Career Success Pre-Professional Advising

Law School Application

Many Purdue students hope to start law school the fall after they graduate from Purdue. This means they often have prepared for and taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) the summer before their final year at Purdue and are applying in the fall of their last year. This can make for a hectic final year! We're here to help!

One trend we see among our students and nationally is that many pre-law students are taking time to work before attending law school. Please know we are here for you whenever you decide is the best timing for you!

Application Opening Dates

  • Typically applications open in August-September.
  • Ideal submission is between September and end of November.
  • Some schools offer an Early Decision (or early commitment option) program. Typically these programs have earlier deadlines for materials to be submitted such as October 15th.
  • Individual schools will have their own deadlines.
  • We highly recommend applying between October and the end of November.
Fall/Spring Before Application Year
(for example, junior year if applying fall of senior year)
  • Develop a plan for how you will prepare for the LSAT.
    • Create an account (if you don't already have one) and spend time reviewing LSAT materials on the LawHub.
    • Talk to other students about what products they used and what they liked/disliked.
    • Students who do well typically spend several hundred hours preparing.
    • Your preparation must include several full-length timed practice exams.
    • Learn all you can about the scoring and the test itself.
  • Think ahead about who will be writing letters of recommendation.
    • Research schools where you intend to apply to be sure that you are planning to collect appropriate letters.
    • Make a plan for obtaining letters if you don't yet know who to ask.
    • Typically you will need 2-3 letters.
    • Many schools would like one to be from a faculty member from your major.
  • Research programs and start thinking about where to apply.
  • Plan ahead for costs.
    • The costs of application can add up quickly.
    • Research whether you qualify for fee assistance programs. If so, plan to apply early.
Before you apply--Early Spring Before Fall Application
  • Make final plans for LSAT timing and study.
  • Have all your prep materials in place.
  • If planning to take a summer (June or August) LSAT, register early.
Late Summer/Fall Application Time

LSAC Steps to Apply Page

  • Open your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) account and begin gathering information.
  • Ask letter writers to send their letters to your CAS account.
    • Try to ask in person for your letters.
    • Provide a resume and anything else that your letter writer might need to help them write the letter including information about how, when and where to submit their letter.
    • Ask if they can support your application by providing a POSITIVE letter.
  • Have your transcripts sent to your CAS account.
    • You will need to have transcripts from all schools where you have college credit.
    • LSAC information on requesting transcripts.
    • Note that Purdue sends PAPER transcripts.
      • You will need to obtain a PDF of your Transcript Request Form from LSAC JD Account.
      • Submit this PDF with your online request for an official transcript to Purdue.
      • Sending transcripts through Purdue.
  • Attend an LSAC Forum if possible.
    • The nearest Forum to Purdue is Chicago, but LSAC also offers digital forums.
  • Through your LSAC JD account enter specific school applications and fill out their materials.
Application Timing
  • Watch individual school deadlines.
  • Submit as early as you can--this allows you time to ensure all your materials arrive. It also feels great to have applications done and submitted.
  • Ideally submit between October and end of November.
Fall/Spring After Application Submission
  • Watch for communications from schools.
    • Watch your email/spam folder for communication from schools.
    • Make sure you have space for messages on your phone and a professional message.
  • Financial aid planning starts early.
    • Watch for any communications from law school financial aid offices.
    • If you qualify, apply early for FAFSA or any other financial aid.
    • You can apply for FAFSA even if you have not yet been admitted. You can always turn it down later if you need to apply again.
    • Scout the Law School Scholarship Databank by AccessLex.
  • Do some contingency planning.
    • Keep adding to your application in case a second application is necessary.
    • Waiting to hear something is the most stressful part of the application process. We are here for you if you need to talk about your application process and how you are feeling about it.
Spring after Application Submission
  • If you are admitted, please let us know! We want to celebrate with you!
  • Start making plans for financial aid, housing, moving, and your new life in professional school!
  • If you want to re-apply, or decided to wait to apply, we are here for you even after you graduate from Purdue.
  • If you need to discuss strategy for a new application, we are happy to help.

 

Law School Admission Test

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is sponsored by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

  • The test is taken on a computer and consists of four 35-minute sections of multiple-choice and an unscored argumentative writing sample (taken at another time).
  • Three of the multiple-choice sections are scored and one is unscored. Test-takers will not know which section is unscored.
  • The writing sample, while unscored, is sent to law schools where the student applies.
LSAT Basics

Multiple-Choice Sections

Reading Comprehension: This section measures the ability to read and comprehend long-form, complex passages similar to materials found in law school. The Reading Comprehension section contains 4 sets of reading questions. Each consists of a selection of reading material followed by 5-8 questions. In 3 of the 4 sets there is a single passage with questions. The final set has 2 related shorter passages and questions.

Logical Reasoning: (2 sections of this) Logical Reasoning questions require test-takers to read passages and answer one (sometimes two) questions about it. The questions test various skills and critical thinking.

Writing

Argumentative Writing: This portion of the test is taken separately from the rest of the test (don't forget to go back and do this). This writing sample provides a debatable issue along with several perspectives that provide context to the issue. The test taker must draft an essay that addresses some of the arguments and ideas presented. This section is not scored, but it is sent to the law schools at which the person applies.

Taking the Test
  • In-person testing is offered through Prometric testing centers.
  • An online, live, remote-proctored LSAT is also available.
  • The LSATFlex exam was offered for several years during COVID and has since been discontinued.

Test Day Checklists

Scoring
  • Your score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly. This is your "raw score."
  • There is no deduction for incorrect answers.
  • Your "raw score" is converted to an LSAT scaled score.
  • The scale ranges from 120-180 (120 is the lowest and 180 is the highest).
  • After your test you will receive a score report.
  • This report provides
    • The scaled score.
    • Your percentile rank among other testers from the previous 3 testing years.
    • Your score band which allows for the standard of error in testing.
Score Preview
  • LSAC offers the option of seeing the LSAT score before deciding whether to keep it and report it to schools.
  • There is a fee for Score Preview.
  • Those using Score Preview then have 6 calendar days to decide whether to cancel or keep their score.
  • A canceled score does count against the lifetime test limits.
Score Availability
  • When registering for the LSAT, the score release date will also be visible.
  • The score is available for your use for 5 years (testing years--meaning July of one year through June of the next year).
  • Some schools, however, prefer scores to be no more than 3-4 years old.
Competitive Scores
  • The national average for the LSAT is around a 150.
  • Generally, you want to be above that.
  • A 173 will put you well into the 90th percentile of test-takers.
  • A 160 is a very respectable score.
  • A lot depends on where you plan to apply and what their numbers typically are. Look at the ABA 509 Disclosures for a school over several years to gain a better sense of the numbers at schools you are considering.
Timing Your Test
  • LSAT Test Dates
  • Generally, you want to take the test as early as you can feasibly be ready.
  • Many applicants try to take it in June or August to prepare for their fall application.
  • This allows for a repeat of the test, if necessary, in September or October of the application year.
Can You Take the LSAT More than Once?
  • Plan to take it only once, but you can take it more than once if necessary.
  • You may take the LSAT 5 times within the current reportable score period (since June 2019).
  • You may take it 7 times over a lifetime.
  • Limits on LSAT testing.
More About the Test & LSAT Preparation
  • Create an account on LawHub to find more information about the LSAT and free study materials.
  • The LawHub has additional study materials for a fee.
Cost & Fee Assistance
  • As of Fall 2024, the LSAT is $238. Score Preview would be an additional fee.
  • A fee assistance program is available for those eligible to use the FAFSA form (U.S. and Canadian residents).
  • The fee waiver system has 2 tiers.
  • More information on fee waivers.

 

Taking the GRE for Law School

While some law schools are willing to accept the GRE, applicants should not plan on doing this to avoid the LSAT.

  • If you previously applied to graduate school and already took the GRE, many schools will accept this score.
  • If you have not already taken the GRE for another purpose, then you need to take the LSAT.
Expanding Skills with Combined Degrees

Depending on your career goals, you may decide to combine your law degree (JD) with another graduate level degree.

  • Some schools offer a MD/JD to combine a medical degree and a law degree.
  • Numerous schools offer JD/MBA to combine interests in business and law.
  • JD/MPA which is Master of Public Administration with a law degree or a MPP (Master of Public Policy).
  • JD/MPH is a law degree along with a public health degree.
  • JD/PhD to study in an academic area including languages, philosophy, psychology, and other fields.
  • Some schools allow study in a variety of master's degree programs like economics, journalism, government, foreign affairs, psychology, bioethics, social welfare, or other fields.
How does it work?
  • While each program differs, students often begin their studies in the summer rather than at the fall start of the first year of law school. For example, they may start in June rather than August. This allows them to begin their graduate coursework early.
  • Some programs will take additional time while others can be accomplished within the 3 years of law school with some summer coursework.
  • Typically applicants must apply to and be admitted to both programs.

 

 

Law School Application Resources
General Information
Applicant Data
LSAT Test Day Preparation
  • If you taking the test in a test in a Prometric testing center, watch the What to Expect on Test Day video.
  • If you are taking the LSAT as a remote exam, it will still be proctored via Prometric with live remote proctoring. 
  • The Argumentative Writing portion will be completed separately and is administered by MeazureLearning.
  • Test day preparation
  • Test Day Checklists
Social Media
Application Support

Try this page first, if you can't find your answer, contact LSAC.

LSACinfo@LSAC.org

Phone: 1-800-336-3982