Law Admissions Advice

The University of Miami offers one-on-one advising appointments, free LSAT preparation workshops, pre-law emails, and educational events throughout the year.

For pre-law coaching appointments:

All University of Miami undergraduate students
Toppel Career Center
5225 Ponce De Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33146
305-284-5451
toppel@miami.edu

University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences majors only
College of Arts and Sciences
Ashe Building - Room 130
1252 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146
305-284-4117

We highly encourage you to learn more about law school and the legal profession by speaking to current law students and those working in the field. An informational interview offers an opportunity to obtain suggestions and advice regarding the best ways to achieve your goals while also providing an inside look at the law school experience and the legal profession.

While not required for admission to law school, pursuing a legal internship is an invaluable way to learn more about the profession. Internships provide you with practical experience while allowing you to explore whether law-related work appeals to you.

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) provides comprehensive information and resources for prospective law students, including information regarding the application process and financial aid, as well as free and low-cost test preparation materials.

Rather than expecting applicants to select from law-related majors, admissions officers prefer that you succeed in a well-rounded, rigorous course load. Focus on opportunities that center your passions while allowing you to challenge yourself academically.

Participating in extracurricular activities can help develop leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Do not participate in activities simply for the sake of a resume or application but rather to broaden your skills and depth of knowledge. It is better to assume leadership roles in one or two organizations than join many organizations as a general member.

Freshman and Sophomore Years
• Prioritize academic performance and establish strong study habits.
• Meet with a pre-law advisor and join pre-law organizations at your undergraduate institution.
• Attend law school information sessions on your campus or at nearby universities.
• Begin developing your résumé and consider seeking a legal internship or volunteer opportunities.
• Participate in extracurricular activities that reflect your interests.
• Start researching law school to better understand the requirements and expectations.

Junior Year
• Maintain a strong academic record and continue engaging in meaningful extracurricular activities.
• Register and prepare for a law school admissions test. Most law schools require the LSAT, but some also accept the GRE or JD-Next. Review each school’s requirements and dedicate ample time to studying.
• Foster relationships with professors, advisors, or supervisors who may serve as recommenders.
• Attend prospective student events, law fairs, and LSAC Forums to learn more about the admissions process and connect with representatives.
• Pursue internships, research opportunities, or volunteer experiences in legal or professional settings.
• Compile a list of law schools that align with your academic interests and career goals.

Summer Before Senior Year
• Create an LSAC account and register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended.
• Take the LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next exam.
• Use your undergraduate GPA and test score(s) to gauge your competitiveness at your target law schools.
• Craft your personal statement, build your law school résumé, and secure recommendation letters.
• Track each law school’s requirements and application deadlines.

Senior Year
• Finalize and submit your law school applications. Applications typically open in September or October and close between February and July. Since most law schools operate on a rolling admissions basis, applying early places you in the strongest position for admission and scholarship.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the submission deadline. Submitting the FAFSA does not obligate you to attend a particular law school.
• Visit the law schools to which you are admitted to help inform your decision.
• After graduation, send your final undergraduate transcript to the law school you will be attending, showing that your bachelor’s degree has been conferred.

Selecting the right law school is a personal decision that depends on your goals, values, and priorities. As you explore your options, consider the following factors:

ABA Accreditation
Ensure the law school is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Most states require a Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited institution to sit for the bar exam.

Standardized Test Scores and Undergraduate GPA
Law schools publish the 25th, 50th (median), and 75th percentile ranges for LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs. These metrics play a significant role in admissions decisions. To strengthen your chances of admission, apply to schools where your scores and GPA fall within the 25th to 75th percentile range. Consider including a mix of “target,” “safety,” and “reach” schools. Some law schools also accept the JD-Next Exam, a newer assessment currently accepted at over 55 institutions.

Cost of Attendance
Law school is a major financial investment. Be sure to review tuition, fees, and living expenses, and explore financial aid options. Visit the Financing Your Legal Education section for guidance.

Geographic Location
Where you attend law school can influence where you begin your legal career. Consider where you plan to live and practice after graduation, whether the school has a national reputation that supports mobility across states, and the strength and accessibility of the local legal market and professional community.

Academic and Experiential Programs
Choosing a law school with programs that align with your interests and career goals can enrich your experience and open doors to meaningful opportunities. When researching schools, explore specialized areas of study, clinics and externships, dual-degree programs, and public interest and pro bono opportunities.

LSAC
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) facilitates the law school admissions process. You can find and complete the online applications for all ABA‑accredited law schools through the LSAC website.

CAS
LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) compiles and sends your academic transcripts, LSAT score(s), and letters of recommendation to the law schools you designate.

Assessment Tests
Choose and register for the LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next Exam. Plan to take your first exam early, ideally the summer before you intend to apply or sooner. Thorough preparation is essential as it increases your chances of a competitive score. Many law schools place the greatest weight on your highest score. Submitting your applications well before deadlines improves your chances for admission and scholarship consideration.

Begin by setting up a secure account at LSAC.org to access essential application services.

Opt into CRS to allow law schools to discover and recruit you based on your profile.

Schedule a meeting to discuss your law school goals and receive guidance.

Visit LSAC's website to find LSAT prep materials and guidance on the exam. Explore official resources to help you understand the test format, access study tools, and plan your preparation effectively.

Use LSAC's searchable database to explore ABA-accredited law schools, admission requirements, and deadlines.

Meet admissions representatives from law schools across the country and gather insights.

Choose and register for the LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next Exam. Plan to take your first exam early, allowing time to retake if needed.

CAS simplifies the application process by compiling your LSAT score(s), transcripts, and letters of recommendation. You can register separately from the LSAT, but do so well before your first application deadline.

Request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions through LSAC. Allow at least two weeks for processing U.S. or Canadian transcripts. International transcripts may require additional time.

Letters of recommendation (LORs) are submitted through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Each letter should discuss the applicant's qualities and characteristics, as well as their ability, academic and otherwise, to study law.

LORs may be submitted to CAS electronically or in hard copy. If you use LSAC’s LOR service, your references will only need to submit their letters of recommendation once—even if you intend to include these letters in each of your law school applications. Access to LSAC's LOR service is included when you register for CAS. This service allows you to manage your letters of recommendation through your LSAC account. You can assign which letters you want each law school to receive. LSAC will make copies of each assigned reference’s original letter to include in your law school reports.

Law schools typically require between two and four letters of recommendation. If applying to law school while still an undergraduate student, secure two letters from professors who know you well. The remainder can be from employers, advisors, coaches, volunteer directors, or others who can speak to your candidacy.

Visit LSAC's LOR webpage for detailed procedural information.

• Select recommenders who can speak to your depth and breadth of knowledge, analytical skills, writing acumen, problem-solving ability, critical thinking skills, and scholastic aptitude. Most schools do not consider general, unreservedly praiseworthy letters.
• An email will be sent to each of your recommenders requesting them to complete and upload a letter for you, or you may print the required recommender forms to give to your recommenders if they would prefer to submit a paper Offer recommenders addressed and stamped envelopes. If your recommender is submitting your letter of recommendation on paper, you must print the required LOR Form from your LSAC account and deliver it to your recommender. This form must accompany your letter of recommendation. Paper letters received without an accompanying LOR Form or without the recommender's signature will be returned to the recommender.
• Letters from non-faculty recommenders can discuss your non-academic abilities, such as communication style and interpersonal skills.

Most law schools require you to submit a personal statement with your application. The personal statement is important to admissions committees as it provides a sample of your writing skills and your ability to present ideas in a clear, coherent manner.

• Your essay should be concise and well-written.
• Know your audience. Law schools are looking for evidence of your academic and professional ability and commitment to a legal education.
• Make it personal. Give the admissions committee a sense of your talents, skills, and characteristics.
• Solicit feedback before submitting. Your statement should be well-edited with no errors.

Once your transcripts are processed, view your summary report in your LSAC account to ensure accuracy.

Apply to as many U.S. law schools as you wish using your LSAC account. A law school report fee is required for each application.

Monitor the progress of your applications directly through your LSAC account.

Law school is a significant investment in your future. Planning ahead, using federal loans wisely, pursuing external scholarships, and practicing frugality can make financing law school more manageable. Educating yourself on your options will help you choose the most effective plan. Review the information outlined here.

Scholarships are available from a wide range of sources and based on diverse criteria. With research and persistence, you may uncover lesser-known opportunities. Many external scholarships are aggregated through online search engines—several can be found here.

Apply early
Don't wait for an admission decision to begin your financial aid application. Aid is limited, and missing deadlines may affect your eligibility.

Request your FSA ID early
You'll need this to complete the FAFSA and access federal aid.

Stay organized
Keep a checklist and copies of all submitted forms.

Use your most recent tax return
Refer to your IRS Form 1040 when completing the FAFSA.

Create a budget
Plan ahead to make informed financial decisions. Most law schools discourage or prohibit employment during the first year, so ensure you have sufficient funds before starting.