Here's what you need to know

What does the LSDAS include?
LSDAS file will consist of the following components:

• A current LSDAS account (information on registering to follow)
• At least one reportable LSAT score and writing sample
• Transcripts from all undergraduate institutions
• Letters of recommendation (optional)
• Payment for all required reports

How and when should you register?
Though the official LSDAS site recommends registering six weeks before you apply to law schools, it can't hurt to leave yourself a little more time than that. Consider registering in July, by either logging into the Law School Admissions Council website or through snail mail; for that, you'll find a paper form in the LSAT & LSDAS Registration & Information Book, which you can request online or find at most career centers.

When you register, you will pay for the total number of reports you'll need-a number that corresponds, logically, with the number of schools you'll be applying to. You do not need to provide the names of the schools to which you are applying and can pay for additional reports as you need them.

After you've registered, contact your undergraduate institution(s) in August to request that your transcript(s) be sent to LSDAS. You'll find Transcript Request Forms available for downloading on the website, and in the aforementioned Registration and Information Book.

Requesting recommendations is an optional part of the service, unless a given law school specifies that your recs must be sent through LSDAS. If you decide to go this route, download or send a hard copy of the Letter of Recommendation form to your recommender, who will complete the bottom portion of the form and return it to LSDAS. You may have up to three letters of recommendation submitted to LSDAS, and you will have a choice as to whether or not to delay the forwarding of your file until all letters have arrived. For more detailed information, go here.

Your LSAT scores will automatically become a part of your file after you take them, and at least one score is required before the LSDAS can forward your file to law schools. It is worth noting that you do not need to register for the LSDAS at the same time as you register for the LSAT.

After you've completed your LSDAS file and sent your applications to the law schools on your list, you can sit back and (ha!) relax. As you apply to law schools, they will request your file from LSDAS. Your subscription with the service extends from five years from the date of registration.

How much does the service cost?
In 2004, registering for the LSDAS will set you back $103, with one school report included in the initial fee. Additional reports requested at the time of registration cost $10 each; after that, they are $12 each.

If you are unable to cover the cost of the service, you can request a fee waiver form through LSAC by downloading a packet or requesting one by phone. They won't make it easy for you-you'll need to prove "the absolute inability to pay for the service" by submitting federal income tax forms and other documents-but it's worth a shot if you have a legitimate claim to financial difficulties.

Is there anything else you need to know?
The LSAC website contains every minute detail you could want to know about the LSDAS and--your friend and ours--the LSAT. Peruse the site frequently to make you're staying on track. Good luck!