One of the most common questions we hear from prospective students is: “When should I submit my law school application?” The short answer is ... it depends! Each law school has its own deadlines and processes, and understanding these timelines is a critical step as you plan your application strategy. Below, we break down key considerations to help you decide when to hit “submit” and ensure your application makes the strongest possible impression.

Once you have tackled your personal statement and secured your letters of recommendation, it is time to step back and evaluate your law school application as a whole. Think of your application as a puzzle – each part should contribute to a clear and complete picture of who you are as a candidate.

For most applicants, the written materials are the only way admissions committees will get to know you. Interviews are rare, so your application must speak for itself. With that in mind, ask yourself: Does my application leave any questions unanswered? Are there aspects of my academic or personal background that need further context?

If there is a gap, inconsistency, or issue in your record that might raise concerns or require clarification, an addendum may be appropriate. An effective addendum helps the admissions committee understand the full context of your experiences (without making excuses).

Below are the most common types of addenda law schools typically see:  

There is no doubt that writing your personal statement can feel a little daunting. After all, it is the one part of your law school application where you have full control, and a well-crafted personal statement can really help you stand out. Think of it as your interview on paper: a chance to share your story, your motivations, and what makes you unique.

So how do you get started? The key is to shift your mindset from dread to opportunity. Your personal statement is not just a requirement – it is an amazing tool to highlight who you are beyond your transcripts and test scores.

Now that you have written a superb personal statement, let’s focus on another aspect of your law school application – Letters of Recommendation (LORs). A strong LOR can be the factor that turns a solid application into a standout one.

Although you do not have control over what your letter writer(s) may write, you do control the process. Be intentional in selecting recommenders who know your strengths well and can speak to them with confidence. Provide them with the context and materials they need to write a letter that supports your candidacy and, if needed, helps explain any weaknesses in your application.

One of the most frequent questions I get is how Seton Hall Law handles law school applications with multiple LSAT or GRE scores. Applicants often want to know:

• Should I retake the test?
• Should I submit an addendum to explain a score increase or drop?
• Which test should I choose in the first place?

There are a lot of things to break down, and I'll start with the answer to the threshold question.

Each fall, law school admissions staff head out on the road to attend law school fairs, graduate school fairs, and LSAC Forums around the country. These events are invaluable for prospective students because they offer the best exposure to a wide range of schools in one place. You can begin building relationships with representatives from your top choices—no matter where you are in the application process. Coming prepared and asking the right questions will help you become a more informed and confident applicant.  

Not sure what to talk about once you get there? Use this opportunity to ask for specific information about the schools at the top of your list.

Here are some questions to ask law school admissions counselors when attending a law school fair or LSAC forum:

Updated September 9, 2020.

Every year, the Office of Career Services (“OCS”) works closely with our students to obtain internships and externships in New York City, where there are a plethora of job opportunities. Specifically, Seton Hall Law students have worked with Federal or State judges, government and non-profit organizations, law firms, and in-house counsel or compliance positions.

Over the summer months, Seton Hall Law students sharpen their legal skills as interns in a variety of diverse settings, including federal and state agencies, compliance departments in large corporations, offices of the prosecutor and public defender, public interest groups providing social services, law firms, and sports and entertainment agencies to name a few. Read on to see what each student learned during their experience.  (Content originally posted weekly on Instagram)

(Post updated September 14, 2023)

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

After all the hard work that goes into completing and submitting a law school application, it can be disappointing to find out that you have been waitlisted at one of your top choice schools. Being waitlisted can be particularly troubling for people used to being proactive, so we often get questions about the process moving forward.  Here are some things to keep in mind:

This seems to be an age-old question! In order to answer it, I will try to help you determine what has and hasn’t changed with regards to law school admissions and standardized testing requirements without taking you too far into the weeds of law school accreditation.  There has been quite a bit of discussion and media reports of law schools seeking alternatives to the use of the LSAT.  What is happening?