Applying to law school is an investment in both time and money. Before you start the application process, you should research law schools and talk to your pre-law advisor to decide if law school is the right choice for you. The key to success is planning ahead.

When you’re ready to get started, be sure to read and follow each school’s application requirements and deadlines. Your acceptance will be based on several factors, the two most important being your LSAT score and GPA. Letters of recommendations and employer valuations will also be considered. Along with your score and academic performance you will be required to submit a personal essay.

You’ll want to have sufficient resources to help you make your final choices.

Now that you have an idea of what the process is like, here’s a checklist from Lawdragon Campus to help guide  you through it:

1. FIGURE out a time to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and give yourself enough time to prepare for it.

2. CREATE an account on the LSAC (Law School Admission Council) website and register a date to take the LSAT.

3. CREATE a list of potential schools and research their programs.

4. REVIEW each school’s application requirements and deadlines.

5. REGISTER and pay for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service, once you have narrowed your choices and feel like you’re ready to apply. The CAS simplifies the application process by centralizing the submission of application materials. CAS will create your law school report and forward the necessary documents to your prospective schools. (According to the LSAC, you should sign up and pay the fee for the Credential Assembly Service at least four to six weeks before your first law school application deadline.)

6. REQUEST your official transcripts to be sent to LSAC. Forms are available from your LSAC account.

7. MAKE SURE your LSAT score(s) is valid and reportable.

8. REQUEST letters of recommendations from people who are familiar with your academic background and work ethic. Make sure these are people who have positive things to say about you; if the professor or employer is dubious about your request, move on to someone else.

9. COMPOSE a compelling personal statement for each desired school.

10. START FILING financial aid applications once your school applications are complete.