Applying to Law School: A Step-By-Step Guide

Rodia Vance Associate Director, The Career Center University Pre-Law Advisor rodia.vance@emory.edu

SEPTEMBER 2010
Get it going

Step #1: Register with CAS

CAS = Credential Assembly Service Register online at www.lsac.org. Cost is $124. Will also have to pay $12 for each school for law school reports. Sends your file to each law school that you apply to when the school requests it. Contents of law school report:

Undergraduate transcript summary Copies of all transcripts LSAT scores and writing sample copy Letters of recommendation/ online evaluations

Step #2: Request your transcripts

Request transcripts from ANY AND ALL colleges or universities ever attended. Must be official transcripts sent directly from the school. If study abroad was Emory-sponsored, do not need a separate transcript. Oxford does not require separate transcript. Registrars Office is located in B. Jones Building on first floor. Be sure to use the Transcript Request Form with all transcript requests. Print these from your CAS account.

Step #3: Request recommendations/evaluations

Letters should be a strong endorsement of your candidacy from those familiar with you and your work Possible recommenders: Professors Employers Other supervisors or advisors Most schools only require 2 letters of recommendation Provide them with an informational packet to help them write a stronger letter MUST use the LSAC Recommendation Letter Form Recommenders should send letters directly to the LSAC Know the difference between recommendations and evaluations

NEW LSAC Evaluation Service

New for 2010-2011 cycle. Most schools are NOT requiring this service this cycle. Evaluators vs. Recommenders

Evaluators complete online assessments Recommenders write paper letters

Evaluator will receive an email from LSAC requesting them to complete the evaluation for the applicant. Online assessment of 30 individual attributes and skills in 6 categories:

Intellectual skill Personal qualities Integrity and honesty Communication Task management Working with others

Space is allotted for text at the end of the assessment. Evaluations are placed in the CAS along with letters of recommendation.

Step #4: Create Your List

Start with self-assessment

Whats important to you? Preliminary filtering Review GPA and LSAT score Range of schools: reach, target, safety Between 10-12 schools is average Balance is key!

Consider your competitiveness

Compose your final list

OCTOBER 2010
Keep it moving

Step #5: Take the LSAT

October test should be registered by now and well into preparation December test should be viewed as a retake only if necessary. Not preferable for first administration if applying in current cycle. Despite this general guideline, take the test when best prepared! Better to have a stronger score later than a weaker score earlier.

Step #6: Write Your Personal Statement

Always read the question! Key context points: Unique experiences youve had or traits you possess Impact on you (strength, maturity, perspective, etc.) Connect to desire to go to law school No Whine Zone Use an addendum to discuss flaws Be sure to write optional essays (diversity, topic-specific) Standard writing rules apply Spelling Grammar Proofreading

Step #7: Write Your Resume

Formatting is similar to employment resume, however not restricted to one page. Key traits to convey

Professionalism Service-orientation Leadership Professional experience Community service Extracurricular activities

Types of experience to highlight

NOVEMBER 2010
Wrap it up

Step #8: Prepare and submit applications

Use the electronic application software from LSAC. Will have free access after registering for CAS. All ABA-Approved law schools applications are in the software. Can submit all applications electronically. Supplemental forms cannot be submitted electronically. Must be printed out, signed, and mailed to the school.

Step #9: Submit Deans Certifications

Assessment of your standing with the University. Most schools DO NOT require this form. Should be submitted to the Career Center only!!! Will need to complete our registration process and remit payment of $5 per certification. Certifications will be mailed directly to the law school. Questions about academic sanctions should be directed to Dean Brzinskis office in White Hall 300. Questions about conduct sanctions should be directed to the Office of Student Conduct in DUC 411E.

DECEMBER 2010 - SPRING 2011

Close it out

Step #10: Submit financial aid forms

Prepare federal income taxes ASAP after January 1. Complete the FAFSA. Check your credit report!!! Submit financial aid paperwork on time, even if you havent received an admission notification. Pay off/down consumer debt before entering law school.

Pre-Law Services

Pre-Law Registration Be sure to get registered TODAY!

www.career.emory.edu Click on Students tab Click on Pre-Law Students link Click on link to Register as a Pre-Law Student

Individual Appointments September is SENIORS ONLY! Office Hours (15 minutes) - Mon. & Thurs. 3-4 p.m. Pre-Law workshops Document Critique Services Deans Certifications

THE CAREER CENTER

B. Jones Center 200 Dowman Drive Mon. Fri., 8:30 To 5:00 P.M. 404-727-6211 www.career.emory.edu