By now you've prepared for the fall semester by buying your text books, printing your class schedule, and finding the best place to study. But, it is also time to prepare for law school. Follow these tested guidelines, read the advice from experienced students and professionals, add your own insights, and you will reach your goals!

Each academic year has a series of tasks that you will work towards as you prepare for admission to law school. Some tasks are external (completing applications and applying for financial aid) while others are introspective.

Let's start with:"Is Law School Right for You." Read this eye-opening article and answer the questions raised within it. It is time to consider the reality versus the myths of law school and a legal career.

So you are still choosing a law school education? Then let's get started. Law school and the legal profession survive on organization and planning. As a prelaw student you should be able to prioritize and organize your educational and law school admissions tasks. Start by reviewing the excellent Prelaw Timeline for students.

Next, choose the CLEO program that is right for your experience (Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors) and register immediately. You will find information for students on the CLEO website. Getting involved with students across the country will help you evaluate your preparedness, network with students and professionals, and develop the skills needed to be a successful law school applicant.

Finally, seek advice from professionals. Prelaw advisors are available on most of your campuses. You can expect these professional advisors or faculty to guide you through each semester's course selections, choosing a major, getting involved in student clubs and networking. But remember that Your Education is Your Responsibility - Own it!

Follow the advice given by CLEO's experts for each undergraduate year. Together with CLEO, you can develop the classroom, community, and professional skills that will make you an competitive candidate in the admissions process and more importantly a successful student once you enter the law school of your choice.

Freshmen Year:
The Road To Law School



Sophomore Year:
The Sophomore Super Saturday Seminar and Sophomore Summer Institute

"Your advisor will look for signs of strengths and weaknesses in basic skills such as writing, logic, or speaking, clear deficiencies in math and science, or distaste for the controversies of politics and public policy. For all these reasons, you should schedule a planning meeting with your Pre-Law Advisor early in your sophomore year. The sophomore year offers opportunities that will not come again." - by Stanley Clark

Junior Year:
Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT and ASAP

"If you have been planning for law school and working with your Pre-law Advisor since freshman year, you should be right on track to commence the law school application process in your junior year. Skip ahead to the to-do list, enjoy checking off the items already covered, and start the year with a clear picture of the road ahead." - by Dianne Williams

Senior Year:
Juniors Jumpstart the LSAT and ASAP

"As you approach your senior year, there are several strategies to consider in the application process. Your attention should now turn to three important activities: final preparation for taking the LSAT, writing your personal statement, and organizing your letters of recommendation. Your goal is to have all application materials in the hands of the law schools by the time you take the LSAT." - by Jerry Polinard

Edited: 02/13/2009 at 03:39 PM by matthewniziol