Your Law School Admissions Checklist For September
The most important month to secure your best odds of law school admission? September.
Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach and contributor at US News, recently broke down why September plays such an integral role in the admissions process, and what applicants should do if they hope to better their odds.
WHY SEPTEMBER?
September, Kuris says, is a critical month primarily due to rolling admissions.
“Although it’s best to start preparing to apply to law school over the summer, many people find it all too easy to procrastinate when fall seems so far away,” Kuris notes. “By September, it’s time to get down to work. Applicants have better odds if they submit their applications early, because law school admissions are rolling. The law school admissions process is not a race. No prizes are awarded for being first to the finish line. Rather, applicants face better chances when there are still plenty of seats left in the class. Starting around late November, space may be increasingly limited even though deadlines may be months away.”
LSAT AND ESSAYS
September is typically the one of the most popular months to take the LSAT as applicants utilize the summer months to prep. In addition to completing the LSAT in September, Kuris recommends applicants to start kickstart their essays.
“Start by brainstorming and outlining a draft of your personal statement, which is the hardest essay to write,” Kuris says. “Think about how to use the essay to convey your interest in and commitment to a career in law. Next, complete a rough draft. At this point, do not worry about the length, language or style. Just try to get your ideas in a logical order and figure out what fits best. In later drafts, you’ll have plenty of chances to edit and polish your writing.”
REQUEST RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
If you plan to apply to law school by October, Kuris says, you’ll want to request recommendation letter this month.
“Law schools require at least one recommendation letter and usually allow between two and five,” she says. “It’s a good idea to request those letters about a month before you apply, to give your recommenders plenty of time to write them.”
CONSIDER EARLY DECISION
Early decision deadlines are usually around November. That means the earlier you submit, the earlier you’ll get a decision. Kuris recommends that applicants consider early decision, as it provides an optimal plan B.
“If you apply early decision in September, you may be able to receive a decision before deadlines close,” Kuris adds. “If you receive an unfavorable decision, you may even be able to apply to a different school early decision.”
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