V. A SUGGESTED CALENDAR

A. Freshman and Sophomore Years
Section II on Pre-Law Preparation primarily relates to freshmen and sophomores. Keep in mind the general advice to do what you enjoy, since most of us are successful when we truly enjoy what we are doing. Beyond that, it will be beneficial to participate in and attend the proper Career Services events where you will be able to get to know other students interested in the law. The Pre-law Advisor in the Career Services Office is available to you for advice and counseling. You may also want to begin reading books about law and lawyers as you have time (see Pre-Law Reading List section at end of this document). It is also important to ask questions about the profession to anyone you know - faculty members, parents, friends' parents, employers, etc. It is not too early to begin gathering information.

B. Junior Year

• Discuss plans with CMC's Pre-law Advisor, Susanne Mahoney Filback at the CSC.
• Familiarize yourself with lsac.org and the LSAT/LSDAS registration booklet.
• Attend the LSAC Law School Forum held each November.
• Determine when you will be the most prepared to take the LSAT (June or October recommended) and register well in advance of the deadline.
• If taking the June LSAT, begin studying. Consider taking an LSAT preparation course.
• Become comfortable with the application process and expectations for applicant.
• Read books from suggested Pre-Law book list.

C. Summer After Junior Year

• If taking the October LSAT, begin studying. Consider taking an LSAT preparation course.
• Review transcripts and, if accurate, register for LSDAS.
• Request recommendation letters from faculty.
• Discuss legal careers with friends and acquaintances in the field of law.
• Start reviewing websites and application procedures for the law schools that interest you. Consider visiting some campuses.
• Begin thinking about personal statement essay on application.
• Continue suggested pre-law reading.

D. Fall Semester of Senior Year

• Register for LSDAS if you have not done so, and request all transcripts.
• Meet with CMC's Pre-law Advisor, Susanne Mahoney Filback at the CSC.
• Try to mail all applications by November 15.
• Early decision applications need to be mailed in October. Check individual school deadlines.

Early research about the programs and requirements of individual law schools will simplify the application process for you. Law schools will consider LSAT scores, your G.P.A., honors, internships, job experiences, recommendations, your personal essay, and other information in deciding whether to admit you. Since each school weighs these factors differently, utilize the Official Guide to U. S. Law Schools (or another compilation) and confer with the Pre-law Advisor, Susanne Mahoney Filback at the CSC. Ideally you will identify several schools which are close matches to your qualifications as well as a few which are "reaches" and a few where you feel relatively sure you will be admitted. A good rule of thumb is to identify two or three "safe" schools, where your numbers indicate 70% or more of the applicants are admitted and two or three "good match" schools where 50% or more of the applicants are admitted.

E. Spring Semester of Senior Year

• Check to make sure the law schools you have applied to have the materials they need.
• Try to visit schools where you have been admitted or wait-listed.
• Start making decisions about where to attend.
• Let other schools know your plans.
• If you are wait-listed at a school of your choice, consider forwarding new information to the admissions office, i.e., fall semester grades, thesis, other recommendations, etc. Indicate your very strong interest in the school.
• Keep in touch with Pre-law Advisor, Susanne Mahoney Filback at the CSC.