Don't Forget Law School Paperwork Requirements!

Many pre-law students are preparing to take the December LSAT. I have noticed that studying for the LSAT sometimes distracts applicants from dealing with other required components of the law school application process. Note the following important paperwork requirements, all of which are discussed on the U Mass pre-law website:

1. You must submit college transcripts to LSDAS from every undergraduate institution you have attended (with very few exceptions, such as study-abroad programs supervised by U Mass). These have to be accompanied by a special form you download from LSDAS in the "online services" section of their website.
2. You must submit a minimum of two, preferably three, letters of recommendation; at least two must be from professors (unless you graduated more than approximately four years ago). Again, you must give your recommenders a special form that you download from LSDAS. The form and the letter are sent directly to LSDAS. Also, the LSDAS form that you complete and give to your professor or other recommender gives you the option of waiving future access to the letter (i.e., making it confidential) or not waiving access. Most recommenders will refuse to write a letter unless you waive access (i.e., unless confidentiality has been assured.)

Note that the U Mass pre-law office has no involvement with items 1 and 2, which involve you, LSDAS, your recommenders, and the registrar's office.

3. Many law schools require a "dean's certification" or "dean's letter" or "college certification." All these terms mean the same thing. Unlike items 1 and 2, the U Mass Pre-law Office helps prepare these documents. See our website for details. NOTE: As part of the "dean's certification" process, you must submit an official transcript to the Pre-law Office. However, this transcript remains in our files. It is not sent to LSDAS or any law school, and does not substitute for the requirement to submit your transcripts to LSDAS.

Note, finally, that many people and offices are involved in preparing these documents, the processing also requires time, and mailing takes more time. All this adds up to a long turn-around time. If you have not begun working on these paperwork requirements, begin immediately. Your application will be incomplete--and its consideration will be delayed--until they are satisfied.