Tips for Fall Break…

1.  Finalize Applications

Applying this year? Set a goal date for application submission and stick to it! The current application cycle is proving to be a very competitive year.  Application numbers have increased significantly, and law schools have reported a very high quality applicant pool.  If you are still working to submit applications for a Fall 2021 start don’t be discouraged, but do make sure you are employing strategies that can help maximize your chances of success!

We highly recommend trying to apply by December 1 if possible.  Use Thanksgiving break as an opportunity to finalize your applications and submit to schools.  If you will be applying later than December 1, use Thanksgiving break to complete as many of the application components as you can and identify the earliest date you feel you can apply.  Here is a brief checklist of basic items you will need to complete.

        • CAS, LOR, Transcripts – make sure you are familiar with the LSAC Credential Assembly Services (CAS), stay current on the status of your materials and application components.  Request transcripts NOW, these will take several weeks to process.  Be sure you have submitted ALL required transcripts.  Follow-up with recommenders, be sure they are aware of your goal timeline, and be sure to check CAS to confirm when your letters of recommendation are uploaded.
        • LSAT – you will need your final score to apply.  If you don’t have your score, confirm when it will be available and plan your goal submission date accordingly.  Have you completed the LSAT Writing? You must complete the Writing portion to receive your score.  Be sure to do that prior to the score release date (11/24).
        • Personal Statement – Fall break is a great time to draft and hopefully finalize your statement! Edit, Edit, Edit.
        • Resume – make sure it is current and ready to apply! Edit, Edit, Edit.
        • Addendums – Are there addendums required by your schools?  Are there optional addendums?  Be sure you have confirmed what addendums you will be submitting and try to complete this week! 
        • School specific requirements – make sure you have reviewed the specific application requirements for the schools you will be applying to, create a check-list for each school.
        • Questions? If you have questions about an individual school’s application requirements or process ask NOW! Don’t wait until your goal submission date to confirm details.  Reach out directly or send emails over Thanksgiving break!
        • Think broadly – Review your list of target schools, make sure you are casting a wide net (this is a very competitive year), be strategic…

2. Relax and Rejuvenate

The end of the semester is always a busy, and often stressful, time.  This year particularly has presented difficult challenges for us all.  Make time for yourself over break to rest and rejuvenate prior to the end of the semester.  Campus also provides a wide-variety of services and resources to help make the end of the semester as manageable as possible!

 3. Plan the End of Your Semester

Make a strategic plan for the end of the semester to help make things manageable. Think backward from deadlines and due dates to ensure you have enough time to prepare for each end of semester item.  Take into account:

    • Final academic obligations (papers, projects, final exams, and study time). Mark deadlines and dates on your calendar.
    • Upcoming deadlines for internships or other special programs.
    • Admissions events and programs you may wish to attend (Last LSAC Forum is on December 12th!).
    • Time for life logistics – plan around busy times and deadlines for things like groceries/bills, exercise, family and friends.

4. Start Thinking Ahead

Make efforts to finalize your spring plans including course selections, extracurricular involvements, and goals for internships and other opportunities.  Stay tuned for our annual Internship Newsletter which will be available in December.  In the meantime, be sure to check out our Thanksgiving Break Internship Newsletter for opportunities with deadlines in the upcoming weeks!

 

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