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College of Arts and Sciences
Students Walking Across the Seton Hall Campus

Law School Applicant Checklist

Freshman and Sophomore Years 

  • Select a major field of study that is rigorous, appealing, and in which you can do well. 
  • Begin to establish a positive impression with professors who could write letters of recommendation for you.
  • Become involved with student organizations, activities that interest you and can lead to positions of substantial responsibility. 
  • Start exploring the work of attorneys and paralegals through internships and volunteer work.
  • Be sure to take a course in logic to help you with the LSAT. 

Junior Year 

  • Become familiar with the law school applications process through a study of the Office of Pre-Law Advising web site and attendance at Office of Pre-Law Advising/St. Thomas More Society/Phi Alpha Delta functions. 
  • Start your search for the right list of law schools for your interests and career plans using the resources available on-line or in the Office of Pre-Law Advising library. 
  • Make an appointment to see the Pre-Law Advisor to go over any unanswered. questions and gain additional information not readily available or missed.
  • Begin Preparing for the LSAT administered in June. 
  • Register with LSAC and LSDAS.
  • Secure work for the summer in a law-related field.

Senior Year (or Year Before Entering Law School) 

  • Complete list of prospective schools. 
  • Gather application materials for each school. 
  • Arrange for the transmission of all application materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, application, personal statement, etc.).
  • Ask for letters of recommendation and provide those willing to write with proper forms, stamped and addressed envelopes, the deadline, and any other materials requested.
  • Make the arrangements for dean’s certifications for the schools that require them.
  • Write a draft of your personal statement, check for errors, and then consult with the Pre-Law Advisor on your draft. Revise accordingly.
  • Monitor your LSDAS account regularly for the receipt of materials.
  • Take the LSAT in October (if necessary).
  • Complete all applications by late November.
  • Take the LSAT in December (if necessary). 
  • Check with schools in December/January to make sure application is complete.
  • Complete the FAFSA and any institutional financial aid applications as soon after January 1st as possible.
  • Meet with Pre-Law Advisor in spring after receiving responses to applications to discuss options (if necessary).
  • Take appropriate actions on acceptances, wait-lists, and financial aid.
  • Before leaving campus arrange for the transmission of final transcript to the law school you plan to attend and/or any schools still considering your application.