What to Do After Applying to Law School
If you’ve already submitted your applications to law school, we would like to congratulate you! We know how hard you worked to get everything in. Now comes the waiting — and we know that part can feel just as stressful as the application process itself. While admissions committees review applications, there are still a few things you can do during this time.
Confirm Your Application Status
Law schools receive applications electronically through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), and submitted applications are visible to schools shortly after submission. However, it can take time for schools to process all required materials and mark an application as complete. Most schools will send an email notification when they have received your application and when they have marked it complete. You should also check each school’s status checker, if one is provided, to see whether your file is complete and under review. If two weeks have passed and you have not received a confirmation email or seen a status update, it’s appropriate to contact the admissions office with a brief, polite inquiry to confirm your file’s status.
Apply for Financial Aid
Once your applications have been submitted, you should move forward with financial aid planning. Law school applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal student loans and any federal financial aid they may be eligible for. The financial aid office serving each law school will review your FAFSA and determine your eligibility for aid. Federal aid offers are typically notified after admission and after all required materials have been received by the financial aid office. Because aid requirements, forms, and deadlines can differ by school, be sure to check each school’s financial aid website or contact their office directly to understand what you need to submit.
Note (2026 financial aid update): For students starting law school after July 1, 2026, federal loan limits for professional programs (including JD) change: new borrowers have access to Direct Unsubsidized loans of up to $50,000 per year and a $200,000 total lifetime cap, and Graduate PLUS loans will no longer be available. This may influence how much you can borrow and your planning.
Send Updates to Schools Only If They’re Substantive
If you have a meaningful update after applying — such as a new job in a law-related field, a promotion, new academic accomplishments, or updated grades — you should notify the schools where you’ve applied. For current undergraduates, this may include having your institution send an updated transcript. If none of these situations apply, we recommend holding off on sending updates until you have something truly substantive to report. Admissions offices handle a large volume of applications, and frequent or minor updates may not help your file.
Prepare for Interviews (If Offered)
Not all law schools conduct interviews, but interviews have become more common, especially with the increased use of virtual formats. If a school invites you to interview, it may provide sample questions or general guidance in advance. Take time to prepare thoughtful, concise responses that explain why you want to pursue law and why you’re interested in that specific school. Practicing with a friend or mentor can be helpful, but avoid over-rehearsing — you want to sound prepared and sincere, not scripted.
These steps can help you stay grounded and proactive while decisions are pending. Most importantly, remember that the most intensive part of the application process is already behind you — and the work you’ve done matters.
If you haven’t applied to law school but are seriously considering it, let us know. Ivy Link supports applicants through LSAT and GRE preparation as well as law school application strategy and advising. Reach out to us to learn more.
