Applying to law school is an exciting venture, but it need not be daunting. The process can seem overwhelming at times, but with adequate preparation it’s less difficult than it might seem at first.

Drafting a personal timeline and keeping a checklist, like the one that we’ve constructed below, will help lessen the stress involved in the application process, keeping you on track to achieving your goal of attending the law school of your dreams!

The Law School Application Timeline

• Do your homework. Be very thorough in your research of law schools. Identify the type that you’d like to attend, and explore online to identify those that match your interests and needs. The Law School Admission Council, also known as LSAC, is a great place to start.

• Set the date. Decide when you will take the LSAT. Some recommend either February or June the year before you apply to law school. To lessen the stress that may accompany the test, make sure to schedule it well in advance to provide adequate time for preparation and study.

• Hit the books. Most important of all of the steps, you must adequately prepare for the LSAT. Personal tutors, prep courses, practice tests and rigorous self-study are some strategies to consider.

• Write a list. Create a list of law schools that you wish to apply to. Be sure to include a variety that are within your LSAT and GPA range, including "safety" and "reach" schools, so you have numerous options when the decision-making time comes.

• Set-up LSAC account and register for LSAT. In order to apply, most law schools require that you register with the LSAC and use its Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS).

• Seek counsel. Schedule a meeting with your college’s pre-law advisor and attend any college-sponsored pre-law events. It’s important not to miss this step because the counsel of an advisor and experts in the field can be extremely helpful in answering your questions and calming your nerves.

• Get recommended. Make a list of individuals who will write a total of 2-4 recommendation letters on your behalf. If you are currently in college, now is the time to approach professors who can speak to your skills and performance and ask them to put letters on file with the registrar. If you have already graduated, enlist the help of an employer or supervisor at a noteworthy job that you’ve held.

• Get involved. Attend any available pre-law forums and workshops, and consult with current law school students and practicing lawyers to make sure that you’re receiving the benefit of their experience and advice.