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 2026

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

March – May 2026

• Register and prepare for June or August LSAT

• Register for LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) 

• Identify and talk with potential letters of recommendation writers

• Begin researching law schools

• June LSAT: June 3-6 (registration deadline April 21, 2026) 

June – September 2026

• 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. 

• August LSAT: Aug 5-8

• Sept LSAT: Sept 9-12

September – October 2026

• October LSAT: Oct 7-10

• 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 2026

• Nov LSAT: Nov 11-14

• Attend Greater Charlotte Law School Fair at Davidson College

• Finalize and submit any remaining applications

December 2026

• Check that LSAC files are complete

January – May 2027

• Jan LSAT: Jan 13-16 (recommend meeting with prelaw advisor if taking Jan, Feb or Apr LSAT for 2026/2027 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 2026)

• Study, practice, study some more! (Spring -Summer 2026)

• 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 2026)

 Letters of Recommendations

• Identify possible letter writers, talk with them to confirm their availability (Spring 2026)

• Confirm their location for the fall semester (Spring 2026)

• Provide LSAC Recommendation Forms or links to letter writers (September 2026)  

Transcripts

• Request transcripts from Davidson and other undergraduate institutions attended (September 2026)

Applications

• Begin researching schools of interest (Spring - Summer 2026)

• Register for LSAC Credential Assembly Service – CAS (by September 2026 at latest)

• Brainstorm personal statements content/topics (Summer 2026)

• View personal statement topics for law schools of interest (Beginning September 2026)

• Update resume (September – October 2026)

• Complete & submit online applications (submit as early as possible; September/October is prime submission time; submit by Nov 2026 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