Application Timeline for Seniors

While it is ideal to follow the general parameters provided in the following timelines, this is not always possible. In a sense, it is never too late to begin preparation for applying to law school. While all applicants should meet with a HPPLC Prelaw Advisor to construct an individualized timeline, it is essential to do so for those who come to the decision to apply relatively late in their academic career.

Fall Semester of Senior Year

• Make sure that you are still on the prelaw email list.
• If you plan on taking the December LSAT, make sure you consult with a Prelaw Advisor.
• Attend Law Day and other prelaw events.
• Expand your horizons: attend as many law recruiter visits as you can, even if you are busy, or think you don't need to know any more about the particular schools, or don't think you are interested in these schools. It is crucial that you are as well informed as possible.
• Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply and go over their applications.
• Register for the LSDAS-it does NOT happen automatically when you register for the LSAT, nor when you get a generic LSAC account or number. Go to www.lsac.org to register.
• Complete your file with the Credential Assembly Service ("CAS"---formerly known as the LSDAS).  Note that it can take up to two weeks for them to process your material, and occasionally longer:
  • Arrange for transcripts from every undergraduate institution you've attended to be sent to the LSDAS. You'll need to access your CAS account and print out a Transcript Request Form for each institution. For IUB, these requests go to the Registrar in Franklin Hall 100.
  • Arrange for your letters of recommendation to be sent to the LSDAS.
  • For a step-by-step guide as to what to do to complete your file, read the instructions located at the bottom of the HPPLC Prelaw Publications page by clicking here. 
  • Check the status of your account with LSDAS to make sure everything arrives, including ALL letters of recommendation.
• Finish your personal statement according to the parameters given on the applications to your schools. See, HPPLC publications: Writing an Effective Personal Statement for Law School; and The Personal Statement.
• Write supplemental/optional essays if they apply to your situation. Always take the option if you can.
• Consider submitting very short, factual addenda letters for important issues not fully addressed or covered by the application itself. They are often submitted in memorandum format ("To Whom it May Concern:" "Subject: GPA Spring Semester 2006" or "Subject: Why I'm Applying to Acme Law School") For questions or assistance, contact your Prelaw Advisor.
  Examples:
  • Anything that may have distorted your overall GPA, for example:
    • Initial wrong major;
    • Bad semester due to illness, personal or family issues, etc.;
    • Initial lack of focus on academics;
    • Recent upward trend in grades;
    • Work or other worthwhile activities during academic year that may have impacted your GPA.
  • History of standardized tests not accurately predicting future academic performance (i.e., low SAT or ACT scores compared to your current cumulative GPA).
  • Specific, identifiable reasons you are applying to a given school, especially if you have visited and can articulate why you really love it.
  • Skeletons in your closet if requested on the application:
  • Academic probation;
  • Arrests, even if the charges were eventually dismissed or your record expunged;
  • University-based discipline.
  • For questions about your record at IUB, consult the Office of Student Ethics, 801 N. Jordan Street, phone: 812-855-5419.
• Submit any Dean's Certification forms that may be requested by your schools as part of the application package.  Note that relatively few schools require such forms. However, for those few that do, follow these instructions:
  • For majors in the College of Arts & Sciences, submit the form to College of Arts & Sciences Academic Assistant Deans' Office, Kirkwood Hall 012, 130 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, Phone: (812) 855-8245 Fax: (812) 855-2060. They will ask you to fill out this form first, and will forward the Certification to your law school.
  • For all other majors, give the form to the Office of Student Ethics, 801 N. Jordan Street, phone: 812-855-5419.  They will arrange for the form to be forwarded to your law school as well.
• Meet with your Pre Law Advisor to review your final list and to be sure that you have taken care of everything.
• Consider using the free CAS electronic application software, available at www.lsac.org. Most applicants send their applications this way, and the law schools like it. It contains the applications to literally every ABA-approved American law school, and has the advantage of having a "common information" section, where you fill out standard information only once. Then when you open each school's individual application, the common information magically appears where it should. This can save much time when applying to multiple schools.
  • Note: some electronic applications ask for a "certification page," which you must sign and send along as a hard copy with your application fee. This page will not be available until after you actually submit the application (it includes the date upon which you applied).
  • Alternative methods for applying include doing so electronically through each school's website, or getting a hard copy and submitting it via snail mail.
  • If you submit a hard copy, DO NOT fill it out by hand. Too many admission officials consider this to be extremely unprofessional. Make a copy for your records, and consider sending it by registered mail, return receipt requested.
• GET YOUR APPLICATIONS IN BY THANKSGIVING, OR EARLIER IF APPLYING EARLY ACTION OR EARLY DECISION. If you can't apply by Thanksgiving, have all material in by January 1 at the latest. This is crucial--and applies to those taking the December LSAT as well.  If you do take the December exam, be prepared to submit all of your material, and have your LSDAS file complete, BEFORE you receive your test results!  In any case, do NOT wait for the application deadline. By then many schools may have very few open seats available, and admission standards may be higher.
• Keep copies of all your application materials, including checks.
• Monitor the application process with your schools and the LSDAS:
  • Make sure your schools request your file from the LSDAS by checking the status of your account online;
  • Make sure the LSDAS sends everything (including all letters) to the schools by calling the admissions offices if they do not provide confirmation themselves.
• Follow-up: this is crucial. Assume nothing and check everything. Make sure the LSDAS has all of your information, and forwards same to your law schools. Be sure the LSDAS has forwarded ALL letters of recommendation. Check with each law school to make sure your application package is complete.
• You, and you alone, are responsible for getting all application materials in on time. Make copies of everything and keep track of dates. Allow sufficient time when requesting supportive materials for your applications. All offices experience delays, especially during peak request periods.

Spring Semester of Senior Year

• In January, send the LSDAS copies of your official transcript with your fall grades (unless you grades suffered and the schools don't require it from you).
• If applying for financial aid, fill out the FAFSA form by the end of February. Do your taxes early, as the FAFSA form will ask for information it contains. If you do not do this, answer the FAFSA questions based on last year's tax return, and update the information later if necessary.
• If waitlisted, send schools a letter informing them of your continued interest (if true) and any relevant information about honors, projects, etc., along with another letter of recommendation. See the HPPLC Prelaw Publication Waitlist Procedures for detailed information.
• Don't make your final decision until you have heard from most of your schools. Some schools may offer you financial aid money and that may be a factor in your decision.
• Note that financial aid is negotiable. If you get a good offer from one school, consider using it as a bargaining chip with another ("I'd really like to attend your school, but XX has made a very generous offer that I can't ignore. Is there any way you can review my financial aid package?").
• Be aware that all deadlines are potentially negotiable. If you haven't heard from a top-choice school and the deadline for another is approaching, try to get an extension. They are usually granted, if at all, one week at a time.
• If you have been accepted to the #1 school of your choice, put down a deposit and be sure to meet ALL DEADLINES for submitting subsequent deposits and paperwork. Withdraw applications from your other schools.
• Please let HPPLC know the results of your applications!
• Donate your LSAT preparation materials to HPPLC.