Application

• Each law school has a JD application for admission. This form requires the applicant to outline basic biographical information such as citizenship and contact information; as well as educational background such as, institution attendance, scholastic honors and extracurricular honors. This is so that the admission committee can get a sense of the candidate's qualifications. Many schools, Vanderbilt University Law School for example, require candidates to submit their work history along with the official application.
  
  

LSAT Score

• The Law School Admission Test is a standardized test used by law schools to gauge whether a student can handle the intellectual vigors of law school and whether he will be successful in such an endeavor. The Law School Admission Council is the entity responsible for reporting a candidate's LSAT score. The candidate works with LSAC to have his score directly reported to the schools to which he is applying.
  
  

Personal Statement

• Each JD application requires the candidate to write a personal statement in accordance with stated guidelines. Typically, the call of the personal statement request is to introduce yourself to the admissions committee --- including any unique traits that may diversify the student body --- and to explain why you wish to study law at that specific institution.
  
  

Letters of Recommendation

• A minimum of two letters of recommendation are required to be submitted with a JD application. Letters of recommendation should be submitted by former professors, employers or military personnel who can speak to your intellectual and leadership capabilities. Recommendation letters should not be written by family members or close friends.
  
  

Fee

• A non-refundable application fee must accompany each JD application. These fees cover the administrative costs of reviewing each application and can range anywhere from $50 to $100 at the time of publication. Many schools waive the application fee if the applicant can establish a financial hardship.
  
  

Tip

• Stay organized and follow directions. Each JD application is different and one applicant may or may not require components requested by another law school.
  
  Contact the school's admission office if you have any questions regarding the application process. This office is solely devoted to helping law school candidates.