Make a list of the law schools you would like to apply to. You may decide to look for law schools based on geographic location, prestige, academic specialties, admissions criteria and other factors of interest to you. Research each school's admissions data, such as the school's range for Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores and grade-point-averages, so that you can set your goals accordingly. Identify each school's application deadline in order to make a timeline for your law school application process with plenty of time to spare.
Select your test date for the LSAT. Pre-law advisers often recommend taking the LSAT administered during June the summer between your junior and senior years of college. This will allow you to take the October LSAT if you desire a higher score. Taking the test in October during your senior year will allow you to still apply to schools early in the admissions cycle with your test score.
Study for and take the LSAT exam. You may want to consider signing up for a course through a prep company such as Kaplan, Princeton Review or Testmasters. Alternatively, you can buy prep books and prepare on your own. Design a study plan to suit your specific study needs. You can register at a law-school-related forum to get advice on studying for the LSAT.
Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) during the fall of your last year in college, as many U.S. law schools require processing of your academic credentials through CAS as part of their applications. Arrange to have your undergraduate transcript sent to CAS by your college registrar's office or records office. Law schools understand that you will not yet have grades from your last year of college if you apply during the year before your graduation.
Speak with at least two people who can provide academic references, such as college professors, about writing letters of recommendation for your law school applications during the fall of your senior year. Additionally, ask a professional reference or prior employer to prepare a letter of recommendation on your behalf. As you are still in college, many schools consider a recommendation from an employer optional. Arrange to have all three recommendations sent to CAS for processing. You will want to talk to the people writing your recommendations early to allow them ample time to write a good recommendation on your behalf.
Prepare the specific application for each law school to which you wish to apply and submit your materials in advance of the school's application deadline. Most law schools allow you to apply through LSAC, which makes the process relatively easy as you will not need to arrange for individuals transcripts, recommendations or LSAT reports to be sent to each school you apply to. You will generally apply during the fall of your senior year to matriculate the following autumn if you wish to start law school immediately after your college graduation in the spring.
Prepare your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in advance of the deadline set by each law school to which you applied. The FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal loans.
Update your CAS file with the grades from your senior year at the end of each semester during your last year of college, or arrange to have your grades sent directly to law schools by your undergraduate institution, depending on the policies of the law schools to which you applied. Follow up with each law school where you have a pending application until you receive a decision.