There are several steps to the application process for law school. Although several are like the undergraduate application process, there are some important differences. Be very familiar with the process and timeline before diving into applications. Familiarize yourself with these resources.
Timeline
Timelines for law school applications vary based on the time at which you plan to matriculate to law school. The largest percentage of UVA applicants to law school complete between 1 to 3 bridge years after completion of their undergraduate degree.
- Spring Prior to Application
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- Prior to the fall application cycle in which you intend to apply. This could take place in the spring of your 3rd year, 4th year, or beyond.
- Begin LSAT Prep Brainstorm individuals for letters of recommendation
- Set-up LSAT account
- Register for June or August LSAT
- Ask instructors for letters of recommendation before the beginning of summer
- Begin researching law schools of interest. Consider visiting schools for a tour / open house
- Begin thinking about what financial resources you'll need for the application process and for affording law school - try starting here: Financial Education with Accesslex
- Summer Prior to Application
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Prior to the fall application cycle in which you intend to apply. This could take place in the summer after your 3rd year, 4th year, or beyond.
- Take June or August LSAT
- Prepare an outline for your personal statement
- Request official copies of your transcript to be sent to LSAC
- Begin drafting personal statement
- Research law schools
- Follow-up with recommendation writers by the end of the summer/beginning of the fall
- Fall Application Cycle
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It's application time! Law school applications should be submitted in the fall. This could take place in the fall of your 4th year or beyond.
- Begin law school applications on LSAC
- Attend Law School Application Process Meeting hosted by Pre-Law Advisors
- Attend UVA Graduate and Professional School Fair and speak with law school recruiters
- Prepare for law school interviews
- Retake September LSAT exam if necessary Aim to submit applications by thanksgiving at the latest (earlier the better)
- Check specific schools' websites for any additional scholarship or grant applications
- Submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Double check to make sure application materials were received
- Spring During Application Cycle
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Your applications are in and you're waiting for and responding to admission decisions. This could take place in the spring of your 4th year or beyond.
- Send fall transcript to LSAC (if applicable)
- Complete financial aid paperwork at the institution you'll be attending
Meet with UVA's Student Financial Services to learn about options and strategies for managing your Personal Finance
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test required for admission to American Bar Association (ABA) approved law schools. This exam is used to assess an applicant's ability to succeed in law school. This exam provides a common measure of reading and verbal reasoning skills. The exam consists of six sections:
- Reading Comprehension
- Analytical Reasoning
- Logical Reasoning I
- Logical Reasoning II
- Variable / Experimental Questions
- Writing Sample
Each section of the exam is 35 minutes in length. The first 5 sections are multiple choice. The variable / experimental questions and the writing sample sections are not scored. Copies of the writing sample will be available to your schools when you apply. Scores are reported on a scale of 120 to 180. The average score for UVA applicants applying to law school is 160.
This exam is offered a limited number of times a year by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). It is recommended to take the test in June, July, or September if you are applying the following fall.
For specific information on test dates, sites, registration forms, fees and deadlines, please visit the LSAT section of the LSAC website.
Test Prep Resources
There are many types of test preparation resources that vary in cost and approach. Pre-Law Advisors do not endorse any of the providers below but are happy to speak with you about how you might identify the style of preparation that best fits your needs.
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Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
The exam consists of three sections:
1. Verbal Reasoning
2. Quantitative Reasoning
3. Analytical Writing
A growing number of law schools now accept the GRE in lieu of the LSAT; however, the LSAT is still the preferred exam for most law school admissions. If you have questions about taking the LSAT vs. the GRE, refer to ETS or check in with a Pre-Law Advisor.
Test Prep Resources
As with the LSAT, there are many types of test preparation resources that vary in cost and approach. Pre-Law Advisors do not endorse any of the providers below but are happy to speak with you about how you might identify the style of preparation that best fits your needs.
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