Getting into a top law school is no easy feat. There’s a lot that goes into your application and the process can be intimidating. The numerous law school application deadlines only add to the complexity and stress. So, developing a strategic approach to the application process is important.
Understanding Law School Application Deadlines
Applying to law school requires planning and a proactive approach that includes respecting each law school's application deadline.
Early Admission Deadlines
Early admission is a binding agreement that can make your application to a single school more competitive. You'll likely need to submit by mid-November to early December.
Regular Admission Deadlines
Applications for regular admission generally have to be in at some point between mid-February and May or June. Some schools, including highly competitive schools like Duke, NYU, and Yale, have February deadlines.
Rolling Admissions
With a rolling admission, schools review applications and fill seats as they go. Since programs have a limited number of seats, and applications are reviewed in the approximate order they are received, it is advantageous to be near the top of the pile!
Knowing the key dates and deadlines for law school applications is essential to stay organized and ensure a smooth application experience. To see a specific school's information, including application deadlines, process, and admissions criteria, look it up using our law school search tool or check the school's website.
The Ideal Law School Application Timeline
Give yourself about a year, starting in January, to comprehensively complete your applications, including gathering recommendation letters and writing essays. Putting together a great application takes more time than you expect, so this timeline is scheduled accordingly.
January – March: Prepare for the LSAT
Since many schools prioritize applications submitted earlier in the process, make sure you take your LSAT early enough in the cycle. Check your specific schools to ensure your scores will reach them in time.
- Take a free LSAT practice test to get your diagnostic score.
- Research LSAT prep courses or private tutoring.
- Check LSAT test dates and register early (registration deadlines are ~1 month before each test date).
July: Register for CAS
The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is required by most ABA-approved schools. Register early so you can begin sending your transcripts, LSAT scores , and letters of recommendation as soon as possible. After you apply to the law schools of your choice, they will contact the CAS directly and request a copy of your report.
August – September: Submit Transcripts and Request Recommendations
Most law schools open up for applications for the cycle in August or September.
- August: Request transcripts from your undergrad institution be sent directly to CAS.
- September: Ask professors for letters of recommendation while the school year is fresh.
August – October: Finalize Your School List
Check out school stats to find out where your GPA and test scores will fit comfortably within the application pool. Your best bet is to apply to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.
- Talk to a prelaw advisor and identify a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.
- Use our law school search tool to compare law schools based on GPA, LSAT score, and location.
September – November: Work on and Submit Applications
While your law school application will be relatively straightforward to complete, your personal statement will benefit from careful ruminations and multiple revisions. Ask some people who know you well—and have good critical eyes—to read your personal statement and make sure that it communicates your character. Admissions officers will appreciate a clear indication of what attracted you to law and what particular field interests you.
- Draft and revise your personal statement.
- Complete your law school applications.
- Aim to submit all applications by late November, well ahead of the typical law school application deadlines.
Why Applying Early Matters
Most law schools have rolling admissions, so seats fill up fast. Even if a school's final law school application deadline is in March or April, submitting earlier means:
- You have a better chance of acceptance as schools fill their classes on a rolling basis.
- You may find more financial aid opportunities available.
- You will have a higher priority for interviews and positions on the waitlist.
Handling Missed Deadlines and Waitlists
With numerous deadlines to track and the possibility of being waitlisted, it's essential to navigate this landscape with diligence and awareness. Understanding the implications of missed deadlines and how to handle a waitlist situation can significantly impact your chances of admission.
What Happens If I Miss the Law School Application Deadline?
Missing a deadline can be disappointing, especially since it means you may need to wait an entire year. Some schools offer late application options, but they're not always available and are rarely ideal.
The single most important step is to check the specific law school application deadline for every single school you plan to apply to. Deadlines vary and missing one can eliminate you from consideration.
What if I'm Waitlisted?
Some applicants are placed on a law school waitlist if the admission team doesn't feel confident enough to accept them before seeing the rest of the pool. In the spring, many schools start opening spots to students on the waitlist.
Even if you end up on the waitlist initially, submitting your application early may help you stay at the top of the waitlist for one of those spots!
Final Tips for Law School Applicants
- Prep early for the LSAT so you can apply early in the cycle.
- Stay organized with a spreadsheet of schools, deadlines, and requirements.
- Reach out for help from advisors, mentors, or professional admissions consultants.
- Submit your application as early as possible to increase your chances of acceptance and access to financial aid.
- Proofread everything—especially your personal statement.
Start your LSAT prep early and get ahead of the law school application deadlines. Stay organized and aim to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure the greatest chance of success!
