At the Center for Pre-Law Advising, we advise UW-Madison students at all levels, from all majors, and alumni with no time limit. Meet with us for individualized support on your journey to law school.
Below we share a sample preparation timeline for a hypothetical undergraduate who starts at UW-Madison as a first-year freshman and who knows right away that they are interested in law. This is less common than you might think! If you are a transfer student or discover law your senior year, you will still find useful resources and guidance to consider. Again, we hope you will meet with a CPLA for individual advising to help you reach your goals.
There is no such thing as being “behind” for law school. No matter where you are on your path, CPLA is here to help.
Sample Preparation Timeline
- Explore majors, certificates, and coursework that appeal to you. If you’re still deciding between multiple options, meet with an advisor at the Career Exploration Center (CEC). All majors are welcome in law school.
- Get involved on campus! Consider joining a student organization.
- Complete our free, self-paced Pre-Law Orientation Canvas Course and review our advice for First-Year Students.
- Follow the Center for Pre-Law Advising on Facebook and Instagram for more information, and subscribe to our newsletter.
- Consider joining a FIG or the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program to dig into a subject you care about. This may also help you develop a connection with instructors, making it easier to get recommendations when the time comes Utilize academic support resources to help you perform well academically your first year. Free support with tutoring, writing, disability resources, and more is available.
- Start researching the legal profession and other career options.
- Pursue jobs and internships to build transferable experiences (and your network) through your UW Handshake account and the UW Student Job Center.
- Continue to research the Legal Profession.
- Consider joining a pre-law organization if you haven’t already.
- Review the Application Timeline overview section of the CPLA website.
- Meet with a pre-law advisor to develop a timeline for taking the LSAT and applying to law school.
- Follow the Center for Pre-Law Advising on Facebook and Instagram for more information, and subscribe to our newsletter.
- Continue to research the Legal Profession.
- Begin to research Law Schools.
- Discuss LSAT timing and preparation with a CPLA advisor.
- Review your application timeline with CPLA advisor.
- Think carefully about whether you will go straight to law school or take time to work, study for the LSAT, or gain other experiences between college and law school.
- Consider joining a pre-law organization if you haven’t already.
- Maintain existing relationships or start to develop new relationships with professors/TAs to facilitate letters of recommendation.
- Research Undergraduate Academic Award opportunities to help distinguish yourself.
- Follow the Center for Pre-Law Advising on Facebook and Instagram for more information, and subscribe to our newsletter.
- Continue to research the Legal Profession.
- Continue to research Law Schools.
- Meet with a CPLA advisor to discuss law school application materials and confirm your application timeline.
- Maintain existing relationships or start to develop new relationships with professors/TAs and request letters of recommendation whether you plan to apply senior year or not.
- Research Undergraduate Academic Award opportunities to help distinguish yourself.
- Follow the Center for Pre-Law Advising on Facebook and Instagram for more information, and subscribe to our newsletter.