Application Process

The Application Process

All law schools require students to submit all application materials through an LSAC service called CAS (Credential Assembly Service) at least two months before applying to law school.  

LSAC breaks down Credential Assembly Service (CAS) benefits as the following: “CAS… simplifies the law school application process for both candidates and law schools. With CAS, your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other documents required for each of your law school applications only need to be sent one time, to LSAC. All ABA-approved law school applications are available electronically through your CAS account as well, saving you time and effort. LSAC combines your documents with your LSAT score and forwards a full report to all the schools you apply to.” (Source)

An added benefit of CAS is that law schools may choose to use CAS to find potential candidates that have not already applied to their programs.

•     CAS overview
•     LSAC and CAS fees
•     LSAT and CAS waivers are available for those who qualify

Tips:

• Most law schools have rolling admission policies meaning the sooner you apply, the sooner you will probably receive a decision from the law school admissions department.  At the very latest target applying by November 1 for the next academic year. Here is a quick article on the rolling admissions process and the pros/cons of applying asap.
• Expect to receive admissions decisions anytime from December through late spring.  Patience is necessary! 
• Complete financial aid applications, including the FAFSA, soon after January 1st (The earlier the better!)
• Managing stress during this challenging time is critical. If your anxiety and stress surrounding the law school application process start to affect your day-to-day functioning, please do not hesitate to utilize resources through the Engemann Center. They provide targeted workshops and are also available for one-on-one sessions.
• Please know that acceptances AND rejections are part of this process- just like getting into undergrad.  If you start receiving rejections, don’t panic.  Remember- law school applicants are drawn from the waitlist until the beginning of the school year.  Start talking to the law schools about their waitlist process, start thinking about back-up plans, gap years, etc.
• Certain law schools ask for a letter from the Dean’s office regarding your standing as a student.  Please email the Vice President of Student Life office with the law school’s request for a Dean’s letter attached.  Make sure to include the directions on how/where USC should send the letter.  Please use the following for your subject line: Dean’s letter request for [insert your name].  The process to get the letter to the law school should take less than five business days.
• After you are accepted, CELEBRATE!  And then start investigating financial aid, housing, etc.!