With more students than their are spaces, admission into law school can be competitive with your LSAT score the largest factor in your fate. Those with the strongest applications will be considered first and most likely offered in first. That's why it's so important to prepare in advance and make sure your application and scores stand out from the pack.

Taking a preparatory LSAT course and finding out more information about what your top-pick college looks for when evaluating applications may give you that edge you need. Every ounce of effort helps.

To help you better prepare for the law school admissions process and the LSAT, consider the following information:

1. Law schools won't consider your admission materials until it contains the application, the LSAT report, any recommendation letters and the application fee. Some schools may have other additional requirements.

2. Most law schools operate with a rolling admissions policy. Even if you haven't taken the LSAT yet, you can still apply, the earlier the better.

3. Usually a committee will review your LSAT score and other admission requirements. The length of the process varies from school to school.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the LSAT information on deadlines and rules

The LSAT standardized test takes a half day to complete and is given four times a year across the country and around the world at hundreds of different test sites. Be mindful of when law schools you're interested in require the LSAT be taken. Some prefer it be taken by December for entrance in the fall term. Others may advise taking the test the summer before.

I recommend: The Law School Admission Council is a valuable resource when it comes to the LSAT. Find dates for taking the LSAT and utilize their checklist to keep yourself organized in the process.

Find LSAT preparation resources

Five sections of multiple choice questions will test you on reading comprehension, analytical and logical reasoning. Designed to evaluate necessary skills for successful completion of law school, the LSAT tests ability to think critically, reading accuracy and the organization of information, among other objectives. A number of companies provide LSAT training in the way of self-study help.

I recommend: Self-assessment modules in logical and analytical reasoning, and three reading tests are part of an online course provided by Test Prep Review. The LSAT Center offers three practice LSAT exams to purchase and download.

Use your LSAT score on law school applications

If you can, get an idea of how much emphasis is put on the LSAT score by your preferred law school. While all schools assess all of your admission materials, some place greater merit on the LSAT score.

I recommend: From an application strategy to LSAT scores and grades, learn more about the admissions process from the Princeton Review. Find out how the LSAT is used when you apply to the University of Kentucky College of Law.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many aspiring law students will apply to several law schools at once with a variety of LSAT and other standards. By doing this, they're assured of getting into law school, even if it's not their top choice.