Preparing for Law School

All applications are submitted through LSAC and below is the general application timing and cycle:

Applications typically open beginning in September and remain open in the spring with deadlines varying depending on the school.

• Most schools review and extend offers on a rolling basis, as soon as applications are received.
• It’s wise to apply earlier in the cycle, but also make sure it’s not rushed and you’re submitting a strong application.
• Some schools will have a cut-off LSAT administration

Decisions and offers anytime from September through August

• Typical decisions: admission (with or without funding), waitlist, denial
• Most admissions officers are busy with recruitment until after Thanksgiving
• Bulk of decisions are typically in winter/spring, prior to first deposit deadlines (April-May)

If you apply by:

October- you’re early

December- you’re on time

Anything after – you’re late

There is no one right way to prepare for the LSAT, and you have various options to consider. 

• If you learn well through self-study, taking practice tests on LSAC LawHub is a great option. 
• If you believe you’d do better with guided study, there are good commercial preparation courses available. There’s also an excellent option for guided study that’s 100% free: Official LSAT Prep by Khan Academy.  

*Research shows that taking more full practice tests is the most effective way to prepare for the LSAT.

• Because every test taker is different, there is no single timeline that will be appropriate for everyone. In a lot of ways, the more pertinent issue isn’t the “timeline” but rather the “workload.” 

Test preparation involves looking at a lot of LSAT questions to develop familiarity with the test and to hone one’s reasoning and reading skills. If you have a schedule that allows you to take on a large test-prep “workload,” you might be able to dramatically improve your score in as little as a month. But others may need significantly longer. 4-6 months is often recommended for those taking the LSAT for the first time, but you should look closely at your own circumstances when deciding when to begin studying for the LSAT.

The LSAT is a test of skills — specifically critical thinking skills as applied in the areas of reading and reasoning. The LSAT is designed to measure these skills precisely because they are skills that are essential for success in law school, and preparing for the LSAT helps to strengthen those very skills. So the good news is that preparing for the LSAT will benefit you not only on test day, but also in law school and beyond.

• Send to LSAC in the summer before applying.
• Students can request official Northeastern transcripts online through Parchment.  Instructions listed here.  
• LSAC will process the transcript and produce a GPA that will be used in the application process.  Note that sometimes the LSAC GPA differs from the school’s GPA due to the conversion process.  You can read more about this in the Transcript Summarization section on the LSAC website. 

• Can be two pages (unless law school requests otherwise)
• Should focus on experience gained during college
• Descriptions should focus on skill sets gained. Focus on skills especially valued in the legal profession (writing, analytical reasoning, communication, problem-solving, etc.)
• Legal experience is not required

•  Generally speaking, your personal statement should provide insight on who you are and why you are choosing a career in law, which helps schools understand your motivation for applying.  You should also always check with the schools to see if there is a particular essay prompt. 
• The personal statement also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your writing ability.  Don’t expect to write your essay in one sitting.  It can take many drafts, so be patient with the natural writing process and give yourself time to write a thoughtful essay.  The most important thing to remember is to be authentic (and please don’t read other people’s essays as this will make it harder!)
• Ideas:
  • Describe something interesting about you that isn’t demonstrated in other aspects of your application.
  • Describe a personal challenge or hardship you’ve had to overcome and how it shaped you.  
  • Describe the moment or circumstance that made you decide to pursue a career in law (it’s not necessarily a moment in time for everyone, so don’t stress about this). 

• This essay gives you the opportunity to talk about elements of your identity that can add value.
  • Diversity of thought, geography, faith, ethnicity, background, etc.
• It should be different than your personal statement

Additional essays where you answer a specific prompt.  If you have something meaningful to add, this is a great opportunity to enhance your application.

• This allows you to explain any weaknesses in your application such as low grades, multiple LSAT scores, leave(s) of absence from school.  
• Be clear and concise.  Explain what happened, only giving the facts. 

• This portion of the application requires the applicant to reveal negative past behavior (may include criminal record, academic misconduct, disciplinary actions, or civil proceedings/lawsuits). 
• When in doubt, disclose!
• Be honest and provide important details.  
• Take responsibility for your actions; don’t make excuses. 
• Law schools are not looking for people who have never made a mistake; they are looking for people who can understand why and how they made the mistake.

• Most law school applications require 2-3 letters of recommendation.  In order to ensure that your recommenders are able to write strong letters with thoughtful detail, it’s important to start building these relationships with your professors as soon as possible.  Make sure you are participating in class discussions, attend office hours (come prepared with questions!), find ways to engage with your professors one on one through opportunities such as a research project or independent study, etc.   
• It is not necessary for your recommenders to have any background in law. The strongest letters of recommendation come from individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
• Give your professors at least 2 months to write the letter.  

Resource: How to Request a Grad School Recommendation Letter | 5 Easy Steps (northeastern.edu)

An outstanding record of achievement and involvement:

• Course of study that is rigorous, meaningful, and that helps to develop essential skills: critical reading, writing, and research.
• Strong academic performance and test scores. 
• Involvement in extracurricular activities that are interesting and impactful:
  • Opportunities to gain leadership experience
  • Not necessarily law-related; quality over quantity
• Great recommendations from professor and professional mentors.

No… law schools do not require that applicants have previous legal experience.

….but it can be helpful to:

• Network in a field where you might work
• Experience the actual work of a law firm, government agency, or non profit
• Decide, before attending law school, whether law is the right path

• Yes, and you wouldn’t be alone. Roughly two-thirds of law school applicants take at least one year between graduation and law school.
• But, make sure you have a plan:
  • Secure letters of recommendation before leaving school
  • Take the LSAT before or soon after graduation, when still thinking like a student
  • Structure your time in a meaningful way. 

The PlusJD is a program run by the Northeastern School of Law (NUSL), which allows for qualified Northeastern University students to begin their first-year law school courses during their last year of undergraduate study.  If you are interested in this program, please make sure you follow the timeline and steps outlined on the NUSL webpage.

Any specific questions regarding the PlusJD program can be directed to NUSL Admissions at lawadmissions@northeastern.edu.