Timeline

This plan is directed towards those students who plan to attend law school directly out of their undergraduate studies.  But please note that, increasingly, many students are opting to take time off between their undergraduate studies and law school.

Freshman Year and Beyond

• Consider career options

• Volunteer / Work in professional law settings

• Meet, talk with, and shadow working legal professionals

• Explore other areas of interest

• Develop your study skills

• Hone your problem solving abilities

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses

• Discover who you are as an individual

Sophomore Year

• Investigate law schools

• Request information from schools

• Study published materials

• Start familiarizing yourself with the LSAT 

Junior Year

Fall Semester:

• Begin to request recommendation letters from faculty, employers, and   
        supervisors

• Attend Law School Forum (usually in November in Oakland or SF)

• Begin studying for the LSAT

Spring Semester:

• Register for the LSAT

                 -  Check deadlines for Test registration

• Look into various preparation courses and materials

Summer Before Senior Year

• Study for the LSAT

• Register with LSDAS 

• Request undergraduate transcripts be sent to LSDAS

• Request application materials from law schools

• Begin writing personal statement

• Take practice LSATs

• The June LSAT exam is recommended so students avoid having to take the
         LSAT during the semester

• Further investigate law school choices

• Write a draft resume, emphasizing law-related experience

Senior Year

• Take the LSAT – While there is a test date offered in December, we recommend
        that you take the October exam.  For many schools, December is too late!

• Write Personal Statement

• Finalize resume 

• Request Letters of Recommendation

• Compile list of law schools to apply to

• Meet with a Pre-law Advisor to discuss your personal statement and choice of
        schools 

• Research financial aid options