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Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 08/03/23
Navigating law school application deadlines can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This article will provide you with all the information you need to apply to your dream schools on time.
If there’s one thing that frightens most law school applicants, it’s deadlines. These can often feel like they’re constantly right around the corner, even if they’re still months away.
The good news is you don’t have to be scared of them if you know exactly when they are and can plan around it. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work for you, so continue reading for the top 50 law school deadlines.
From Ivy to non-Ivy colleges, there are a myriad of law schools across the country. As a result, tracking their application deadlines can be overwhelming. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled the admissions deadlines for the top 50 law schools.
As you can tell from the table above, law school deadlines for regular admissions tend to fall within the first three to four months of the year.
There are, however, many high-ranking law schools that offer late application deadlines or accept applications on a rolling basis, so be sure to check your university’s or universities’ admissions page to familiarize yourself with their individualized application timeline.
Something else to consider when researching law school application deadlines is to look for an early application date. Most of the law schools listed above offer early application for those students who are eager and ready to apply.
There are some real perks to applying early. Not only does an early application look good but it could be interpreted as proof of your desire, determination, and organizational skills.
That being said, applying early is not a requirement for law school, so if you are unable to submit your law school package before the regular deadline, don’t worry.
Prepare to apply to law school with the help of our free Law School Admissions Checklist!
Submitting law school applications in the early November to February timeframe is generally ideal for maximizing your admission chances, though February applications can still be competitive as long as they're submitted before the school's deadline. For best results, aim to apply during late fall or early winter.
Most law schools begin accepting applications in the fall, typically between August and September, with some schools accepting as late as October. Schools like Stanford Law or Yale have strict application deadlines, while others accept applications on a rolling basis like Georgetown Law, for example.
All this means is that, depending on the law schools you are interested in, you may have some flexibility during your application process. Be sure to check your law school’s admissions page to learn their exact deadlines and to see if they accept late applications.
It is important to remember that punctuality is an ideal quality for a potential lawyer. However, schools and admissions teams understand that life gets hectic and not everyone can submit their application early. Try not to worry too much if you have to submit it later than you originally planned.
Plus, quality over quantity or, in this case, timing. Applying late might be your best option if it gives you time to refine your application.
If you have questions about a school’s timeline or need clarification on due date expectations, don’t be afraid to reach out to the school’s admissions team. Connecting with an admissions officer is also a great way to introduce yourself, make potentially useful connections, or ask for advice or guidance during your law school application journey.
Finally, remember that these law schools want you to be a good fit for their program, so take advantage of the resources they have to offer.
Speak with one of our admissions experts if you need support for law application deadlines.
You may still have some unanswered questions about law school application deadlines. Don’t fret! Below we have answered some of the more common questions students ask when they begin to think about applying to law school.
Submit your law school applications between September and November of the year before you plan to start. So, if you plan to attend law school in the Fall after your undergrad, start planning your application in September of your junior year.
No, it’s not too late to apply to law school in January. Applying in January still gives you a chance at admission, particularly since many schools have extended deadlines and specifically accommodate January LSAT scores
Most law school application deadlines tend to be in February or March, with some even being as late as April or May.
While it is not a bad thing to submit your application for the final deadline, we do recommend aiming to submit your application by your school’s early submission date. Check your school’s admissions page to learn when they begin accepting applications and what their early application window is.
Yes, there are many prestigious law schools with late application deadlines, though these dates do vary per institution. This means that you will need to check your school’s admissions page to learn what your options are for application submission.
The longer you wait to apply, the more students you will be competing against for a spot in that program. It is for this reason that to maximize your chances of acceptance, we recommend aiming to apply by your school’s early admissions deadline. Early admission typically opens sometime in August or September, and occasionally even as late as October, and closes in early November.
Navigating due dates can be stressful, but knowing your school’s due dates will allow you to submit your application packages in an organized and timely manner. Being proactive and organized increases the likelihood of submitting an application package you’re proud of.
