Application Process

Applications for law school should be submitted by late November of the year before you plan to begin school. The LSAT or GRE is a required part of the application and should be taken by early Fall of the year you are applying. It is not necessary to go to law school straight out of college. Taking time off will not disadvantage you in the application process, and may help you. In any given year, about two-thirds to three-quarters of applicants have already graduated from college. (The Pre-Law Advising Office serves UMass alumni on the same basis as current students.)

Law school admissions are competitive. Your application will be evaluated based on your overall GPA, the rigor of your undergraduate coursework, your LSAT or GRE score, a personal statement and additional essays, resume, and letters of recommendation. In addition to doing well in class, you will need to take the time to adequately prepare for the LSAT or GRE. It is also important that you take advantage of faculty office hours and other opportunities that allow your professors to become familiar enough with your work that they are able to write persuasive letters on your behalf.

You should visit the Pre-Law Advising Office as soon as you realize that you may be interested in attending law school. From the Pre-Law Advising website -- prelaw.umass.edu -- you can add yourself to the email list and follow UMass Pre-Law Advising on social media  (on LinkedIn and Instagram @UMassPreLaw). This will ensure that you know about law-related events, internships, and other opportunities on campus, and are kept up to date about developments in legal education, legal careers, and the law school application process. If you do decide to apply to law school straight out of college, you should meet with the Pre-Law Advisor by the Spring semester of your Junior year.

The Pre-Law website has much more information on the advising services offered, as well as on every aspect of the law school application process.