload this to the LSAC website.
- Additional optional essays and addenda: These may be requested by the school in addition to the personal statement, or to explain any issues in your academic, personal, or professional life.
- English proficiency exam (if applicable): Score reports for TOEFL or IELTS exams will be included in your CAS Report.
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Law School recruiters
Understanding the LSAC Application Process:
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) simplifies the law school application process. It serves as a central platform for candidates to create an account, register for the LSAT, research law schools, and apply to multiple schools.
Steps for Recruiters to Guide Candidates:
- Encourage Early Planning: Emphasize the importance of early planning. Candidates should be advised to meet their prelaw advisors and create an LSAC online account early in their law school journey. This account will help them track deadlines, register for the LSAT, and manage applications.
- LSAT Registration and Preparation: Most law schools require the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Recruiters should guide candidates to register for the LSAT by November/December for fall admissions. However, taking the test earlier (June or September/October) is advisable.
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS): Recommend candidates to register for CAS, which simplifies their applications. CAS collects transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other documents. It combines these materials with the LSAT score and sends a comprehensive report to law schools.
- Choosing Law Schools: Assist candidates in selecting the right law schools that align with their interests and career goals. Encourage them to use LSAC's resources, such as the Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs, to find the best fit.
- Application Requirements: Help candidates understand the specific application requirements of their chosen law schools. Each school has unique deadlines and requirements, so staying organized and mindful of deadlines is crucial.
- Personal Statement and Essays: The personal statement is a crucial component of the application. Guide candidates in crafting a compelling essay that showcases their motivation and fit for law school. Additionally, inform them about potential additional essays or addenda that some schools may require.
- Letters of Recommendation: Advise candidates to request letters of recommendation early in the process. Recommenders should send these letters directly to LSAC, where they will be processed and added to the candidate's file.
- Transcripts: Ensure candidates understand that official transcripts must be sent directly from their undergraduate and graduate institutions to LSAC. This process can take up to two weeks, so timely requests are essential.
- Law School Report: Explain to candidates that LSAC will automatically compile a Law School Report, which includes LSAT scores, writing samples, academic summaries, transcripts, and recommendation letters. This report is sent directly to the candidate's chosen law schools.
- Resume and Optional Components: Assist candidates in crafting a professional resume and guide them through any optional essays or addenda that could strengthen their application.
- Application Submission: Through their LSAC account, candidates can electronically submit their completed applications to multiple law schools. Emphasize the importance of meeting deadlines and encourage early submission to gain a slight edge in the admissions process.
- Rolling Admissions: Inform candidates about the rolling admissions process used by most law schools. Explain that submitting applications early in the application cycle increases their chances of being considered alongside a smaller pool of applicants.
By following these steps and providing comprehensive guidance, law school recruiters can effectively support aspiring law students in their journey to securing admissions and pursuing their legal careers.
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Letters of recommendation
The most effective letters of recommendation are written by professors or work supervisors who know you well enough to describe your academic, personal, or professional achievements and potential candidly, in detail, and objectively. Letters that compare you to your academic peers are often the most useful. Most schools do not consider general, unreservedly praiseworthy letters helpful.
You should provide two to three letters of recommendation, depending on your law school’s admission requirements. If you are worried that one of your letters is not as strong as the others, don’t submit it. A mediocre letter could very well overshadow better letters read alongside it.
When asking for a letter of recommendation, it is important to approach your reference strategically. While it may be impressive to have a letter from a well-known professor or high-level executive, this is only a good idea if they know you well and can speak knowledgeably about your work and goals. It is more important to have a letter from someone who can speak about your strengths knowledgeably and enthusiastically.
Once you have identified your reference, ask them politely. Explain why you are applying to law school, why you think they would be a good reference, and when you will need the letter. You should ask for a letter of recommendation at least two months in advance of your application deadline.
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Frequently asked questions
To start your application, you must first create an LSAC online account. This will help you track the status of your applications and meet deadlines.
The basic requirements include the application form, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, a résumé, and transcripts.
All documents, except transcripts, must be written in a word processor and uploaded to your LSAC.org account. Transcripts must be requested by you and sent directly from your undergraduate institution to LSAC.