Application Components & Timeline

See below the various components of the law school application, followed by a general timeline of the application process. Keep in mind: 

• There is no "one-size" fits all approach to the law school application process. Timing, application components and strategies vary with each person's experiences and goals. 

• Law schools begin accepting applications the fall before the fall you want to be enrolled in law school. When's the best time to file your application? When you feel you've had the opportunity to develop the strongest application. 

• The law school application journey is very personal. What do you include in your application, how do you present yourself to admissions representatives? Law schools want your application to reflect the best, most authentic version of yourself. Your application materials should support this goal. 

View application components, average GPA, LSAT score, # of letters of recommendations and personal

statement prompts* for the current application cycle at this link.  (*Note: While they may not change extensively, statement prompts can change each year. Use the current year's prompts to help brainstorm ideas and topics and begin journaling or writing content). 

Application Components

• LSAC CAS profile: The Law School Admissions Council operates the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through which most law schools receive applications. What is CAS? A mechanism that simplifies the application process (think Common App). You'll create an LSAC/CAS account when it is time to begin assembling your application. Bookmark the LSAC site early as you'll visit it often. 

• Transcripts

• Standardized Test Score(s): LSAT or GRE

• Letters of Recommendation

• Personal Statement

• Supplemental Essays and/or Diversity Statement

• Addendum (if necessary) 

• Interviews

Application Timeline 

If you prefer a topical checklist format, scroll below

January – March 2025

• Decide when you’ll take the LSAT and how you’ll prepare.

March – May 2025

• Register and prepare for June LSAT

• Register for LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) 

• Identify and talk with potential letters of recommendation writers

• Begin researching law schools

• April 22, 2025: Deadline to register for the June LSAT

June – September 2025

• August/September: Prepare for October LSAT (if did not take June, August or if planning to take again)

• Visit law school websites, become familiar with schools of interest

• Begin brainstorming personal statement components. 

• LSAT Test Dates (registration opens in May)

  1. August 6-9, 2025: Scores released Aug 27 (registration deadline tbd)

  2. September 3-6, 2025: Scores released Sept 24(registration deadline tbd)

September – October 2025

• LSAT Test Dates: 

  1. September 3-6, 2025

  2. October 3-4, 6-7, 2025: Scores released Oct 24 (registration deadline tbd) 

• Request transcripts from Davidson and other post-secondary schools attended

• Visit LSAC events section to learn about upcoming recruitment virtual and in person

• Visit law schools in person if possible

• Verify your CAS information is correct

• Send Letters of Recommendation forms to letter writers

• Update resume

• Draft personal statements and other required/optional essays

• Complete applications online

• Request Dean’s Letters if required (not many schools ask for them)

• Target submitting applications end of October

November 2025

• LSAT Test Date November 5-8, 2025: Scores released Nov 26

• Attend Greater Charlotte Law School Fair at Davidson College

• Finalize and submit any remaining applications

December 2025

• Check that LSAC files are complete

January – May 2026

• LSAT Test Dates*: January 7-10, 2026; February 6-7, 2026; April 9-11, 2026 (recommend meeting with prelaw advisor if taking Jan, Feb or Apr LSAT for 2025/2026 application cycle)

• Receive and review admission and scholarship decisions

• Send Letters of Continued Interest (LOCI) to all schools at which waitlisted and still want to be considered

• File FAFSA and other financial aid applications 

• Make decisions and submit deposits*

 *Waitlisted candidates may learn admission decisions later in summer. Determine what your strategy will be with respect to schools.

Application Topical Checklist

The LSAT

• Decide how you plan to prepare (January – March 2025)

• Study, practice, study some more! (Spring -Summer 2025)

• Register for the LSAT – earlier registration means more choices of test centers. Check LSAT Test Dates/Deadlines for updates

• Take the LSAT (ideally June, August, October 2025)

 Letters of Recommendations

• Identify possible letter writers, talk with them to confirm their availability (Spring 2025)

• Confirm their location for the fall semester (Spring 2025)

• Provide LSAC Recommendation Forms or links to letter writers (September 2025)  

Transcripts

• Request transcripts from Davidson and other undergraduate institutions attended (September 2025)

Applications

• Begin researching schools of interest (Spring 2025)

• Register for LSAC Credential Assembly Service – CAS (by September 2025 at latest)

• Brainstorm personal statements content/topics (Summer 2025)

• View personal statement topics for law schools of interest (Beginning September 2025)

• Update resume (September – October 2025)

• Complete & submit online applications (submit as early as possible; September/October is prime submission time; submit by Nov 2025 at latest)

Dean’s Letters

• Request Dean’s Letters for schools that require them

Financial Aid

• Complete each school’s financial aid application (follow school’s procedures)

• Complete FAFSA online