Indolawppower

When to Start, What to Prepare, and Key Deadlines

Dreaming of doing an LLM in the United States? Amazing.

Now comes the hard part: planning your application timeline.

Unlike undergraduate or JD programs, LLM applications are less standardized—each law school has its own deadlines and requirements. But with the right roadmap, you can approach the process with clarity, confidence, and calm.

This blog breaks down what you should be doing month by month, starting a full year before your desired start date.

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Overview: When Should You Start?

If you’re aiming to start your LLM in August/September 2026, you should begin preparing in early 2025.

Most top schools (Harvard, NYU, Columbia, Berkeley, etc.) have deadlines between December and February for enrollment in the following August/September. So, if you want to start your LLM in Fall 2026, your application season will happen throughout 2025.

Here’s a month-by-month timeline to help you stay organized:

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January – April 2025: Research & Strategize

Goal: Build your target school list and understand what they require.

   •            Research U.S. law schools and identify 5–10 that fit your goals (consider location, bar eligibility, specialization, alumni network, etc.)

   •            Create a spreadsheet to track each school’s requirements and deadlines.

   •            Check scholarship opportunities—some have early deadlines.

   •            Sign up for notifications from LSAC.org and school-specific LLM admissions pages.

   •            Reach out to LLM alumni or current students via LinkedIn or @indolawppower for insights.

April – June 2025: Prep Your Application Materials

Goal: Begin working on your personal and academic documents.

   •            Draft your Statement of Purpose (SOP). This is one of the most important parts—tailor it for each school.

   •            Request Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors or supervisors who know your work well.

   •            Update your CV/resume in a clean, professional format.

   •            Gather your academic transcripts and degree certificates in English (with official translations if needed).

   •            Register for the TOEFL or IELTS if you haven’t already. Most U.S. schools require it unless your law degree was taught in English.

• Open your LSAC account and begin setting up your LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS) profile.

       •            This is a centralized service that many U.S. law schools use to receive your transcripts, TOEFL scores, letters of recommendation, and other documents.

       •            Some schools require CAS; others allow direct applications. Double-check each school’s preference.

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July – September 2025: Finalize & Polish

Goal: Make your application materials shine.

   •            Finalize your Statement of Purpose, tailoring each one to reflect the values and offerings of the school.

   •            Make sure your recommendation letters are submitted or on track.

   •            Take the TOEFL/IELTS if needed (leave time for a retake if necessary).

   •            Send official documents (transcripts, LORs, etc.) to LSAC for processing.

   •            Prepare for application fees (usually around $75–$100 per school).

   •            Double-check application requirements like:

       •            Optional essays (e.g., diversity statements)

       •            Writing samples (occasionally requested)

       •            Financial aid documents (especially if applying for need-based aid)

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October – December 2025: Submit Applications

Goal: Start submitting before the rush—and before deadlines.

   •            Some deadlines start as early as November 1 (e.g., Berkeley).

   •            Most top schools have priority deadlines between December 1–15.

   •            Even if the final deadline is in January or February, applying early can give you a better shot at scholarships and faster decisions.

   •            Confirm that LSAC has sent your documents to all target schools.

   •            Save a copy of all submitted materials.

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January – March 2026: Wait & Follow Up

Goal: Stay proactive while waiting.

   •            You’ll start hearing back from schools—some give decisions in January, others as late as April.

   •            Respond to any interview invitations promptly (some schools conduct virtual interviews).

   •            Follow up with any missing materials or questions from admissions teams.

   •            Submit scholarship essays or financial documents if requested.

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April – May 2026: Make Your Decision

Goal: Choose the best offer for your goals and budget.

   •            Compare offers, including tuition, scholarship awards, location, and visa support.

   •            Accept your place by submitting a deposit (usually non-refundable).

   •            Notify other schools of your decision as a courtesy.

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June – August 2026: Prep for Departure

Goal: Get everything ready for your U.S. journey.

   •            Apply for your U.S. student visa (F-1).

   •            Book housing (some schools offer on-campus housing; others don’t).

   •            Plan your arrival and attend pre-departure orientations (often offered by the school or U.S. embassy).

   •            Connect with classmates through WhatsApp/Discord/Facebook groups.

   •            Follow @indolawppower for tips, checklists, and emotional support!