Law school applicants want to know how they can stand out from the crowd and get noticed (in a good way!) by the admission committee. We’ve seen candidates write creative personal statements, obtain impressive-sounding internships, and even find VIPs to write letters on their behalf. Law school admissions committees have received videos, photo albums, portfolios, thesis submissions, and even poems. People are very creative!
However, the basic application requirements for law school don’t really lend themselves to autographed modeling headshots, for example. It tends to be a bit cut and dried: you submit your LSAT score (or possibly the GRE), your college transcript, a personal statement, your letters of recommendation, and that’s that.
However, for applicants who want to demonstrate their strengths beyond just the numbers, there are ways to stand out while remaining professional.
This blog covers the basics you need to apply to law school and offers some tips on how to put together an application that will help you stand out from the rest.
Basics of the Law School Application Process
Applying to law school requires research, work, and planning. Here are the basic steps you need to take and when to take them.
Prepare for the LSAT
Aim to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) about a year before you plan to start law school, either over the summer or in the early Fall.
LSATs are offered pretty regularly throughout the year, and registration deadlines are typically about a month in advance of the test date. Your score can significantly influence admissions decisions, scholarship offers, and your competitiveness across a wide range of law schools, so give yourself time for thorough LSAT prep, either on your own or through a course.
>> View test dates and registration deadlines.
Register for CAS
Similar to the Common App for college admissions, the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is a centralized hub for law school applicants, managed by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It simplifies the application process by allowing you to submit your academic transcripts, LSAT scores, and letters of recommendation to one central location. LSAC then compiles these materials into a comprehensive CAS Report, which includes a standardized GPA calculation and copies of all submitted documents ready upon request for the law schools you apply to.
Send Your Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation to CAS
As the new Fall semester starts in August/September, you should reach out to the professors who know you best for letters of recommendation. Make sure they feel comfortable writing you a strong recommendation for law school. At the same time, reach out to your college to request that they send a transcript to CAS.
Law School Application Deadlines
Many law schools employ a rolling admissions process, so it’s better to submit your application as early as you can. Aim to submit all of your applications by late November or early December.
The application cycle for Stetson University College of Law starts on October 1.
5 Tips to Make Your Law School Application Stand Out
1. Show the Admissions Committee That You’ve Researched Their JD Program Carefully
No law school wants to be an applicant’s back-up plan. Make sure your schools know why you’ve chosen to submit an application. If the school is close to home and you plan to practice in that area, let them know. If they’ve got an exceptional program in the field you’re hoping to practice in, let them know. You should explain why the school meets your needs and how you can be a valuable asset to that program.
At Stetson University College of Law, for example, JD applicants often cite our top-ranked trial advocacy, elder law, environmental law, and social justice advocacy programs as reasons they applied. Whatever your reason, convey that to the committee in your personal statement, unless requested to do so elsewhere. Remember, law schools know that your interests may change or that you may have several different areas of interest. The point is to show the school that you’re serious about going to their law school in particular.
2. Details Matter in Your Law School Application
There is no way to underestimate the importance of paying attention to details and instructions when applying to law school. (In fact, we talked about the need to pay attention to details and edit all submissions carefully in our blog, 5 Ways to Avoid Making Mistakes on Your Law School Application).
If you want to avoid standing out in a bad way, take your time and read all the instructions closely. Law schools often have slightly different character and fitness questions, personal statement topics, or letter of recommendation requirements. You don’t want to be the applicant who wrote the wrong school’s name in your personal statement or who obviously answered a different question than the one the admissions committee asked. It happens and never looks good.
3. Highlight Your Accomplishments
Law school applicants often believe they need to have prior legal experience before applying to law school. While it’s nice to have, it isn’t necessary. Even if you have a pre-law concentration, the course of study in law school is very different from anything you’ve done before as an undergraduate.
If you’re a traditional student, show that you do more than just study and get good grades. Most people applying to law school right out of college have good or decent grades. Stand out with a strong resume: secure internships, get a part-time job, volunteer, and get involved in activities on campus. Law schools want to enroll students who will bring vibrancy to campus life. They aren’t looking for college activity box checkers, but real engagement and leadership.
For non-traditional applicants, professional experience is sometimes more important than grades from decades past. Highlight the work you’ve done, your professional accomplishments, and how they shaped your decision to apply.
Some JD applicants worry they won’t look impressive because they have work and family obligations and can’t participate in internships and campus activities. If that sounds like you, take the opportunity to draft an addendum to your application to explain your family commitments. At Stetson, we’ve reviewed statements from people caring for sick members of their families and students who work full-time. The point is to show the committee who you are beyond just your grades.
No matter your accomplishments—personal or professional—take the time to highlight them in your materials. Law schools want to craft a diverse class, and that means looking at more than the LSAT and GPA.
4. Get Good Letters of Recommendation
Some schools require academic and professional references. Others leave it up to the applicant to choose. Either way, pay attention to the instructions so your letters meet the school’s requirements.
Next, be sure to get references from people who know you well. Big names don’t always yield quality letters of recommendation. Sometimes they’re written by a staff member or lack personal knowledge of the student. Seek out someone who knows you and your abilities. Avoid using relatives at all costs!
If you’re an active member of a religious organization or frequently volunteer, seek out a pastor or supervisor. If you plan to ask a professor, remember they get bombarded with letter requests. Ask early and provide your resume. Better yet, meet with them, remind them of what classes you had with them, and what grades you earned.
5. Edit—and Edit Again
Having errors in your application is one way you don’t want to stand out when you’re applying to JD programs. Even small mistakes can undermine an otherwise strong candidacy. Admissions committees review thousands of applications each cycle, and typos, unclear phrasing, or inconsistencies in your personal statement or résumé can suggest a lack of attention to detail—an unwelcome trait in a future lawyer.
Careful editing ensures that your writing is polished, your ideas are clear, and your qualifications are presented in the most compelling way possible. It gives you the chance to refine your arguments, eliminate redundancies, and ensure your tone is both professional and authentic. Most of all, it shows the admissions office that you take the application process seriously and that you’re already modeling the professionalism that will be required of you as an attorney.
The secret formula to help you put together a law school application that stands out is simple: research your schools, pay attention to instructions, edit and submit error-free materials, highlight accomplishments, and be yourself. Don’t try to create a person you think law schools want. Show them who you are and how you can add value to their program and the profession.
FAQs About Applying to Law School
What Documents Are Required to Apply to Law School?
Law school admissions offices will expect a complete application packet that demonstrates your readiness for legal study. This typically includes your application form, official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you attended, and your standardized test results (most often the LSAT, though some schools also accept the GRE). You’ll also need to submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and, in some cases, a résumé highlighting relevant experiences.
When Should You Start Applying for Law School?
Because most law schools operate on a rolling basis, it’s wise to submit your application materials as early in the admissions cycle as possible—often in the fall a year before you plan to enroll as a first-year law student. Applying early can give you a competitive edge, as more seats and scholarship funds are available before the admissions office makes most of its admissions decisions. While deadlines can extend into the spring or even summer, waiting too long can mean competing for fewer openings and resources. To maximize your chances, start preparing your application materials several months in advance so you’re ready to apply at the opening of the cycle.
What GPA Do You Need to Get into Law School?
Your undergraduate GPA is a key factor in the admissions process, alongside your test scores and other application components. The American Bar Association (ABA), which accredits law schools, doesn’t set a minimum GPA requirement. However, the median GPA across all law schools is 3.55, according to U.S. News and World Report, and competitive programs may expect well above that.
While a higher GPA can open more doors, schools also evaluate your overall academic trajectory, course difficulty, and any upward trends in performance. Even if your GPA isn’t perfect, a compelling personal statement, solid letters of recommendation, and strong standardized test scores can help balance your application.
How Much Are Application Fees?
Law school application fees vary by institution, but they typically range from about $50 to $100 per school, plus additional costs for submitting transcripts and standardized test score reports through centralized services like LSAC. These fees can add up quickly if you’re applying to multiple programs, but many schools and application services offer a fee waiver for eligible applicants, often based on financial need or participation in specific pipeline programs. Applying for a fee waiver can significantly reduce your upfront costs, making it more affordable to apply broadly and keep your options open as you navigate the admissions process.
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid or Scholarships?
To apply for financial aid or scholarships for law school, you’ll typically start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which helps determine your eligibility for federal loans and need-based assistance. Many law schools also offer merit-based scholarships, which are often awarded automatically based on your academic record, standardized test scores, and other achievements. Some programs require separate scholarship applications or essays; therefore, it’s essential to review each school’s financial aid website and deadlines carefully.
Insider Information on Applying to Law School
Looking for more in-depth information on the application process? Check out our guide below!
Topics: Applying to Law School, Articles
