Pre-Law Student Timeline
Refer to these suggested academic and experiential requirements to stay on track towards your pre-law goals.
Timeline for Pre-Law Students
Year 1 | Explore Expand
- Attend a Pre-Law Introduction Workshop
- Meet with your PPAC Pre-Law Advisor each semester
- Read the PPAC Pre-law weekly e-newsletter
- Focus on your grades & commit to your coursework - improve reading speed and comprehension by reading beyond your course requirements
- Explore suggested courses, minors, and certificates to sharpen skill sets recommended for success in law school and the legal profession (i.e., Problem-solving, Critical reading and writing, Oral communication and listening, Relationship-building, Research, Background knowledge, Organization and management, Exposure to the law, Public service and promotion of justice)
- Join a student organization that interests you (i.e., Pre-Law Club, Women in Law, Phi Alpha Delta, Mock Trial, College Democrats/Republicans, Student Government, etc.)
- KEY: Explore the profession – is it right for you? Empower yourself by considering several career options.
Year 2 | Prepare Expand
- Meet with your PPAC Pre-Law Advisor.
- Continue with the above pursuits.
- Seek legal exposure – volunteer in a legal-based organization, law firm, campaign, social justice endeavor, etc.
- Consider leadership roles within your extracurricular activities.
- Conduct informational interviews or job shadowing with current attorneys (on-campus, in your hometown, etc.)
- Practice LSAT questions and logic games.
- Begin identifying professors who might be good references, and speak with them about your plans.
Year 3 | Application Year (Fall) Expand
- Review this LSAT and application timeline
- Meet with your PPAC Pre-Law Advisor.
- Continue with the above pursuits.
- Attend the UC Law School Fair in October
- Attend PPAC's Test Prep Mania event for guidance on test preparation.
- Prepare for the LSAT – consider a prep class (you cannot cram for it).
- Register early to take the LSAT in June before senior year (only if prepared); otherwise, October of senior year.
- Register for LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (transcripts and recommendation letters).
- Think about letters of recommendation – faculty and professional letter writers.
- Research law schools. Attend a law school fair or LSAC Forum if possible.
- Attend PPAC's combined Law Application + Personal Statement workshop
- Begin work on your personal statement.
Year 3 | Application Year (Spring) Expand
- Register early for the upcoming June LSAT
- Study for LSAT throughout the spring semester - take full length practice tests.
- Finalize personal statement and meet with your PPAC advisor for a review.
- Confirm letter of recommendation writers.
- Take LSAT in June.
Year 4 Expand
- Meet with your PPAC Pre-Law Advisor.
- Continue with above pursuits.
- Evaluate your June LSAT score and consider if retaking in September is necessary.
- Complete LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) to have law school reports produced.
- Begin submitting individual law school applications on September 1 - November 1. December 1 should be the latest you apply.
- Attend UC Law School Fair.
- Visit law schools if possible (i.e. individual visit, open house program).
- Research financial aid and scholarships; complete FAFSA application early.
- Once admitted, law schools typically require a seat deposit to be made in April.