An Introduction to Law School Admissions

You want to be a lawyer. We want you to be a lawyer, and we can help. There are just a small steps you need to take before you pull up to the courthouse in your Maserati and your ostrich leather, Louis Vuitton suit. Like what? Well, first of all, you have to get into law school.

The not-great news is that getting into law school is, for almost everyone, a significant investment of time and money. The great news is that, by the time you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll have a comprehensive idea of what you need to do and when you need to do it.

When to Apply to Law School

The law school admissions timeline can be confusing. Generally speaking, law schools accept applications between October and February. That means that if, for instance, you want to start law school in August 2026, application season runs between September 2025 and March 2026. Some law schools accept applications beyond March, even as late as June.

This doesn’t mean a Mach application is just as good as an October application. Law schools typically practice rolling admissions, which means that they start giving away seats as soon as application season opens. So, you might be fighting for one of three hundred seats in October and only one of fifty seats in March. In other words, there’s no such thing as fashionably late when it comes to law school applications.

We’ll get to the details of what a complete application looks like in a second, but you should know that law schools will not bother to look at anything in your application until it is complete.

Law School Application Requirements

Here are the elements of a complete law school application.

Official Undergraduate Transcripts

This includes all work you did at any post-high school institution before you were awarded your Bachelor’s Degree. The grades contained herein represent all grades and the only grades that will be factored into your official GPA.

Letters of Recommendation

Most schools require three letters, at least two of which are academic letters, i.e. written by professors or, in times of abject desperation, graduate student teaching assistants. If you’ve been out of school five years or more, most schools will accept professional letters, i.e. written by your work supervisor or other colleague.

LSAT Score

You must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Your LSAT score is likely the most important piece of your law school application.  A high LSAT score can make up for a lower GPA, while a low LSAT score can bring down an otherwise strong application.

Personal Statement

A law school personal statement is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee who you are as a person and why you want to go to law school. It is recommended that you spend significant time crafting and revising your personal statement, as it can often be a determining factor in the admissions decision.

Resume

Unlike a typical job resume, your law school application resume should highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work experience. It should also demonstrate your communication skills, leadership abilities, and passion for the legal field.

Optional Elements

Here are a few other things you can provide in addition to the above items:

Other Transcripts

Feel free to send along any transcripts from graduate school work. While it won’t be factored into the official GPA with which you apply, it will be seen by admissions officers and can help inform their decision.

Explanatory Essays

Oy. You failed all your classes fall semester of your freshman year. Or you were arrested for possession while on spring break in Daytona Beach. Or your first LSAT score caused your parents to cut you out of the will. You may need to write an extra essay (an addendum) explaining an unflattering portion of your application. You should only do this if there is a good explanation of whatever the problem is, as well as evidence that you’ve fixed the problem.

Additional Essays in the Application

If an optional prompt asks about how you’ll contribute to the diversity at the law school, answer it! Use all your allotted space to sparkle like the little pre-law gem you are. Passing up these prompts is just a missed opportunity to showcase another facet of you. It also shows that you’re not interested enough in the school to complete the entire application.

Law School Application Steps

1. Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

You don’t actually submit applications directly to law schools. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) collects all the pieces of your application and sends them to schools through the CAS.

2. Register for the LSAT

Register and take the LSAT as soon as you can. LSAT dates in the late fall/early winter will still get your application considered at the beginning of the admissions cycle. All schools take LSAT dates through January, but your application might arrive later in the cycle.

3. Seek Letters of Recommendation

The reason letters of recommendation are so high on the list is that you have to rely on other people. Professors are notoriously difficult to get a hold of, and they have scores of other people seeking letters from them. Be sure you ask in person if at all possible.

4. Get Your Official Transcripts

This step relies on action from another individual who may be uncooperative or very busy. Begin early to account for potential challenges.

5. Write Your Personal Statement

The law school personal statement is the most important piece of your application after the LSAT and GPA. It should go through numerous revisions and edits. You might need to tailor different versions to different schools.

6. Craft Your Resume and Write Any Explanatory Essays

And finally, we can’t forget about these finishing touches to your application.

Final Thoughts

If it feels a little overwhelming, don’t worry. The process can take over a few months of your life. It’s ok to ask for help. Blueprint Law School Admission Consultants have helped students navigate the law school admissions process and get into their dream law schools. Schedule a free consult to see if admissions advising is right for you!

Still prepping for the LSAT? Blueprint LSAT students increase their LSAT scores by 15 points, on average! Whether you have the discipline to study on your own with a Self-Paced Course, want to navigate the LSAT with instructors in a Live Course, or prefer one-on-one attention through tutoring, we have the study method that fits your learning style.