Spring Break is right around the corner and is a wonderful opportunity to make some progress towards your law school goals. Here is our “Spring Break Top Ten” list to help you maximize Spring Break!
#10: Complete your FAFSA if you haven’t already
This is how financial aid for federal loans for summer/fall will be determined, whether you are a returning undergrad or planning on being an incoming law student next year, be sure to get this done ASAP!
#9: Think about what classes you want to take
Spring break is a great time to begin researching classes and upcoming academic opportunities. Check out our blog post: Guide to selecting Pre-Law coursework for Illinois students! Also, stay tuned for a future blog post about our suggested courses for the Summer 2022 and Fall 2022 semesters!
#8: Start thinking about your summer plans
Will you be working or completing an internship? Will you be taking summer classes? Perhaps a Pre-Law Summer program is exactly what you need! Start making a plan for how you will maximize your summer. Check our internship newsletter and Handshake regularly for new opportunities!
#7: Research and Connect
Job shadow, or ask a law student or lawyer to spend 30 minutes doing an informational interview with you. Don’t be intimidated; this is an informal opportunity for you to have coffee with someone new and ask about their educational and/or professional life. Here’s a resource for planning your informational interview.
#6: Get a head start on LSAT Prep
If you are in the early stages of your application process, consider using this time to take a practice LSAT. Go to this website to download a free practice test. When you’re done, you can score it and watch videos there with explanations of the answers.
#5: Visit Law Schools
Have you started receiving letters of admission to law schools? Consider using this time to visit (virtually or in-person) your top choices! This is also a good time to begin narrowing your list and withdrawing from schools that you know you are not going to attend.
#4: Start Planning
Are you getting ready to apply to the 2022-2023 cycle? Think about when you will take the LSAT. You’ll want to consider how much time you need to study and the possibility that you may choose to take the LSAT twice. June, August, or September are good test dates to consider. Start building out your overall timeline for law school applications considering when you will submit an application and planning for big events in the fall! Be sure to mark important deadlines and dates now!
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- Consider registering for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) if you will be applying to law school during the 2022-2023 application cycle. This is the account you will need to open in order to have your recommendation letters processed, submit transcripts, and compile your application materials. Once you set it up, your account is good for five years. You can read all about it here. We recommend setting up your account no later than August if you will be applying this cycle.
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#3: Decide who will be your recommendation writers
Letters of recommendation will be necessary for many different opportunities throughout college including scholarships, leadership roles, internships, and other positions. This is particularly true as you enter your upper-level years and prepare for your law applications. If you are a junior or senior, you will want to consider approaching potential recommenders by the end of THIS semester for upcoming opportunities this summer or fall (including your law application). If you are an alum, reach out ASAP because the longer you wait the more difficult it is to track people down and for them to remember you.
#2 WORK AHEAD
The end of the spring semester is fast approaching. Consider carving out an hour or two a day to work ahead on a project or assignment, internship and/or leadership application, or your resume. By working ahead you are setting yourself up to make your last few weeks go really smoothly! Your future self will thank you.
#1 Recharge!
Returning from spring break not only means the final weeks of the semester are approaching, but the end of the entire academic year – it will be busy! Get some rest, reconnect with friends and family, catch up on your favorite shows, read for fun, get outside! Use this time to reflect, rest, and regroup!
