Study for the law school admissions test, or LSAT, by reading test prep books with LSAT strategies and practice questions. The LSAT is a multiple-choice test that focuses on logical reasoning and critical reading skills. Many LSAT practice books are available. Get several books, preferably ones that include practice exams.
Follow the link in the Resources section to the Law School Admissions Council, where you can register online to take the LSAT at a location near you.
Take the exam. Law schools will combine your LSAT score and your undergrad GPA into a number called your "admissions index." Your admissions index is the most important factor in your application. Each school has a threshold index it uses to judge applications. If your score is higher than the threshold, you're in. Schools use applicants' essays and academic references to decide between applicants whose index scores are near the threshold. If your score is dramatically lower than the threshold, you'll be rejected, no matter how strong your essay or references.
Make a list of law schools in Illinois that you want to apply to. Base your list on your undergraduate GPA and LSAT scores, which will tell you which schools you have a chance of getting into. You can use U.S. News and World Report's rankings to filter by state. The University of Chicago and Northwestern University, both in Illinois, are some of the top ranked law programs in the country. The schools' admissions department web pages may list the median LSAT scores and GPA of their accepted students, and if you subscribe to U.S. News and World Report you can also find information in its admissions statistics.
Write your applications. You get only one chance, so spend some time on your applications, but remember that law schools use a rolling admissions policy. That means they judge applications as they come in, so sending in your application well before the deadline, when space becomes tight, may give you an edge.
Contact undergrad professors you had good relationships with and ask for recommendations. Your professors will send your recommendations directly to the schools you are applying to.
Enroll in the best law school in Illinois that accepts you. Less well-renowned schools may cost less, but graduating from a prestigious school opens many doors, and it's likely that the investment will pay off, both in your eventual salary and the quality of your education. Attending a well-respected law school gives you easier access to summer internships and prestigious clerkships while you're in school, and high-paying positions after you graduate. Thousands of lawyers graduate every year and start looking for work, so a degree from a prestigious program will help you stand out in the crowd.