The following checklist presumes entrance to law school in the fall following graduation. The schedule can be modified or condensed to accommodate specific needs or circumstances, but be aware that applications need to be made approximately ten months in advance of matriculation.

First Year

Your major goal should be to adjust to college life so you can begin to build a record of academic achievement. Now is also the time to explore various school activities, to participate in volunteer/community projects, and to develop and strengthen your interests, abilities and self-confidence. Read the Career News for news of important events, activities, volunteer experiences and internship opportunities.

Sophomore Year

Begin exploring law-related opportunities. Attend career panels sponsored by the Office of Career Counseling and keep in touch with other events of interest, both on and off campus, via Career News. You may want to hold an internship for "real world" experience. Schedule an appointment to meet with the Coordinator of Internships and Fieldwork for assistance. Apply for a more competitive internship tailored to your specific interest in law, to begin in the summer or fall of your junior year. Some excellent internship programs are offered by:

• The Woodrow Wilson International Center and the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC
• The New York State Assembly and Senate in Albany
• The State of New York (Office of the Governor) and The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (District Council 37) in New York City
• See Internships.

If you are planning to spend your junior year studying at another school, be sure to make an appointment with the Director of Career Counseling in the spring to discuss preparation for law school and important test and admission deadlines. Also, visit the New York City Law School Forum scheduled in mid-September.

Junior Year

• September. Meet with Coordinator of Internships and Fieldwork to arrange an internship. Does your interest in law have a specific focus, or are you interested generally? It is possible to tailor your experience accordingly.
• November. Now that you've done some career exploration, it's time to focus on the process of preparing for law school. Alumnae/i are enthusiastic about sharing the benefits of their law experience and the decision-making process with students. Why not request a contact list so you can arrange appointments for informational interviews during winter break or before leaving campus? These conversations can help you focus your interests and narrow down the list of schools to which you plan to apply.
• March. If you are on campus, pick up an LSAT/LSDAS Registration Packet to get an overview of the exam and the law school admissions process. If not, e-mail us and request that we send you the packet. You should continue to attend all relevant programs offered by the Office of Career Counseling and begin to study for the LSATs. You can take the LSAT in June, which is recommended for students hoping to begin law school the September following commencement. The test schedule (offered four times a year) and registration deadlines are posted in the OCC. Study for the LSAT (suggested time is at least two hours per night), and if standardized tests are not your strong suit, take a review course. It makes a difference!
• Late August. Register for LSDAS and LSAT. Have an official copy of your transcript sent to LSDAS. Send for catalogs and applications from a range of law schools. Just like an undergraduate search, you should choose a few reach schools, some middle of the range, and some you are fairly confident will accept you. Typically, students apply to a minimum of six law schools.

Senior Year

• September. Last opportunity to register for LSDAS and October LSATs (check registration packet for specific deadlines). Attend the Law School Forums in New York City. Meet with the Director of Career Counseling to discuss admissions strategy.
• October. Optimum time to take LSATs. Request letters of recommendation from faculty.
• November. Complete all applications to law school (a complete file includes your application and fee, letters of recommendation, if requested, and your LSDAS report). Last opportunity to register for December LSAT (check registration packet for specific deadline).
• December. Another chance to take LSATs. Note: this date may be too late to apply to some of the competitive law schools.
• Spring Semester. Keep the Office of Career Counseling informed about your status. Visit the Law School(s) that have accepted you for admission.
• May. Before leaving school, have a final transcript and a notice of graduation sent to the law school you plan to attend.