Path to Law School Checklist

Law School Checklist

  • Please plan backward from the time that you plan to apply for law school. For example, if you intend to begin law school in Fall 2025, you should have completed the first three years of this list prior to or very soon after the start of Fall Semester 2024!
  • Note that most law schools only offer Fall Semester admissions. Therefore, if you graduate in December, you will wait about eight months before entering law school.

Four-Year Plan

  • Introduce yourself to a Pre-Law Advisor
  • Attend Pre-Law interest sessions scheduled through Pre-Law Center
  • Visit LSAC Website (www.lsac.org)
  • Consider preparatory programs for freshmen through CLEO (www.CLEOinc.org)
  • Consider taking a mock LSAT


  • Consult with Pre-Law Center advisor to tailor your degree plan to specific interests
  • Research LSAT preparation options
  • Begin to research law schools online
  • Begin self-study for the LSAT
  • Write a resume in consultation with Pre-Law advisor or UT Arlington’s Office of Career Services
  • Consider preparatory programs for sophomores, such as those through CLEO (www.CLEOinc.org)
  • Consider adding a minor in Law and Legal Studies (not required)
  • Take advanced courses that require research and writing
  • Set up an account with the Credential Assembly Service through LSAC
  • Ask professors to write letters of recommendation to submit to the Credentials Assembly Service (www.lsac.org)
  • Consider preparatory programs for juniors such as those through CLEO (www.CLEOinc.org)
  • Register for the LSAT – ideally, during the spring of your junior year
  • Consult with your Pre-Law advisor
  • Craft personal statement for law school applications, in consultation with mentor or Pre-Law advisor
  • Take the LSAT either in June or July to get an early jump on the admissions process
  • If necessary, retake LSAT no later than September to retain options for early admission
  • Attend talks by law school admissions officers
  • Visit law schools – at announced times or by appointment
  • Consider preparatory programs for seniors such as those through CLEO (www.CLEOinc.org)
  • Confirm that all letters of recommendation have been received by the LSAC
  • Consult with your Pre-Law advisor
  • Submit an updated resume to the LSAC
  • Finalize applications
  • Weigh law school admissions and financial aid options during spring of senior year