Now through August of your application cycle
- Decide when to apply (this year vs. in the future)
- Look into fee waivers if applicable
- Register for/take the LSAT as applicable
- Register with the Law School Admission Council's Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
- Approach your writers to discuss and obtain your letters of reference
- Investigate schools and decide where to apply
- Consult with a pre-law advisor in LSA and/or in your school or college
- Start working on your main application essay and schedule a review
- Mark your calendar now for the next UM Law Day or plan to attend the closest Law School Forum
September through December of your application cycle
- Register for/take the LSAT if applicable
- Send your official transcripts to CAS
- Gather and send reference letters
- Fine-tune your list of schools based on your GPA, LSAT scores and other factors important to you
- Write multiple, tailored application essays
- Have your essays reviewed by multiple parties for feedback
- Complete and submit law school applications
- Monitor your applications after submission for completeness
- File your FAFSA
January and beyond of your application cycle
- Await results
- If waitlisted, consider sending an application update
- Manage admission offers
- Pay deposit and send final transcript
You may also find helpful to peruse the LSAC application checklist.