Timeline for Applying to Law School
Never Too Early
Sign up for the Careers in Law listhost to stay on top of opportunities, events, and updates from CIL.
Sign up on Handshake to meet with a CIL adviser to discuss your initial thoughts and plan.
Take part in extracurricular activities, taking on leadership roles.
Participate in treks, the law student mentorship program, and the Legal Research and Writing seminar, and CIL programming featuring industry professionals.
Build relationships with faculty members who may later write you a letter of recommendation.
Plan a time to take the LSAT (with a back-up date) while still in school.
Apply for internship opportunities in the legal field to explore your interests and develop your skills.
Familiarize yourself with the LSAC website.
9-12 Months Before You Apply
Research law schools - consider attending an LSAC Law School Forum.
Apply for an LSAC fee waiver if you think you might qualify.
Open a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) account with LSAC.
Decide when you will take the LSAT (planning for 180 hours of study time). The October LSAT should be the latest option. Register to take the LSAT at least six weeks before your planned test date.
Begin to consider your options for financing law school, utilizing AccessLex as a resource.
The Summer Before You Apply
In May, select writers for your letters of recommendation and ask each person by phone or inperson if they would be willing to serve as a recommender. Plan on submitting two academic letters of recommendation, and a third from an employer.
Write your law school resume (a two-pager is fine!).
Write your personal statement and (optional) diversity essay.
Send your resume, statement, and optional essays to a CIL adviser for review.
Submit your official transcripts to LSAC through the MyUChicago portal.
The Fall You Apply
Confirm your list of target law schools with a CIL adviser.
Obtain and complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Unless a law school's website states to not do so, request fee waivers from your target law schools.
When a recommendation has been received by LSAC, send a thank-you note.
Complete and submit your application for each school before the end of October.
The Winter & Early Spring After You Apply
If you are applying as a fourth-year student, send updated transcripts to LSAC.
If a law school requests a Dean’s Certification, contact collegestandards@uchicago.edu.
If a school asks that you interview, make an appointment with a CIL adviser to prepare.
Evaluate offers of acceptance and financial aid.
Negotiate scholarship offers; make an appointment with a CIL adviser to prepare.
Keep the Careers in Law team updated as you hear from schools so that they can best advise you.
Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to any school where you are waitlisted.
Accept the offer from the school you will attend and pay your seat deposit before their deadline. Make sure that you are aware of each school’s specific rules for seat deposits.
Once you make a decision, thank your recommenders once again and inform the Careers in Law team of your plans so that we can celebrate your success with you!