The law application process can feel overwhelming at times. The good news is that we are here to break the process down into actionable, bite-sized pieces to support your success on this journey. Summer can be a great time to lay the foundation for a successful (and less stressful!) application season!
Below are recommendations on how to prioritize your summer application work. We look forward to supporting you throughout this process.
Quick and Easy To-Dos:
- Sign up for the PLAS Canvas page. Access instructions here.
- Bookmark the PLAS Calendar of Events by clicking here.
- Follow PLAS on Instagram here.
- Set up your LSAC and LawHub accounts here.
- Sign up for the 2025-2026 Application Cycle Bulletin here.
Now that you have started building some momentum in this process, consider taking on the following tasks:
Attend an Application Roadmap Workshop:
The Application Roadmap workshop provides a detailed overview of the law application cycle, logistical details for applying to law schools, an examination of application components, strategies for a successful law application process, suggested timelines, and a preview of resources and events. This workshop is offered this summer and during early fall semester. Check out the PLAS calendar to find a date and time that works best for you!
Build Your Application Timeline:
PLAS has created a one-page resource to help you build your application timeline by identifying goal dates for some of the most significant application “to-do” items. Start by establishing when you would like to start law school and go from there. This tool will lay out big, important milestones in this process. Don’t worry, you can always adjust your timeline as needed.
Prepare Your Resume:
Resumes are a required part of the application packet that you will submit to law schools. The summer is a great time to review and update your resume in ways specifically relevant for the law admissions process. Resumes for law school may look different than resumes used for jobs or internships, as a more wide-ranging list of activities and experiences may be relevant for the law admissions process. Summer provides an excellent time to ensure your resume is up to date and to add in any new experiences (jobs, internships, leadership roles, etc.). You will also want to remove items from the high school era. Once you have updated your content, make an appointment with a PLAS advisor to have your resume reviewed.
Create a Budget:
The process to apply to law school can be expensive. Allow yourself to create a budget to help you anticipate and plan for the expenses involved in this process. Check out the General Application Budget spreadsheet. This is a good starting point for calculating how much this process could cost. Additionally, watch the Application Budget and Costs Video, on demand, in the Canvas page to learn more about the different fees and costs.
24-Month Application Planner:
Did you know that PLAS developed a comprehensive, step-by-step planner to guide you through each phase of the entire application process? Download the 24-Month Application Planner from Canvas today!
Create Your Wellness Toolbox
It is no secret that the law admission process can have its ups and downs. Some parts of the process will cause your anxiety and stress levels to rise. Now is a great time to create a list of 2-4 things that you know help you feel better. Keep that list accessible and practice your preferred wellness techniques as needed.
Prompts to Support the Creation of Your Toolbox
- What helps you when you are feeling blocked when writing or studying?
- What helps you when your confidence is down (perhaps because of a rejection letter or waiting a long time for a response)?
- Who can you reach out to a) for questions about the law admission process, b) to vent about the process, c) to celebrate your wins, or d) simply to take a break?
- What feel-good activity helps you start or end your day just right?
- What else do you know that helps you relax, ground, re-energize, focus … etc.?
Meet with a PLAS Advisor:
The summer is a great time to set up your first (or fifth!) appointment with a PLAS advisor. In these 30-minute sessions, we will focus on your specific goals and timeline, provide customized guidance, and help you craft your individual admissions strategy and next steps. We look forward to supporting you with this process!
