All ABA-accredited law schools in the United States require applicants to take the LSAT in order to be considered for admission. The LSAT is administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) at designated testing centers around the world. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission for the following academic year, but some will accept the February test. The LSAC notes that taking the LSAT earlier than December may be advisable in order to allow for a possible retest. Applicants may take the test up to three times in a two-year period.
In addition to the LSAT, all ABA-accredited law schools in the United States require applicants to have earned at least a bachelor's degree. The degree can be in any academic discipline, and the ABA does not recommend any specific courses or groups of courses to better "ready" students for a legal education, according to the LSAC. However, the LSAC notes that students should "pursue an area of study that interests and challenges you, while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills."
Most law schools require one to two letters of recommendation. Some prefer or require that the applicant's professors write the letters, as these professors can comment on a student's academic prowess and potential, and their readiness to undertake graduate-level study. However, applicants who have been out of school for some time may submit a letter from an employer or other person who can comment on the applicant's ability or character. The pre-law webpage at Iowa State University recommends that applicants seek "references who can be specific and who can write you the strongest possible letters."
Most law schools require a personal statement for admission. The personal statement, which most schools specify should be one to two pages long, is a substitute for a personal interview; applicants should treat it as such and include information that is not available in other parts of the application, according to Iowa State.
Most law schools also require an updated resume for admission. Applicants should treat the resume and personal statement seriously and remember to proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes.