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Pre-Law Advising

 

Pre-Law Timeline

From start to finish, applying to law school is a long and tedious process. Use this guide as you matriculate at GW. For applicants who wish to take some time off between graduating and applying, you can use "Year 3 & 4" on this timeline as a loose guide. If you have any questions about any of the suggestions, reach out to the pre-law advisor via email.

  • Focus on your grades & commit to your coursework
  • Take a variety of courses that require you to read, write, research and analyze
  • Attend a Pre-Law Introduction Workshop
  • Sign up for the Pre-law Listserv
  • Explore major options. Consider your interests, topics in which you excel, and options that will give you another career or graduate study option if you change your mind about law school
  • Join a student organization that interests you (i.e. Pre-Law Student Association, Phi Alpha Delta, Mock Trial, Moot Court, College Democrats/Republicans, Student Association, GW Parliamentary Debate Society)
  • Avoid disciplinary actions and criminal misconduct charges .
  • Declare your major.
  • Get your résumé reviewed by the Career Center and keep it updated.
  • Take a practice LSAT exam. Test companies offer free exams, either proctored in DC or online.
  • Conduct informational interviews or job shadowing with current attorneys (on-campus, in your hometown, etc.)
  • Consider applying for the Law and Society minor in the Sociology Department.
  • Begin identifying professors who might serve as your recommenders, and speak with them about your plans.
  • Investigate the various fields of law.
  • Create a “Future JD Student” Account on LSAC.org.
  • Attend a “Law School Application Workshop” hosted by pre-law advising.
  • Register and prepare for the LSAT (consider a prep course).
  • Register for LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service.
  • Consider a law-related internship for the spring or summer.
  • Start or expand your target school list by researching at least 20 schools.
  • Attend the GW Law School Fair in October and refine your school list.
  • Begin drafting your personal statement in the spring semester.
  • Meet with the pre-law advisor in the spring semester.
  • Finalize your school list and research all optional essays and document requirements.
  • Request and secure letters of recommendation by October 1.
  • Complete your file with the Credential Assembly Service.
    • Request transcripts from Registrar.
    • Ensure all letter of recommendation are uploaded.
  • Finish your personal statement and have it reviewed by the Writing Center
  • Write all supplemental/optional essays.
  • Attend the law school fair and plan visits to schools on your list.
  • Research financial aid; complete FAFSA in October.
  • Submit your applications, preferably before Thanksgiving.