Deciding Whether to Attend Law School
The ABA/LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools is a great starting place to obtain general information about every ABA accredited law school, including key facts, descriptions, and admission profiles. You can download the information or purchase a hard copy on the Law School Admission Council website, www.lsac.org. Visit websites or request materials from law schools directly. Participate in KU law-related programs, specifically the Pre-Law Forum and the Jayhawks in Law School Program.
How many schools should I apply to?
On average, applicants apply to 4-5 law schools. The specific number you apply to is not as important as making sure that you apply to an appropriate range of schools. Apply to schools in your "safe", target, and reach ranges.
If I am applying to a large number of schools, what is the easiest way to complete applications?
If you sign up for an LSAC online account, you will have access to electronic applications for all ABA-approved law schools and be able to apply online to law schools. You will be able to answer common questions only once and the information will be filtered into each application you complete, saving you the time and trouble of having to fill out the same information over and over. For more information, visit www.lsac.org.
When should I begin the application process?
The first tangible step in applying to law school is taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). It is recommended that you take the LSAT in June after your junior year or October during your senior year if you plan to begin law school directly after completing your undergraduate degree. See
Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for more information.
When should I submit my applications?
Because most law schools admit students on a rolling basis, it is to your advantage to submit your application early. It is advised that you have applications submitted by late-October or early November the year prior to when you wish to begin law school. Do not use the application deadline as the date by which to submit your applications, as many law schools will have seated the majority of their class by that time.
Should I go to law school directly after completing my undergraduate degree or explore other options before going to law school?
Most law school applications from KU are alumni who have taken at least a year to explore other opportunities before applying to law school. If there are other opportunities that you wish to take advantage of and fear that you will not do so ever if you go to law school right away, it is strongly encouraged that you consider taking some time to explore those options before beginning law school. Many students find that having some full-time professional work experience before law school helpful both in law school and in their legal careers.
