Please Follow These Suggestions

As you know, the Admissions office gets busy during application season.  As applicants, you can do a few things to make it a little easier for us.  This list will continue to be updated with new tips all year.

1. DO apply early.  Unless you are a transfer student, we begin reviewing applications in January, six weeks before our deadline.  You may not get a decision earlier, but you will give your application the most possible opportunities to be reviewed.  Also, scholarships are more available early in the process.
2. DO ANSWER Questions #26-29!  Please be extra careful when completing your application.  Question #26 asks if you agree to be bound by our Honor Code.  If you do not answer "YES" we CANNOT consider your application!  The other questions relate to your academic and criminal background.  Answer these questions completely and thoroughly.  When in doubt as to whether or not you should report something, report it.  You can always call the Admissions Office for further guidance.
3. DO provide us accurate contact information.  Many schools communicate with applicants via email so give schools an email address you check regularly!  Also, correct mailing addresses ensure you wil receive important mail from your schools.
4. DO send transcripts ONLY to the LSDAS if you are applying as a new student.   We do not accept transcripts sent directly from universities unless we have granted you an offer of admission, or you are applying as a transfer student.
5. DON'T fold your application.  If you choose not to submit your application electronically, please mail your application in an 8 1/2 x 11 envelope.  Your local U.S. Post Office has 2-3 Day Express mail envelopes for free, and you can get a tracking number!
6. DON'T use folders, binders, or report covers.  They don't fit in your file and we just end up throwing them away.  Staples or paperclips are fine.
7. DON'T use fancy paper.  Save your money!  Neutral colored resume paper is fine (though unnecessary) for the resume, but your personal statement and application should be on plain white paper.
8. DON'T mail recommendation letters directly to our office.  Please make sure your letter writers know they must send their letters to Law Services along with the proper forms.  We DO NOT ACCEPT LETTERS UNLESS THEY COME THROUGH THE LSDAS. 
9.  DO be careful with Microsoft Word.  Using the "Track Changes" feature in Word can be helpful when others review your personal statement.  If you use this feature and are applying online, be sure to turn it off before you upload the file to LSAC!  We will see every edit and change you made if you forget to do this.

Each of these suggestions apply to most law schools (but it always pays to check to make sure).  Following these tips makes both of our lives easier.  It's Win/Win!