Applicants must research schools. Law school hopefuls must first determine a desired career path (as well as gather information including undergraduate educational record, grade point average, and experience). Canadian law schools are either common or civil law programs, so applicants must select a school that parallels career goals. Applicants should also consider schools in the region of desired eventual practice, taking into account also the difficulty of admittance. Admittance depends on, primarily, grade point average and LSAT score (to be discussed), with secondary factors such as personal statements, ethnicity, and letters of recommendation.
Prior to admittance, applicants must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). School admissions councils, when reviewing applications, place a great amount of weight on the LSAT exam results. Because of this fact, the test should be highly prioritized. The test is also expensive. The LSAC required $141 in Canadian fees for the 2010 test cycle with additional fees for late registration or handscoring.
After considering career goals and receiving an LSAT score, applicants must finally complete and submit applications. Submit applications to a variety of schools, including reaches, probables, and safeties, based on grade point average and test score. Apply as early in the cycle as possible for maximum admission consideration. While schools vary in deadlines, according to the LSAC, all Ontario schools have a common deadline. Most applications require the LSAT score, an undergraduate grade point average, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Most schools offer financial aid programs. The financial aid offices can direct potential students to Canadian government-issued loans and bursaries, as well as outside loan and scholarship information. The process may differ by school, so applicants must contact the financial aid offices for deadlines and instructions. Applicants need not await official acceptance prior to financial aid application.