If you are starting to think seriously about law school and have targeted a date of one year (or later) from now as your matriculation date, you are right on schedule for a (relatively) relaxed application process. There's a lot to do over the next year, but if you're serious about law school, it's worth the effort. And, compared to the work you'll put in once you get there, it's practically nothing.

Below we've come up with the most ideal application timeline and checklist. Keep in mind, this is our ideal game plan. Just because you make your decision to go to law school in May instead of January doesn't mean that you are doomed, it just means that you'll need to juggle a few more things at once and move along at a faster pace than you would have had you started earlier. Decide in August or September and you'll really need to hit the ground running.

If you are starting this process after January or February, breathe easy. Everything can be compressed into a shorter timeframe with a couple of notable exceptions: asking for recommendations (you're asking for something and giving nothing in return, be nice) and preparing for, registering for and taking the LSAT (there are registration deadlines to think about and scores take awhile before they are sent).

So, again, while we recommend following the ideal game plan, rest assured there are other paths you can follow. Check other versions in our featured article: Application Game Plans.

The Quick Application Checklist
Think about creating your own checklist and assigning deadlines to each task. Tack it up on your bulletin board or refrigerator and check off each item as you complete it. Our suggested timetable for when to do each item follows in this list.

• Sign up for LSAT
• Prepare for LSAT
• Take LSAT
• Register for LSDAS
• Send transcripts to LSDAS
• Research schools
• Send away for applications (even if you plan to apply online)
• Request letters of recommendation
• Write personal statement(s)
• Write supplementary essays, if required
• Complete and submit applications
• Visit schools
• Interview if possible

The Ideal Game Plan

Month	What to Do
January	Take a practice LSAT. Do it at a library or some place where you won't be interrupted. Take the test in one sitting. Try to emulate the real testing environment as much as possible.
February	Consider a prep course. Even if you opt not to take a course, do something to prepare. Just as with any test, you'll get a higher score on this one if you prepare first. You can take a live course, one-on-one tutoring or even take a course online with The Princeton Review. Check out the Bookstore for independent study options.
March	Obtain an Official LSAT Registration Booklet. These are generally published every March. You can get one at any law school, by calling the LSAC at 215-968-1001, or visiting www.lsac.org.
April	Register for the June LSAT. Don't miss the deadline. Late registration not only costs you more, but you also risk losing out on your first choice testing center. Begin your preparation (in a course or independently) if you haven't already. Stop procrastinating.
May	Continue your prep for the June LSAT. Make sure your preparation work includes taking regular full-length practice exams.
June	Take the LSAT. You want to take the test just once-for your own sanity as well as for admissions purposes. If you take it twice, some law schools will consider just your highest score, but others will average them. At the very least, schools will see both. Your best bet is to take it once, do well, and get it out of your hair forever.
July	Register for LSDAS. Start researching law schools. A good place to begin is our Advanced Law School Search.
August	Obtain law school applications for your chosen schools. This is a good idea even if you plan to apply online. Get your undergraduate transcripts sent to LSDAS. Remember to send transcripts from every undergraduate institution you attended.
September	Write your personal statements. Proofread them. Edit them. Edit them again. Have someone else look them over for all the mistakes you missed. Update your resume. Create one from scratch if you don't have one. Get your recommendations in order. You want your recommenders to submit recommendations exactly when you send your applications (in October and November). Register for the October LSAT if you need to retake it.
October	Complete and send early decision applications. Keep a photocopy of all completed applications for your records.
November	Complete and send all regular applications. Again, make a photocopy before dropping them in the mailbox.
December	Chill out. Buy holiday gifts. Make plans for New Year's Eve.