QandAs: Legal

How do I Apply to Law School?

Answer:
Applying to law school is not an easy process

but it can be broken down into manageable steps. First of all, an aspiring law student must register for the Law School Data Assembly Service, or LSDAS. This organization exists to streamline law school applications – they not only report your test scores, but facilitate your transcripts and letters of recommendation in reaching your desired law schools.

Next, you must register for and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). After receiving a passing score on the LSAT, you can fill out applications for law schools. Although all applications used to be paper ones that had to be mailed in, law school applications are now usually processed online, although you can still download or request a hard copy of an application.

All law schools in the United States require a personal essay, generally about your reasons for wishing to study law. These average 600 words and are a very important part of the admissions process, as the school is able to see a little bit about you as an individual.

Finally, you must request both letters of recommendation and a Dean’s Letter, which is much like a transcript. Letters of recommendation can be written by faculty or employers and are submitted to the LSDAS. The Dean’s Letter includes your grades as well as any extracurricular activities and awards.

With all this done, all there is left is to sit back and wait for news on your acceptance!