New LSAC Law School Application: FlexApp

Beginning with the Fall 2011-2012 law school admission cycle, LSAC will use a new online format for law school applications, called FlexApp.

Here are some details directly from LSAC:

The format for LSAC online law school applications is changing. The new FlexApp is being introduced for use by law school applicants starting in August 2011.

FlexApp is not a common application. Each law school may include school-specific information requirements in addition to the many standard FlexApp questions.

Completing a FlexApp will be easier thanks to user-friendly features, including

· standard information flowing from the first electronic application to all other applications;

· a listing of all components of each application so that requirements are clear;

· a completion bar that tracks progress as an applicant fills out an application;

· a review process that requires applicants to examine the completed application before submission; and

· the ability to retain a printed copy of each application.

This streamlined process allows easier monitoring of electronic applications, a standardized user interface, visual indicators of the progress of completing an application, and the advantage of standard information flowing among applications. Each application will identify the law school and list school-specific information about deadlines, application fees, and the school’s requirements for letters of recommendation and evaluations.

When an applicant begins the electronic application process and selects the first school, tabs appear on the school’s form with instructions, application questions, necessary attachments, and required forms. Each application section is listed so that applicants may complete the form in whatever order they prefer, and the progress indicator will clearly show which sections remain to be completed.

Applicants should read each school’s instructions carefully because they will vary. Standardized sections include biographical information, contact information, demographics, education, employment, family, financial aid, law school interest, military, and standardized tests. Schools will include other questions about character and fitness, terms, programs, degrees, attendance plans, and any other school-specific information required. Attachments will vary, but could include personal statements, essays, and other documents. Schools may also require additional forms which will be printed, submitted for completion to a third party, then sent to the law school, such as financial aid forms or dean’s certification forms.

Law schools have the option of not including some standardized information in their applications (one example is schools that are not allowed to collect race/ethnicity data). Therefore, applications will vary according to the law school’s needs and requirements. Law schools may also customize the order of their application sections.

FlexApp is intended to serve the needs of all applicants and streamline the process of completing applications. It also provides flexibility to the law schools to require all of the information the school needs in order to make informed admission decisions. LSAC believes that applicants will find the process easy to use, straightforward and clear, with a user-friendly interface. Applicants may send inquiries about using FlexApp directly to LSAC [Ed. Email LSACinfo@lsac.org]. Questions about application content will be addressed to each law school.