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 2026-2027 Application Cycle
September 1, 2026 – The J.D. Application becomes available online at LSAC.org
October 1, 2026 – Review period begins
November 11-14, 2026 – Latest LSAT accepted for Binding Early Decision
November 16, 2026 – Latest GRE accepted for Binding Early Decision
November 16, 2026 – Binding Early Decision Application Deadline
November 16, 2026 – BED Application Deadline for the Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship and Public Interest Scholars Program
December 14, 2026 – Gift Aid decisions begin
December 15, 2026 – Regular Decision Application Deadline for the Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship and Public Interest Scholars Program
January 11, 2027 – Binding Early Decision Transfer Application becomes available online at LSAC.org
January 13-16, 2027 – Latest LSAT accepted for Regular Decision
January 31, 2027 – Latest GRE accepted for Regular Decision
February 15, 2027 – Regular Decision Application Deadline
March 15, 2027 – Binding Early Decision Transfer Application Deadline
April 12, 2027 – Regular Decision Transfer Application becomes available online at LSAC.org
June 14, 2027 – Regular Decision Transfer Application Deadline