Preparing for Law School

Timeline

First and Sophomore Year

• Choose courses heavy in reading, logical reasoning and writing.
• Develop a strong relationship with your faculty as these are potential letters of recommendation for the future.
• Consider Willamette’s BA/JD Direct Admission Program.
• Utilize the capitol by participating in an internship, working for a state official, or watching the legislative session or an oral argument.
• Take Philosophy 140, Symbolic Logic. This class will help you tremendously on the Law School Admission Test.
• Pursue activities that strengthen your resume such as student organization involvement, leadership experience, summer jobs and internships, tutoring, mentoring, volunteering, and public service. 
• Draft a resume and take it to the Career Development Office for review and fine-tuning. 

Junior Year

• Sit in on a class at Willamette Law. 
• Prepare for and take the LSAT. It is recommended that students prepare three to four months prior to taking the LSAT.
• Research and visit law schools you are interested in; attend a law school fair in Portland or Eugene.
• Begin to prepare your application materials, including your personal statement.
• Ask for letters of recommendation.

Senior Year Fall Term

• If needed, retake the LSAT.
• Register for the Credential Assembly Service and order transcripts from all institutions where you have received undergraduate credit.
• Sign up for a law school interview if the school you are applying to requires one.
• Complete the FAFSA and any institutional financial aid or scholarship applications.
• Complete and submit your law school application.

Senior Year Spring Term

• Attend an admitted law student event.
• When you decide on a school, contact all of the other schools that accepted you to inform them that you will not be attending.
• Let your advisor know your plans for attendance. 
• After graduation, have your final transcript sent to the law school you plan to attend.