Whether you’re a domestic JD or international LLM applicant, applying to law school requires strategic planning and close attention to detail. With the application season fast approaching, this week-by-week guide will help you make the most of the next 100 days and submit a strong application by the Thanksgiving holiday.
Week 1: Set the Foundation – Get Organized & Plan for Testing
JD: Identify target schools, note deadlines, and create your LSAC JD account. If you plan to re-take the LSAT, register for an early-fall test date and establish a structured study schedule.
LLM: Identify target schools, review program requirements and deadlines, and set up your LSAC LLM account. If required, register for the TOEFL/IELTS to secure an early test date.
Week 2: Secure Your Support System
JD: Ask professors and/or supervisors for recommendation letters. Be prepared, in the following weeks, to provide each recommender with a prep packet to help them write with detail and context.
LLM: Request letters of recommendation early and allow for translation if necessary. LLM applicants should provide their recommenders with prep packets early in the process.
Week 3: Gather Transcripts & Begin Essay Brainstorming
JD: Request transcripts from all previously attended institutions through your LSAC JD account.
LLM: Request official transcripts and certified translations if needed. Many applicants will need to have degree-issuing institutions mail transcripts directly to LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service. Begin this process early to avoid delays.
Both: Begin brainstorming core essay topics and identifying central narrative threads. Discussing ideas with friends, mentors, and family members can help surface strong themes.
Weeks 4-5: Refine Your Resume and Produce First-Draft Essays
Both: Update resume to reflect personal, academic, and professional accomplishments. Format for law school applications: concise, results-oriented, and ideally no longer than two pages.
Both: Write your first essay drafts without worrying about style or length. Focus on capturing experiences and motivations that connect your background to your pursuit of law.
Weeks 6-7: First Essay Revisions & Recommender Prep
Both: Share drafts with a trusted reader or mentor for “big picture” feedback to sharpen your writing’s focus and narrative arc.
Both: If not already done, provide recommenders with prep packets (including updated CVs and in-progress essays). LLM applicants may need to complete this step earlier, particularly if translation is required.
Weeks 7-8: Deepen Your Storytelling & Draft Supplemental Essays
Both: Refine personal statements by strengthening narrative depth and weaving in school-specific details.
Both: Draft supplemental essays and short responses. Use these to add new dimensions to your candidacy rather than repeating points from your personal statement.
Weeks 9-10: Testing Deadlines & Second Revisions Cycle
JD: Ensure LSAT testing is completed.
LLM: Ensure TOEFL/IELTS testing is completed.
Both: Revise essays for clarity, style, and adherence to word limits. Polish supplemental essays and responses.
Weeks 11-12: Document Check & Final Writing
LLM: Confirm that mailed documents and TOEFL/IELTS scores have been processed by LSAC. Check for any incomplete reports via CAS.
Both: Verify in LSAC that recommendation letters have been received. If not, send polite reminders. Proofread all essays, resumes, and addenda – errors can undermine strong applications.
Weeks 13-14: Submit Confidently
Both: Upload all materials to LSAC and complete any school-specific application forms. Double-check that transcripts, test scores, essays, recommendations, and other required documents are included before submitting.
Final Thoughts
Completing a law school application in 14 weeks is a demanding task, but with structure and consistency, it can be done successfully. By steadily advancing your essays, staying ahead on logistical tasks, and proactively communicating with recommenders, you’ll position yourself to submit compelling, polished applications. Remember to give yourself room for authentic storytelling – this takes time and patience, even on an accelerated timeline. If you’d like tailored guidance for your own application strategy, you can reach out to schedule a free consultation.
