Pre-Law Yearly Checklist

A sample yearly preparation checklist for a hypothetical undergraduate who starts at Binghamton University as a first-year freshman and who knows right away that they are interested in law. This is less common than you might think! If you are a transfer student or become interested in law during your senior year, you will still find useful resources and guidance to consider. Please schedule an appointment with the Pre-Law Advisor for individual advising to help you reach your goals.

There is no such thing as being “behind” for law school. No matter where you are on  your path, the Pre-Law Office is here to help. 

The Pre-Law Advisor works with students from all standings and majors—as well as alumni with no time limit. Schedule a meeting using B-Successful or by calling the office at 607-221-6305 to receive support on your journey to law school.

• Freshman and Sophomore Year

  Read voraciously. Take courses that will help you develop skills in writing, critical analysis, logical reasoning, and public speaking.

  Select a major that both interests you and allows you to excel academically.

  Maintain a strong GPA. Remember that a high GPA combined with a high LSAT score is the key to obtaining a merit scholarship for law school.

  Declare the Pre-Law Concentration by submitting the Pre-Law Concentration Form or simply sign up for the pre-law listserv if you are still deciding if you want to apply to law school.

  Attend pre-law advising workshops and events throughout the year to learn about the field.

  Begin forming relationships with professors whose classes you enjoyed. Recommendations from professors are an integral part of the law school application process. Even if you don’t choose to attend law school, professors can be used for other recommendations.

  It is not required that you are involved with law related student organizations, but consider joining Phi Alpha Delta, Thurgood Marshall Society, the Mock Trial program, or other student organizations that align with your interests.

  Take the time to read some of the many books that can provide insights into studying law and the legal profession. You are welcome to browse the pre-law library in the advisement office.

  Consider applying for Diversity Pathway programs that allow students from diverse or minority backgrounds to learn more about the legal profession, law school, and the admissions process. Click to view the list of programs.

• Junior

  Register with the LSAC and start developing a study plan to take the LSAT— ideally during the summer before your senior year, either in June or August. Begin taking timed practice tests over winter break. The pre-law advisor is available by appointment to help you make a study schedule for the spring semester and provide you with resources such as free practice tests.

  Continue to maintain a strong GPA.

  Continue to attend pre-law advising workshops and events offered throughout the year.

  Begin thinking about which law schools you might want to attend and why.

  Begin to identify two faculty members who will write letters of recommendation for you.

  Consider enrolling in the 1-credit winter course HARP 300: Current Issues in Legal Practice to learn more about the different areas of practice in law.

  Consider an internship in the legal field for the summer. Internships are not a requirement, but they can help you explore the law and further develop your interests prior to law school. Keep in mind that “legal” internships are not required for law school, what is most important is your internship is meaningful work to you. The Harpur Law Council offers competitive Public Interest and Private Sector Internship programs that provide students with a generous stipend.

• Senior

  Continue to maintain a strong GPA.

  Attend the pre-law advising workshops offered throughout the year.

  Prepare your application materials early, specifically the personal statement, optional essays, and resume. Make an appointment with the pre-law advisor to get feedback on these documents and give yourself enough time to make revisions before submitting the applications.

  Register to attend the Law Day Networking Breakfast with law school admissions officers, then attend the Law School Admissions Fair to learn more about what makes each law school unique!

  Develop a target list of law schools based on your LSAT score and GPA. Decide if you want to take the LSAT again before submitting your applications. If you need help making a decision, schedule an appointment with the pre-law advisor after you receive your first score.

  Register with CAS at www.lsac.org. Check YES to release information to your pre-law advisor!

  Request letters of recommendation for law school using the forms in your online account.

  Order transcripts for all colleges attended using the transcript form in your online account.

  Bring Dean's Letter forms and stamped addressed envelopes to the pre-law secretary, allow at least two weeks processing time.

  Schedule a visit to your final law school choices.

  Send applications as early as possible. Keep copies of everything you send. Monitor your files at every law school.

  For best chances of receiving financial aid, complete the FAFSA form and send financial aid information to law schools as soon as possible after January 1.

  Pay the deposit to the school of your choice and notify other schools that you are declining their offer.

  Order a final transcript to be sent by the Registrar to the law school you will attend.

  Let us know your plans! Please complete the e-mail survey you will receive from the Pre-Law Academic Advising Office to report the outcomes of your law school applications.

• Post-Graduation and Taking a "Gap" Year

  If you are not satisfied with your application results, don’t give up! Many students take time off between college and law school. Working can give you additional experience and financial resources to pay for law school.

  The Career Development Center is an excellent resource to help you explore other options after graduation. The Pre-Law Advising Office continues to work with alumni who apply to law school after graduation.