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Your Path to Law School

Stevenson University’s pre-law advising program is dedicated to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in law. Our pre-law advisor works closely with students to guide them through the law school application process, from applying for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) to crafting a competitive application. Below, you will find answers to questions covering undergraduate preparation and GPA, LSAC and LawHub, the law school application process, including letters or recommendations and transcripts, the LSAT and LSAT preparation,  fees and fee waivers, and the 3+3 programs.

Contact Us

Contact Stevenson’s Pre-Law Advisor
Melanie Snyder, Esq.
Program Coordinator and Professor, Legal Studies Program
msnyder@stevenson.edu
443-352-4071
SBL 318

Undergraduate Preparation and GPA

What courses should I take to prepare for law school?  

The key courses to prepare for law school include a strong foundation in critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical writing. Courses in subjects like philosophy, history, political science, and English can help develop the necessary skills for success in law school. Additionally, courses that focus on research, argumentation, and public speaking can be beneficial.  The Legal Studies Program at Stevenson offers a curriculum that mirrors the coursework found in law school. Some of the core courses you can take include Introduction to Law, Torts, Contract Law, Constitutional Law, Legal Research and Writing, and Civil Litigation and Pleading. This foundational knowledge can be valuable when you start law school as you will already have a basic understanding of these core legal concepts. 

What types of internships, clinics, and extracurricular activities at Stevenson can strengthen my application? 

Stevenson University offers many opportunities for undergraduate students to build a strong application for law school. The university emphasizes experiential learning, with all majors requiring at least one internship or career-focused capstone project. These hands-on experiences can help students develop valuable skills like critical thinking, research, and communication – all of which are essential for success in law school and the legal profession. The university also has several pre-professional clubs and organizations that can benefit aspiring law students. Participating on the mock trial team allows you to develop key legal skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive advocacy. The Legal Society “provides and encourages an environment that accommodates learning, using, and applying the law in our country.” Through this club, students can attend events, take trips to government centers, and network with legal professionals. Similarly, the Criminal Justice Student Association hosts speakers and discussions related to law, corrections, and the courts. Learn more about Stevenson’s clubs and organizations.

How important is my undergraduate GPA when applying to law school?

Your undergraduate GPA is one of the most heavily weighted factors that law schools consider when evaluating applicants. Along with your LSAT score, the GPA provides an objective measure of your academic abilities and potential for success in a rigorous law school curriculum.

How is my GPA calculated for law school admissions?

LSAC will obtain official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended (including any community colleges or undergraduate institutions through which you earned college credit), and then convert the grades from each school to a uniform 4.0 scale. In determining your cumulative LSAC GPA, LSAC will include grades from all your courses, even those that you failed or repeated. However, grades awarded on a pass/fail, satisfactory/unsatisfactory, or credit/no credit basis will not factor into the calculation.

LSAC and LawHub

What is the LSAC?

The Law School Admission Counsel (LSAC) is a non-profit organization that provides products and services to assist law schools, law school applicants, and legal professionals.  Almost all law schools require that you use LSAC services and submit your applications through the LSAC’s electronic application platform.

What services does the LSAC provide for law school applicants?

LSAC administers the LSAT and operates the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which centralizes and transmits applicants’ academic records, letters of recommendation, and other key documents to law schools. You will use the CAS to compile your application materials, including transcripts, LSAT scores, and letters of recommendation, into a single report sent to the law schools to which you apply.  Additionally, LSAC offers the LawHub platform, which provides access to official LSAT practice tests, personalized study plans, and informational resources on navigating the law school application and admission process.

What is LawHub and how can it help me prepare for law school?

LawHub is an online platform provided by the LSAC that offers resources to support pre-law students in their LSAT preparation and law school application journey. Through LawHub, students can access free full-length, official LSAT practice tests using the LSAT online interface to simulate the actual testing experience. LawHub also provides personalized study plans and performance tracking tools to help students improve their LSAT scores. LawHub offers both free subscription options (including four free LSAT prep tests) and a paid version, “Law Hub Advantage,” which costs $120 a year and offers additional test preparation and resources.

Application Process

What is the application process for applying to law schools?

  • Create an LSAC account –Set up your account with the LSAC to access their services like the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), a comprehensive service that collects, analyzes, and distributes your academic and admissions-related information to the law schools to which you apply. 
  • Prepare for the LSAT exam – Begin studying and preparing for the LSAT exam at least 3-6 months in advance. Consider taking a prep course or using practice materials to maximize your score. Consider taking LAW 302 (Pre-Law Seminar) in the spring of your junior year.  
  • Register for and take the LSAT exam – Register for the LSAT through the LSAC website and take the LSAT in the summer or early fall of your senior year, allowing enough time to receive your scores before law school application deadlines. Many law schools have early decision or priority deadlines in the fall/winter, so plan to take the LSAT by September or October of your senior year (unless you are in the 3+3 program). 
  • Collect application materials: 
    • Transcripts – Request official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended or from which you have received college credit. 
    • Letters of recommendation – Identify 2-3 recommenders who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. 
    • Personal statement – Prepare a compelling personal statement highlighting your background, goals, and fit for law school. 
    • Résumé – Develop a clear, concise résumé highlighting your academic, work, and extracurricular experiences. 
  • Apply to law schools – Use your LSAC account to submit applications and required materials to your target law schools.  
  • Review and submit applications – Carefully review each application before submitting to ensure accuracy and completeness. Pay all necessary application fees.
  • Monitor application status – Track the status of your applications through your LSAC account and the law schools’ portals. 

What is the timeline for applying to law school?  

Freshman Year:

  • Explore your interests.
  • Get involved on campus.
  • Develop relationships with professors.
  • For legal studies majors, consider enrolling in the 3+3 program.

Sophomore Year: 

  •  Start thinking about whether you want to attend law school.
  •  Reach out to current law students and lawyers to learn more about the profession.
  • Maintain a strong GPA and get involved in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills.
  • If you are enrolled in the 3+3 program, take Law 302 (Pre-Law Seminar) in the spring semester.

Junior Year:

  • Decide if you want to take a gap year or apply directly after graduation.
  • Register for and begin preparing for the LSAT exam (7Sage, LSATMax are popular as is Testmasters, which offers Stevenson students a discount).
  • Identify potential recommenders and request letters of recommendation.
  • Brainstorm ideas for your personal statement.
  • Take LAW 302 (Pre-Law Seminar) in the spring of your junior year.
  • If you are enrolled in the 3+3 program, register for and take the LSAT.
  • If you are enrolled in the 3+3 program, apply to law school before April 1.
  • Attend informational events related to law school, such as presentations by and informal interviews with law school admissions representatives, and panel discussions with current law students.

Senior Year:

  • Finalize your list of law schools.  
  • Take the LSAT (no later than October, if possible, to allow time for a retake). 
  • Complete your applications, including personal statements and any supplemental essays. 
  • Submit your applications, aiming for early/mid fall. 
  • Interview with law schools and tour schools. 

Letters of Recommendation

Who should write my letters of recommendation?  

The most effective letters of recommendation are written by professors or work supervisors who know you well enough to describe your academic, personal, or professional achievements and potential with candor, detail, and objectivity.  

How do I use LSAC’s Letter of Recommendation (LOR) service? 

Most ABA-approved law schools require LSAC’s LOR service. To utilize the LOR service, provide the name and contact information for each of your recommenders in your LSAC account. Indicate the number of letters each recommender will submit, and describe the intended use (e.g. for all law schools). Be sure to assign the appropriate letters to each law school to which you are applying; otherwise, they will not be sent. Finally, click the “Submit Request” button in your account to trigger an email to your recommenders, asking them to complete and upload the letters.

Transcripts

What transcripts must I request when applying to law school?  

When applying to law school, you must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. This includes transcripts from your undergraduate degree program(s), where you earned your bachelor’s degree. If you have pursued any graduate-level education, such as a master’s degree or doctoral program, you will also need to provide those transcripts. Additionally, you should submit transcripts from any other colleges, community colleges, or programs where you have earned undergraduate credits, whether through regular coursework, study abroad, or advanced placement exams. Learn more about requesting transcripts on the Registrar’s page.

When do I send my undergraduate transcripts?  

You should arrange to have official transcripts from all your previous undergraduate institutions sent directly to LSAC when you first submit your applications. After you have completed your final semester, you should request that Stevenson send a final, official transcript directly to any law schools to which you applied.  

LSAT and LSAT Preparation

What is the LSAT and what is the current format?

Beginning in August 2024, the multiple-choice portion of the LSAT will consist of two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one scored Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored (experimental) section of either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension.  Each of the two scored Logical Reasoning sections will have 24-26 questions. The single scored Reading Comprehension section will have 26-28 questions. The unscored section, which can be either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension, will also have 24-26 questions. For the LSAT Writing section, you will be given a debatable issue and will be asked to construct an argumentative essay taking a position and addressing the various arguments. While the Writing section will remain unscored for the 2024-2025 testing cycle, LSAC has indicated that it may be scored in the future.  

What is the best way to prepare for the LSAT? 

When it comes to preparing for the LSAT, you can self-study or take an LSAT prep course.

  • Self-Studying: The benefit of self-studying is the flexibility to create a personalized study plan that fits your schedule. You can purchase LSAT prep books, like the Powerscore Bible (strongly suggested for logical reasoning) and use free online resources like LawHub to work through the material at your own pace. This choice allows you to focus on your specific areas of weakness. However, self-studying requires strong self-discipline and organization to stay on track.
  • LSAT Prep Courses: Taking an LSAT prep course, such as one offered by 7Sage, LSATMax or Testmasters, provides more structure and support. You will attend weekly classes where an instructor breaks down LSAT question types and strategies. These courses also include practice tests in a simulated testing environment. Having an instructor available to answer questions and provide feedback is a major advantage, especially for visual and auditory learners. The downside is that prep courses can be more expensive than self-studying. Please reach out to Melanie Snyder, your pre-law advisor, if you are interested in Testmasters as provide Stevenson students a discount.  
  • Stevenson’s Law 302 (Pre-Law Seminar) Course: Stevenson University offers a specific course called LAW 302 Pre-Law Seminar that is designed to help students prepare for law school and the LSAT. This course covers topics like researching and evaluating law schools, understanding the application process, and practicing LSAT questions. Students also get experience with case briefing and the Socratic method used in law school classes. This course could be a great option for Stevenson students looking for structured LSAT preparation. 

How long should I spend preparing for the LSAT?

How long you prepare for the LSAT depends on your starting point and study habits. You want to dedicate at least 3-6 months of preparation time.

How many times can I take the LSAT?

Test takers are permitted to take the LSAT five times since June 2018 and seven times over a lifetime. 

See frequently asked questions about the LSAT.  

Fees and Fee Waivers

What fees must you pay when applying to law school?

When applying to law schools, you must pay the following fees (LSAC fee information). 

  • Application Fees: Depends on the school, but generally between $50-100 (see your pre-law advisor about getting an application fee waiver when applying to Baltimore or Maryland)  
  • LSAT (including LSAT Argumentative Writing): $248  
  • Credential Assembly Service (CAS) registration: $215  
  • CAS Report: $45 per report 
  • LSAT Score Preview: $45 if signed up before testing, $85 if signed up after testing 
  • Official LSAT Score Report: $50  
  • LSAT Score Audit: $150 ($75 with fee waiver)  
  • LSAT Test Date Change Fees: 
    • Through registration deadline: No charge 
    • Up to 7 days after registration deadline: $150 
    • 8 days after registration deadline to the day before testing: $248  

Additionally, LSAC offers a fee waiver program for applicants who meet certain financial criteria. See more information about fee waivers here.

Are there any ways to reduce law school application fees? 

Yes, there are a few options.  LSAC offers fee waivers for the LSAT and law school applications for eligible students. Some law schools also offer their own fee waivers, so be sure to check with each school. Many schools offer reduced application fees for early decision or early action applicants. 

How do I get a fee waiver?

The LSAC fee waiver program is designed to increase equity and access to legal education for prospective law students who are financially under-resourced. There are two tiers of fee waivers available, with Tier 1 covering more fees than Tier 2. The eligibility criteria are based on income levels relative to the federal poverty guidelines.  

To apply for an LSAC fee waiver, you must complete an online application and provide supporting documentation such as tax forms. The application and documentation must be submitted within 45 days. Applicants must meet certain citizenship/residency requirements to be eligible for an LSAC fee waiver. The fee waiver application process involves an initial conditional approval, followed by a final approval once the required documentation is verified.  

 See more information about fee waivers here.

3+3 Dual Degree Program

What is the 3+3 Dual Degree Program?

Stevenson University offers a 3+3 Early Entry Program Option with the University of Baltimore School of Law (UB Law). This program allows you to complete your bachelor’s degree in three years and then begin law school immediately, earning your bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in six years. If you choose to pursue this program, you would take LAW 302 (Pre-Law Seminar) during the spring of your sophomore year and take the LSATs during the summer after your sophomore year or fall of your junior year. If you are interested in this accelerated program, be sure to discuss it with your pre-law advisor as early as possible.  

Learn more about the 3+3 Dual Degree Program

Law Schools Attended

  • American University Washington College of Law  
  • The Antonin Scalia Law School (George Mason) 
  • Campbell Law School 
  • Cordozo School of Law 
  • Drexel University School of Law 
  • Elon University School of Law 
  • Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law 
  • Florida Coastal School of Law 
  • Florida International University Law School 
  • Georgetown University School of Law  
  • George Washington University School of Law  
  • Howard University School of Law 
  • Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University 
  • New England Law School  
  • New York Law School 
  • Penn State Law School 
  • Rutgers Law School 
  • Stetson University College of Law  
  • St. John’s University School of Law  
  • St. Louis University School of Law 
  • T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond  
  • Temple University Beasley School of Law  
  • University of Baltimore School of Law 
  • University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law  
  • University of Massachusetts School of Law  
  • University of Miami School of Law  
  • University of Pennsylvania School of Law 
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law  
  • University of North Carolina School of Law  
  • University of San Diego School of Law  
  • University of Texas at Austin School of Law 
  • University of Virginia School of Law  
  • Washington and Lee University School of Law 
  • Widener University Delaware Law School 
  • William and Mary Law School