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.

1. Treat the other summer clerks as your colleagues, not your competition

Employers frown upon this type of competition. While you do need to put in the hours and produce high quality work product, do not overlook the importance of personality. Being too competitive is a turn-off and can hurt your chances of landing an offer for permanent post-graduation employment.

As you wrap up finals, the last thing you probably want to think about is another writing assignment. Well, here it is: the Journal Write-On Competition. And while it might not be the most fun way to start the summer, you absolutely should do it.

It might be tempting to dismiss the Competition as optional or something you’ll do “next year.” But if you are even considering participating on a Journal, you should complete the Write-On. You can always turn down an invitation. That said, you should not turn down the opportunity to join the Law Review or Journal of Legislation and Public Policy.

As a 1L, the summer job search can feel overwhelming. With limited experience and a lot to learn, it may be hard to know where to focus your efforts. But understanding your options and developing a strategy for the summer can set you up for success. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the 1L and 2L job search, with a particular focus on building your skills and connections as you prepare for the next step in your legal journey.

Why should I network? If you want to improve your chances of securing a suitable, meaningful job, networking is a crucial skill to have. There is a hidden job market. Often companies may be looking to hire someone but have yet to post the position. If you know someone at the company, they may let you know about the position. Even if you apply for a job through the normal submission process, having someone at the company that can recommend you will give you an advantage over other candidates.

For students, the end of one semester and anticipation about the next bring highs and lows. Anxiety becomes compounded this time of year. This is an opportune moment to remind the students and children in our lives that no matter the circumstances beyond our control, we remain in charge of two things: our focus and how we treat other people. In that regard, I shared with my children and students these five resolutions to consider for the new semester and the New Year.