Fall Break is here — now what?
Aside from relaxing, eating and watching football (and maybe getting ready for finals?!), what else could/should you be doing?
Seniors Applying to Law School
- If you have a valid LSAT score, finish your applications! If you have everything you need to apply there is no reason to procrastinate. This is a rolling admissions process — file your applications ASAP!
- If you do NOT have a valid LSAT score and are taking the December LSAT — keep studying! A strong LSAT score helps both with admissions and scholarships!
- If you have a valid LSAT score and have your parts of the application done but are waiting for Letters of Recommendation, gently remind your recommenders (either via a phone call or email) that you want to submit your applications ASAP but cannot do so until LSAC/CAS receives all required letters of recommendation.
- Attend an Open House! For those of you applying to the University of Chicago, they will be holding an open house on November 23. Click here to register for this event.
- Check deadlines for Early Decision! While many schools list November 15 as their early decision deadline, several others allow early decision applications until December 1. Not sure about early decision? Click here for a recent PLAS blog post on the pros and cons of applying early decision.
- October LSAT takers — please take a few minutes to let us know what study method you used and how helpful you thought it was in preparing for the LSAT. We have prepared a short questionnaire for you to complete, which can be found here.
Juniors Planning to Apply to Law School Next Year
- Study for finals and write those papers! Your GPA is a very important part of the law school admissions and scholarship process!
- LSAT Prep — As a general matter, we advise juniors planning to apply to law school next fall to take the June LSAT. You should plan to spend approximately 4-6 months studying for the LSAT. So now is the time to prepare for that process. As you plan your schedule for Spring 2016, consider not overloading on courses since the time necessary for effective preparation equates to the time invested in a rigorous 3 credit class. Remember: the LSAT is NOT like the ACT or the SAT. It does not test you on what you know. Rather, it tests you on how you think. It is important to determine how you plan to study for the LSAT (on your own, through a commercial prep company, etc.), and decide where you want to take the LSAT. To begin your research, go to the LSAC’s website for info on the LSAT, how to register and select a test site, and how to be successful on the test.
- Internships — Have you thought about what you will be doing next summer? Are you looking into internships? Internships can be a great way to learn more about the legal system and the practice of law. Do you need some suggestions on how and where to find an internship? Go to the PLAS Compass page for information on internships. And remember: the PLAS Annual Internship Newsletter will be out and published on Compass the week of December 14!
Sophomores and Freshmen
- Just as we advised juniors — study for finals and write those papers! Your GPA is a very important part of the law school admissions and scholarship process!
- It is never too early to start exploring a legal career. Use fall and winter break to talk to friends, family members, and neighbors who are lawyers.
- Internships — Just as we advised juniors, now is a good time to consider what you want to do next summer. Internships can be a great way to learn more about the legal system and the practice of law. Are you interested in finding an internship but don’t know where to start? Check out our Compass page now for information on internships and check back the week of December 14 for the 2015 edition of the PLAS Annual Internship Newsletter!
Have a great break!
