Law school applications will start to be released shortly and some of you will be ready to fill them out and submit them immediately. However, be careful not to overlook these items that can delay applications and set even the earliest-bird back in the rolling admission process:
• Submitting transcripts right before applying. It takes LSAC a couple of weeks during the height of application season to process things and law schools cannot review your application without your Academic Summary Report. http://www.lsac.org/jd/applying-to-law-school/cas/requesting-transcripts
• Likewise, failing to submit a transcript from a community college or other institution you attended only briefly. Check to see what transcripts must be sent to LSAC before your Academic Summary Report is complete.
• If you are an international student and you forget to register for the Credential Assembly Service: http://www.lsac.org/jd/applying-to-law-school/cas/internationally-educated-apps
• Recommenders not submitting their letters of recommendation in a timely manner. The good news is that this can now be done online http://www.lsac.org/jd/applying-to-law-school/cas/lor-evaluations. Give them plenty of time and (polite) reminders about deadlines as they approach.
• Failure to explain a Character and Fitness Issue after checking a box that applies to you on the application. If you answer affirmatively to a question about a disciplinary or criminal issue and you fail to provide a response that explains the facts, the schools will (if you are lucky) approach you for more information about the underlying incident.
Be proactive with your applications and take care to fill them out completely, and to make sure you’ve followed all instructions with LSAC. This will save you headaches and frustration later in the cycle, and enable you to get your admission decisions sooner.
