Pre-Law Guide - Timetable/ Checklist for the Williams Pre-Law Student

Junior Year

Participate in interviews and discussions with law school representatives.

During the spring semester, schedule a preliminary conference with the pre-law advisor at OCC to discuss your plans.

Consider taking the June administration of the LSAT. If you decide to take it, pick up the registration forms at OCC or register on-line register least one month before the test date.

Think about who will be your faculty references; find out which faculty members will be on campus in the fall.

Summer Prior to Senior Year

If you did not take the February LSAT, taking the June test is a good idea so you will have your scores while you are deciding where to apply. Register early and choose a test location convenient for you.

Prepare a resume of your major courses, activities, honors, employment record, travel, personal interests, and career goals. This will be helpful to recommendation writers and will be useful in organizing future application essays and answers.

If you will be taking the October exam, consider taking the LSAT review course offered before this test administration, hire an LSAT tutor, or use a commercial text for preparation.

Prepare a draft of your personal statement and ask the pre-law advisor to review it for you.

Senior Year Fall Semester

As soon as you select schools to which you would like to apply, send for your applications or find them on-line.

Request recommendations from faculty members.

Register for LSDAS.

If you have not taken a previous LSAT, then register promptly to take the October test. This would also be the date to take a retake if your situation warrants such action. The October test is offered at Williams.

Meet with the pre-law advisor to discuss your current plans and application strategy.

Attend law school information sessions and meet the visiting law school admissions officers at OCC.

Notify your recommendation writers of your application schedule and supply them with any necessary forms and stamped, addressed envelopes.

It is your responsibility to have an official copy of your transcript sent to LSAC directly from the registrar's office of every institution you have attended. You must use the Transcript Request Forms for this purpose.

Complete and submit your applications by Thanksgiving or earlier.

The Remainder of Senior Year

Send further information (i.e., seventh semester grades, honors, etc.). Note: If these grades hurt your GPA, do not send them unless they are specifically requested.

If there is any doubt as to the receipt or completion of your application, check your account on LSAC.org.

Wait for decisions, which may come early if decided on a rolling admissions basis or much later in the spring, depending on school policy.

If you are admitted to your first choice school, release other schools from your application so that other applicants may be considered.