Law School Application Checklist

Law School Application Checklist by Year

Freshman Year

GOALS

• Focus on your GPA.
• Get involved in organizations in which you are genuinely interested.
• Join Pre-Law Scholars / Pi Lambda Sigma.
• Attend the Law School Fair in January.

1. Grades: Your undergraduate GPA is one of the two most important criteria considered by law school admissions committees so be prepared to do your best from day one. This means you should:
   • Go to class. You are now responsible for getting yourself there. Do it. Do not let yourself down.
   • Learn how to use Canvas. Many faculty will use it as the primary or sole communication tool for assignments, grades, and making announcements. Expectations differ from one professor to another and you are expected to know and follow each one’s individual preferences. Develop the habit of checking Canvas for every class on a regular (even daily) basis.
   • Do all of the assigned work. You are responsible for knowing what your assignments are, what format should be used (e.g., online or paper submission) and when they are due. Do them all and in a timely manner.
   • Start developing relationships with your professors. Go to office hours. Ask for help when you are confused about the content of the course or an assignment. You will have to ask faculty to write letters of recommendation when you apply to law school and a personal relationship will enable them to write far better letters on your behalf.
2. Involvement: Find campus or community activities or organizations that interest you. Getting involved is important, but most importantly, you should identify activities in which you are genuinely interested. Auburn has more than 500 student organizations. Explore Auburn's student organizations.
3. Advisors: Meet with your college and major advisors on a regular basis to seek the best guidance on course selection. Auburn has a Pre-law Advisor who offers guidance to students in every major. Contact Debra-Armstrong-Wright at dza0011@auburn.edu.
4. Majors: Choose a major that you enjoy. There are no prerequisites for law school. If you find the topic interesting, you are more likely to attend class, do the assignments, and do well in the class. Your GPA matters.
5. On-Campus Presentations, Seminars, Workshops and Panel Discussions: Attend events sponsored by the Pre-Law Programs Office that will help you understand and prepare for the law school application process. Events include presentations by recruiters and admissions representatives from law schools, workshops by the Pre-Law Advisor and panel discussions featuring students who have been through the application process.
6. Pre-Law Scholars and Pi Lambda Sigma: Join the Pre-Law Scholars Program or Pi Lambda Sigma (pre-law honor society) so that you will receive notice of the programs and events related to law school and the opportunities to network with other pre-law students.
7. Attend the Law School Fair: In January of each year, Auburn has a law school fair that features on-campus visits by >100 admissions deans and directors from law schools from all over the country.

Sophomore Year

GOALS:

• Maintain your GPA.
• Seek leadership opportunities in organizations.
• Take law courses to test your interest, even if they are electives.
• Create an account on LSAC.org.
• Consider internships.
• Meet with the Pre-Law Advisor.

1. Grades: Still number one on your list!
2. Involvement. Continue your involvement with activities and begin seeking leadership roles. Law schools would prefer that you pursue quality of experience over quantity when it comes to involvement. Commit to organizations related to your passion even if they are not directly related to law school.
3. Courses. Once you have completed the core courses, begin taking courses that will enhance your critical reasoning and communication skills. Select courses that challenge your reading comprehension. Learning to deconstruct and reconstruct the written word is an essential skill for succeeding in law school and in the profession.
4. Major. If you believe you made a mistake in the initial selection of your major, do not be afraid to explore a change. Use the resources on campus to explore other options. Seek personal guidance through the AU Career Discovery and Success Center.
5. Internships. Begin to look for internship opportunities for the following summer. If you plan to go straight to law school in the fall after you graduate from Auburn, you should try to keep the summer between junior and senior years open for LSAT prep and testing. Many pre-law students intern with U.S. Representatives or Senators in their offices in Washington D.C. For more information, go to Federal Government Internships, State Government Internships and Auburn on the Hill LinkedIn page. 
6. LSAC Account. Create a free account with the Law School Admission Council. Creating an account is necessary for you to register to take the LSAT and is the portal through which you will submit law school applications.
7. LSAT. Begin to familiarize yourself with the Law School Admissions Test. Your LSAT score is the other (besides the GPA) main criterion used by law schools to decide whether to offer you a seat. General wisdom is that you will need to spend 325 - 350 hours of preparation to reach your potential. Take a practice test to get your baseline score. Pre-Law Programs offers a practice test for this purpose in spring semester.
8. On-Campus Presentations, Seminars, Workshops and Panel Discussions: Continue to participate in events sponsored by the Pre-Law Programs Office and Pi Lambda Sigma.
9. Law School Fair: Attend the law school fair. Be sure you are prepared beforehand so that you can maximize the experience. Plan to start attending at least by your sophomore year if you did not attend as a freshman.
10. Pre-Law Advising: If you have not done so already, be sure to schedule an appointment with the Pre-Law Advisor to begin planning your pathway to law school! Email Debra Armstrong-Wright at dza0011@auburn.edu.

Junior Year

GOALS

• GPA, still.
• Researching law schools.
• LSAT preparation plan.
• Connecting with law schools.
• Schedule a pre-law advising meeting.

1. Grades: Again, your number one objective for this year is to maintain or improve your GPA. Most importantly, keep in mind that the GPA you have at the end of spring semester of your junior year likely will be the GPA that you will submit with your application. It is possible to wait until after your fall semester grades are in to apply, but generally speaking, the earlier you apply (in the fall) the better.
2. Courses: Take one or more of Auburn's law-related courses offered across campus. Even if they are not required in your major, seriously consider taking one of these courses as an elective. They will introduce you to the vocabulary you will use in law school, and you will start learning how to “think like a lawyer”. Courses in political science in particular will require you to reason your way through court opinions; many of the cases assigned will be read again in law school.
3. On-Campus Presentations, Seminars, Workshops and Panel Discussions: Attend events sponsored by the Pre-Law Programs Office and Pi Lambda Sigma geared to help you prepare for the law school application process.
4. LSAT Plan: This is the time to develop your LSAT plan. Will you take a prep course or do self-prep? If you take a course, which will you choose? In-person? Online asynchronous? Online synchronous? When will you take the course? When will you take the LSAT?
5. LSAT: Begin actual preparations for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The Pre-Law Program at Auburn University does not endorse any particular LSAT prep course and does not advocate commercial courses over self-directed preparation by students.
   • Prep Materials. LSAT preparation manuals are available on amazon.com, through commercial prep course websites, and through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). TestMasters offers the only in-person prep course in the Auburn area.
   • Pamphlets containing information about commercial LSAT prep courses are available in the pre-law office (Haley 7092). Students are encouraged to contact representatives of any commercial LSAT prep courses in which they are interested to compare the benefits and costs of these courses.
   • Practice tests. The LSAT is now offered online rather than in person. It is important to practice taking the LSAT online before taking it for the first time. Pre-Law Programs Office offers free practice tests to members of Pi Lambda Sigma. Notices of practice tests will be sent to members of Pi Lambda Sigma. Additionally, LSAC now offers the opportunity for account holders to purchase (for an annual fee of $120.) access for a full year to 54 full-length retired LSATs and Argumentative writing prompts by purchasing LSAT LawHub Advantage. Free practice tests may be taken online on several test prep program websites. Simply open a browser and search for “free practice LSAT” and numerous options will be available. In order to get the closest experience to the LSAT, be certain that you are taking actual LSAT tests rather than tests that are written by another company. Also be certain that you are timing yourself exactly as you will be timed on the actual test.
6. Pre-Law Advising: Schedule a pre-law advising meeting! 
7. LSAC Account: If you have not already, be sure to create an account on LSAC.org. You must have an account in order to register for the LSAT. Moreover, law school applications will be submitted through the LSAC account. See the list of LSAT fees. For questions, call 800-336-3982 or email LSACinfo@LSAC.org.
   • Most law schools require applicants to use LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS). You will be required to pay a fee ($215) for this service; however, it makes the application process much easier for you. You will send transcripts, letters of recommendation (LORs) and other credentialing documents to LSAC one time and, as part of the CAS service, LSAC will forward those documents electronically to each school to which you apply.
8. Register for the LSAT: Take the LSAT during the summer between your junior and senior years. There is a $248 fee each time you take the test. It is best if you can take it in June and then have the remainder of the summer to continue your preparation if you do not get the score you want. Testing in June will give you the time between the end of spring semester and the test date (the month of May) to do more focused preparation since it is difficult to prepare while you are also studying for classes. Plan to take it again in August or September since most applications open on September 1. Plan your summer so that you can be fully focused on maximizing your time on LSAT prep.
9. Do not take the LSAT until you are fully prepared. Your LSAT score will be shared with every law school at which you apply. You now have the option to preview your score and then cancel it. Your report will show “C” for a cancelled score, but law schools will not see the score itself. There is a fee associated with the cancellation. If you purchase “Score Preview” before taking the test, the fee is $45. Purchasing after score release costs $85. You do not have the option to “hide” your scores like you do with the ACT.
10. Research law schools: Begin researching the GPA and LSAT score medians, scholarship possibilities, and application requirements at the schools of your choice. They can differ greatly from school to school so make careful notes about what you discover. You will appreciate having this information readily available when it comes time to submit your applications. The best source for the median GPA and LSAT scores are found on the law school’s 509 Report.  
11. Consider attending an LSAC Law School Forum: The Law School Admissions Council holds law school forums at various locations across the country every year. There is one in Atlanta in September or October. LSAC Forums are like Auburn’s law school fair, but there are about 200 law schools in attendance rather than half that number.
12. Attend Auburn University’s Law School Fair: Be sure you attend during your junior year! In January, Auburn will hold an on-campus law school fair. Admissions representatives from more than 100 law schools will attend. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions about the law schools in which you are interested and to discover law schools of which you have never heard.
13. Pi Lambda Sigma members may volunteer to assist with hosting the law school fair. Information about registering for this will be distributed via the PLS list-serv.
14. Application Workshops: Attend a spring workshop specifically for juniors on how to use the summer to get a head start on applications! To apply for law school, you will need to submit an application, an updated resume, a personal statement, transcripts from every institution of high education you have attended (even under a dual enrollment program), optional essays and addenda, and letters of recommendation. It takes a great deal of time to draft and assemble these materials.

Senior Year

1. Pre-Law Advisor: Schedule an appointment with the pre-law advisor to discuss your application plans if you did not do so in the summer or late spring semester of your junior year.
2. Application Workshops: Attend law school application workshops offered shortly after fall semester begins to review the current wisdom on the various components of the application.
3. LSAT: If you have not taken the LSAT already or plan to take it again, you should take it at the earliest date possible in the fall. Law schools will consider your highest LSAT score. Be mindful and strategic in your planning. If in doubt as to whether to retake the LSAT, discuss this option with the admissions officers of the schools to which you are Most are happy to give you their honest assessment as to whether you can enhance your admission chances by doing so.
4. LSAC Credential Assembly Service: If you have not already done so, pay the CAS service fee so that your credentialing materials can be submitted online. LSAC recommends paying your CAS fee four to six weeks before you plan to apply so that they have time to process all components and prepare the CAS report by the time you need it. Most every law school requires that your credentials be submitted online via lsac.org. A few will accept paper applications, but still require a CAS Report from LSAC. Application components required by most law schools include:
   • LSAT score.
   • Undergraduate and graduate transcripts from every institution at which you took classes, including dual enrollment courses (even if they did not count towards degree requirements.
   • Personal statement.
   • Optional essays.
   • Letters of recommendation.
   • Completed application form.
5. Application Fees: Most law schools require an application fee with the application; however, many schools will waive the fee. This fee is paid to the law school and is separate from and in addition to the fee paid to LSAC ($45 per application). Read more information on gaining fee waivers for LSAC services. 
6. Rolling Admissions. Law schools use a rolling admissions system to process applications. They consider applications as they are received rather than a designated date. As a result, those who apply early theoretically have an advantage in that they are being compared to fewer applicants. This does not mean, however, that you will receive a decision in short order. Many law schools award scholarships as they make admission decisions, so early applicants have an advantage there as well.
7. Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Determine whether the law schools to which you are applying require letters of recommendation and, if so, how many. The number required and the number allowed varies from school to school and can range from zero to unlimited. Ask the Pre-Law Advisor for suggestions on securing your LOR.
   • Law schools prefer that at least one (and often two) letters come from professors. Be sure to ask professors who know you well and can write a personalized statement about your intellect, academic performance, reasoning ability, writing ability, drive and self-discipline. The authors can upload letters directly to your LSAC account and they will be forwarded by LSAC directly to the schools to which you apply. Do not wait until the last minute. Four to six weeks is a minimum timeframe.
   • When requesting that a professor, employer, or other individual write a letter of recommendation for you, be sure to give that person a resume setting forth your qualifications for law school admission and your personal accomplishments, both academic and extra-curricular.
8. Transcripts: Transcripts from every institution of higher education must be submitted, even if the hours were not applied to satisfy course requirements for your undergraduate (or graduate) degree. This includes college courses taken through dual enrollment in high school. Read more information on transcripts requests and submissions. 
   • Transcripts must be sent directly to LSAC from the institution and not from you. Transcripts sent by you will not be processed. LSAC accepts transcripts from certain electronic transcript transfer sources. Learn how to request transcripts.
   • Auburn University participates in the National Student Clearinghouse and transcripts can be ordered and paid for online.
   • Some institutions (i.e., community colleges) may not participate in one of the acceptable transfer sources and requests can take extra time and effort. DO NOT delay this step.
   • If you participated in a study abroad program, read the LSAC directions very carefully.
9. Personal Statements: Personal statements are an important part of your application. They give you the opportunity to introduce yourself, your personality, your character, your values, and your goals to the admissions committee and can be determinative. However, they also can be the most challenging part of the application simply because there are so few guidelines. Other than page or word length, font style or size, and margin restrictions, there are few rules constraining what you write for many law schools. The content is up to you.
   • Begin working on your personal statements early (summer) so that you can put sufficient thought and effort into them. One admissions representative at a law school to which many Auburn students apply recommends writing ten drafts, at least, before submitting.
   • Be sure to check (twice) what each school allows or requires as each one is different.
10. LSAT or GPA Addenda: If you took the LSAT multiple times, you may want to address the reason one score is not indicative of your ability. A few schools require you to provide your explanation of score differences across LSAT administrations. Similarly, it may be helpful to offer an explanation of a period of poor performance in your course work or a significant trend (up or down) in your undergraduate grades.
11. Supplemental and Optional Essays: In addition to the personal statement, some law schools require applicants to write short essays responding to specific questions. Many also allow applicants to submit optional essays that address certain questions. (It is usually a good idea to treat even the optional ones as “recommended” for your top schools.) These essays can offer you the chance to explain or provide additional information about matters that you want the admissions committee to consider when they are reviewing your application. They may include topics such as an explanation of why you are especially interested in that particular school.
12. Law School Visits: If you can, it is a good idea to visit the schools in which you are interested. In addition to being informative for you, all law schools note every contact (even viewing of a virtual tour) as a measure of your genuine interest in their program. They even maintain a database of your contacts.
    • When visiting, make sure it is an official visit so that the admissions personnel are aware you are on campus. Ask to meet with admission representatives and be prepared with questions before the visit.
    • If given the opportunity, attend a class during your visit.
    • Look for opportunities to engage with current students. Ask questions.
13. Law School Forum: Consider attending an LSAC law school forum. LSAC holds law school forums at various locations across the country every year. There is one in Atlanta in the fall. Learn more about the forums and register.
14. Attend Auburn University’s Law School Fair: Even though you may have submitted your applications before the law school fair, you should attend to confer with the law schools to which you applied.
15. Apply Early. Complete your law school applications in a timely manner. Deadlines can be as early as February 15 or extend even into the summer; however, most offers have been extended long before the absolute deadline. In fact, many law schools begin holding “admitted students weekends” as early as January and February.
    • If possible, submit all applications in the fall. Some schools have priority deadlines for early decision applications or for other reasons. For example, if you wish to be granted an alumni interview at Vanderbilt Law, you must apply by November 15.
    • You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for federal financial FAFSA opens in October.
16. Acceptance and Seat Deposits. When accepted by the law school of your choice, send in your matriculation deposit and complete the student loan application process, if necessary.
    • Deadlines.Each school has a deadline for payment of a seat deposit, some as early as April 1. Some schools require two deposits. Be mindful of putting seat deposits at more than one school. Some schools have restrictions on this. Read the acceptance letter carefully to determine if a seat deposit requires you to forfeit enrollment and scholarship offers at other schools. In May, LSAC sends a report to law schools that provides the numbers of admitted applicants who have made multiple seat deposits.
    • Withdraw from the schools you will not attend so those seats may be awarded to others.