The Application Process to Become a First-Year Student
The application process begins when you visit the Law School Admission Council website, where you must establish an account, register for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and submit an application, a personal statement, a resume, transcripts from all of your college or university-level schools, and 2-4 recommendation letters.
Navigate through this section of the website to learn about the steps for applying, required components, what to do after you’ve submitted an application, and to get answers to any outstanding questions.
Important J.D. Admission Dates for the 2025-2026 Application Cycle
September 1, 2025 – The J.D. Application becomes available online at LSAC.org
October 2, 2025 – Review period begins
November 5-8, 2025 – Latest LSAT accepted for Binding Early Decision
November 8, 2025 – Latest GRE accepted for Binding Early Decision
November 14, 2025 – Binding Early Decision Application Deadline
December 15, 2025 – Application Deadline for the Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship and Public Interest Scholars Program
December 18, 2025 – Gift Aid decisions begin
January 7-10, 2026 – Latest LSAT accepted for Regular Decision
January 10, 2026 – Latest GRE accepted for Regular Decision
January 13, 2026 – Binding Early Decision Transfer Application becomes available online at LSAC.org
February 17, 2026 – Regular Decision Application Deadline
March 16, 2026 – Binding Early Decision Transfer Application Deadline
April 13, 2026 – Regular Decision Transfer Application becomes available online at LSAC.org
June 15, 2026 – Regular Decision Transfer Application Deadline