LSAO Presentation- Fall Semester_102510

8/2/2019 LSAO Presentation- Fall Semester_102510

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Applying to Law School:A Step-By-Step Guide

Rodia Vance

Associate Director, The Career Center

University Pre-Law Advisor

[email protected]


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SEPTEMBER 2010

Get it going


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Step #1: Register with CAS

CAS = Credential Assembly Service

Register online at www.lsac.org. Cost is $124. Will also have to

pay $12 for each school for law school reports. Sends your file to each law school that you apply to when the

school requests it.

Contents of law school report: Undergraduate transcript summary

Copies of all transcripts LSAT scores and writing sample copy

Letters of recommendation/ online evaluations
http://www.lsac.org/http://www.lsac.org/


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Step #2: Request your transcripts

Request transcripts from ANY AND ALL colleges or universitiesever attended. Must be official transcripts sent directly from the

school. If study abroad was Emory-sponsored, do not need a separate

transcript.

Oxford does not require separate transcript.

Registrars Office is located in B. Jones Building on first floor.

Be sure to use the Transcript Request Form with all transcriptrequests. Print these from your CAS account.


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Step #3: Request recommendations/evaluations

Letters should be a strong endorsement of your candidacy fromthose familiar with you and your work

Possible recommenders: Professors

Employers

Other supervisors or advisors

Most schools only require 2 letters of recommendation

Provide them with an informational packet to help them write astronger letter

MUST use the LSAC Recommendation Letter Form

Recommenders should send letters directly to the LSAC

Know the difference between recommendations and evaluations


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NEW LSAC Evaluation Service

New for 2010-2011 cycle. Most schools are NOT requiring this service this cycle.

Evaluators vs. Recommenders

Evaluators complete online assessments

Recommenders write paper letters

Evaluator will receive an email from LSAC requesting them to complete theevaluation for the applicant.

Online assessment of 30 individual attributes and skills in 6 categories:

Intellectual skill

Personal qualities

Integrity and honesty

Communication

Task management

Working with others

Space is allotted for text at the end of the assessment.

Evaluations are placed in the CAS along with letters of recommendation.


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Step #4: Create Your List

Start with self-assessment Whats important to you?

Preliminary filtering

Consider your competitiveness Review GPA and LSAT score

Range of schools: reach, target, safety

Compose your final list Between 10-12 schools is average

Balance is key!


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OCTOBER 2010

Keep it moving


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Step #5: Take the LSAT

October test should be registered by now and wellinto preparation

December test should be viewed as a retake only ifnecessary. Not preferable for first administration ifapplying in current cycle.

Despite this general guideline, take the test when

best prepared! Better to have a stronger score laterthan a weaker score earlier.


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Step #6: Write Your Personal Statement

Always read the question!

Key context points:

Unique experiences youve had or traits you possess Impact on you (strength, maturity, perspective, etc.)

Connect to desire to go to law school

No Whine Zone

Use an addendum to discuss flaws

Be sure to write optional essays (diversity, topic-specific)

Standard writing rules apply

Spelling

Grammar

Proofreading


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Step #7: Write Your Resume

Formatting is similar to employment resume,however not restricted to one page.

Key traits to convey Professionalism

Service-orientation

Leadership

Types of experience to highlight Professional experience Community service

Extracurricular activities


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NOVEMBER 2010

Wrap it up


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Step #8: Prepare and submit applications

Use the electronic application software from LSAC. Willhave free access after registering for CAS.

All ABA-Approved law schools applications are in thesoftware.

Can submit all applications electronically.

Supplemental forms cannot be submitted electronically.Must be printed out, signed, and mailed to the school.


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Step #9: Submit Deans Certifications

Assessment of your standing with the University.

Most schools DO NOT require this form.

Should be submitted to the Career Center only!!! Will need tocomplete our registration process and remit payment of $5 percertification.

Certifications will be mailed directly to the law school.

Questions about academic sanctions should be directed toDean Brzinskis office in White Hall 300.

Questions about conduct sanctions should be directed to theOffice of Student Conduct in DUC 411E.


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DECEMBER 2010 - SPRING 2011

Close it out


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Step #10: Submit financial aid forms

Prepare federal income taxes ASAP after January 1.

Complete the FAFSA.

Check your credit report!!!

Submit financial aid paperwork on time, even if youhavent received an admission notification.

Pay off/down consumer debt before entering lawschool.


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Pre-Law Services

Pre-Law Registration Be sure to get registered TODAY! www.career.emory.edu

Click on Students tab Click on Pre-Law Students link

Click on link to Register as a Pre-Law Student

Individual Appointments September is SENIORS ONLY!

Office Hours (15 minutes) - Mon. & Thurs. 3-4 p.m.

Pre-Law workshops Document Critique Services

Deans Certifications
http://www.career.emory.edu/http://www.career.emory.edu/


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LSAO Presentation- Fall Semester_102510

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