I'm interested in pursuing an LLM in the USA in a few years after i finish my BA in law. Just so that I plan ahead, I want to start preparing early for my application in 1-3 years. Any things I could be already doing?

I'll start my LLM in a August 2016. What I've done so far is signing up for an LSAC account and paying for the document authentication service. I have also requesting transcripts from the institutions I attended.

I believe an LSAC account is valid for 5 years, so you can start gathering documents now even if you intend to apply in 3 years.

Overall, I would only suggest signing up for your account and gathering transcripts as soon as you leave school, since the content of other components of your application, such as LORs or essays, will vary greatly if they are written right now as opposed to being written in the next 2-3 years.

Your experience will change greatly so you will submit a totally different essay in 2 years than the one you would submit right now and you will get to know more people who might recommend you (plus the ones you know right now might not be willing to give you a LOR in order to apply in 3 years).

I hope this helps, good luck.

there is a lot you can do, especially if you want to have a shot at a top llm program. the earlier you start working on the right things the better it will look in your overall resume. Of course, first you need great grades but there are a lot other things you would have to consider like internships,publications, pro bono work etc.

Thanks for all the helpful advice so far.

I have a query regarding LORs. I understand that applications will not be open until around August or September. Considering that the deadline is normally due by December 1, I'd like to give more time for my recommenders to write their recommendations. My question is: is it prudent to send out requests for LORs to recommenders as early as now? My concern is that the covering forms for LORs arent available yet, and it may be too bothersome for them if they write letters now and later on they would have to sign the cover forms again.