Law School App. Lingo

Law school is a hard and long process, and it begins way before the first day of classes. If you're getting ready to start your applications this fall, this post is for you. There is so much terminology surrounding this complicated process so I've paired down the most essential terms to help you understand the lingo and navigate your application with ease.

LSAC

Law School Admission Council. Your one stop for all things applications! You must sign up and create an account to apply to law schools. Here you will sign up for and take the LSAT, complete all applications, submit letters of recommendation and transcripts.

LSAT

Law School Admission Test. A test required by most schools for admittance into law school. It is tricky, study for at least three months, and take it early in your application process. Most schools will provide a deadline by which you have to take the exam to ensure they get the scores in time for decisions. See the resources page for a list of prep resources. The exam is pricey, a fee waiver is often available for those who need one.

CAS

Credential Assembly Service. This is a registration and fee you will pay on LSAC. This fee covers LSAC sending your. A fee waiver is often available for those who need one.

Reporting Fee

Similar to CAS fee's, however these are for the reviewing process by the school you're applying to. An application fee is sometimes required by some schools in addition and covers similar things. A fee waiver is often available for those who need one.

Letter of Recommendation

Most schools require 2-3 letters. These come from teachers, professors or professional relationships. They speak to your strengths and why you will be a good candidate for law school. Make a list of people who you trust and work closely with and ask them, politely and in person or via email, 2-3 months ahead of your application deadline. You can tell them specific skills you have learned from your time working with them, and how that will support you on your legal journey.

Transcripts

Transcripts are a record of your grades at any undergraduate, graduate and/or professional institution you have attended before applying. You will need to request that all institutions send official transcripts to LSAC. These requests are often completed online and taking 3-5 business days to process. If you need help, the registrars office will be able to provide guidance. Law schools will need these records to process your application, and require an additional final transcript once you graduate as well.

Addendum/Supplemental Statement

This is an optional statement and is a space to explain any discrepancies. Did you take the LSAT multiple times? Did you take time off school? Do you have a semester of low grades? Why? The addendum is a space to acknowledge and address any abnormal aspects of your application.

Letter of Interest

Some schools require a short paragraph about why you're interested in their specific institution. If you can, refer to a specific program, journal or clinic that you want to participate in there, a professor you want to learn from, or your experience touring the campus.

Residency

Residency refers to where you live. Schools will use this to determine your residency status in the state where their campus is located, this is often for state-specific scholarships, out-of-state acceptance percentages, and tuition costs.

Priority Application/Priority Deadline

If you know which school is your top choice, you can complete your application and submit it by the priority deadline. This application typically includes a priority notice to the school which lets them know if you get in, you will attend. A priority deadline is an earlier deadline, and so acceptances are returned earlier as well, this way you can plan for your attendance.

If you want more information, or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on Linkedin, Instagram, Pinterest or email (thekaylakonnection@gmail.com), I am here to help!

Good luck!

Kayla