Hello all! I will be applying to LLM programs in the states for the 2007-2008 academic year (so applying this coming fall...) I'd like to get some idea as to when I need to complete things by, for example, when should I take the TOEFL (as soon as possible?), when should I register with the LSDAS?, when will the 2007-2008 applications be available?, when should I get my letters of rec taken care of etc.?
I welcome any and all application advice!!! Thank you in advance...

well, which schools do you plan to apply to ?

Right now I am looking at NYU, Penn, UVA, and Stanford as reaches. Probably also UCLA and maybe Georgetown. I still need to do much more research into schools where I would have more of a chance of getting in. (I will probably apply to at least 8 and most likely 10 different prgms). I am interested in Corporate law, with the hope of eventually being able to practice law in the states. I have heard that getting an LLM from a New York school may increase one's chances of being able to pass the bar in the states, but, as I said, I am only beginning this whole process.

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years so it won't hurt to take the exam as soon as you are ready. I read that if the deadline is on let say March 1 you have to have you file complete before Thanksgiving (November) in order to be considered an "early" applicant. A lot of schools have rolling admissions, which means they accept applicants as they receive their papaers, as oposed to waiting until the deadline and all applications to arrive. My advise: do everything asap. GOOD LUCK!

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that LLM programs (in addition to JD pgrms) had rolling admissions. Do you know when we will be able to sign up for the 2007-2008 LSAC database?

By the way, is anyone else on this board applying for the 2007-2008 academic year, or is everyone starting this fall? (Good luck to all of you,.by the way, and congratulations!)

hey i am an advocate practicing in india.i am planning to apply for the 2007-2008 session, but am not sure how i should go about doing it.

You should start with TOEFL, because arranging the test and getting the result might take some time. I began the process in September (I had the TOEFL score at that time already). First I contacted our school's registrar and asked for English translation of my transcripts (diplomas). At the same time, I sent email to persons from whom I asked letters of recommendation. I told them I would like to have their recommendations, and that I would provide more information about them later on. All this time I did research on different law schools and LL.M. programs. After I had received all necessary transcripts, I registered with LSAC (basically sent them my diplomas and paid their fee). In October I informed my recommenders that I needed my first letter, and provided them with the form and information about the application process. Once you get your first letter of recommendation, are registered with LSAC, and have sent you first application, the rest will come easily. Writing essays will take some time. I wrote them one by one, just in time to meet deadlines. You should also think whether you would like have someone to correct your English. I did this. I believe it makes for a nice finishing touch, really polishing your essays. If you have more specific questions about applying, do not hesitate to ask.

Hi...What exactly is LSAC? Do all applicants have to register?

As to essay writing - does one have to include what will the focus of the llm in the essay? Are specific subject areas supposed to be chosen at the time of application?

It is not mandatory, but I found it convenient. You can find more information about it from the following address: https://llm.lsac.org/llm/logon/splash.aspx

Basically LL.M. credential assembly service is a service that provides you with a convenient way to verify your law school credentials. Once they verify your diplomas, you don't need to send copies to each and every school you're applying to. I found it convenient and economically rational b/c my university would have charged me with a fee for every copy of my diplomas I would have ordered. I know that some people have been disappointed with their evaluation of credentials. The service includes an evaluation of your law school credentials in terms of whether you are "above average" or "excellent". I was satisfied with my own evaluation, and it took to me to Yale and Harvard, among other schools. Still, some people have felt that they were "underrated", and have been afraid that it works against them. What I suggest you should do is to read more about the service from their webpages (link above), and find out how much you can save money by using it. I recommend the service, some people won't, more than that I cannot help you.

As far as essays are concerned, it depends. Yale, for instance, wanted quite specific plans regarding courses I intend to take, my future plans, and so forth. Some schools just want a personal statement and it's up to you what you want to state about yourself. I applied to six schools, and told each and every one of them what I intend to study, and why. I felt this was the best approach, to let schools know what you want to do and let hem evaluate whether there is a "fit" between your study objectives and their own strenghts. It worked well for me, and I was accepted to every law school I applied to. I think this is a safe bet. Of course you try and write something more "original" and creative, but it's very risky, in my view, if you're not an excellent writer (of English). Play it safe or take more risks, it's your choice.

Hi tmalmine,
thanks so much for all your helpful info! the only thing i am concerned about is getting everything together on time. it seemed to work out for you, but i am scared that i will have to scramble to get things done at the last minute and it makes me nervous to think about starting the process in the fall. also, i am taking the bar exam in my country in september/october, so i am going to be really busy studying for that and wanted to try and do as much as a could over the summer. what would you recommend? (besides the TOEFL) do you think it would be a good idea to start working on my essay and getting my letters as soon as possible? do you know when schools usually put out their applications for the following year (i.e. 2007 instead of 2006)? Thanks!

If you already know which schools you are going to apply to, you can start writing the essays. I think it's unlikely that any school will change the essay subjects or requirements much, so you can by all means start preparing them. Regarding recommendations, I would only inform the people you are going to ask them from. If I remember correctly, in the recommendation form there will be the year on display, so you cannot use the old version. Besides, it won't take that long from your advisor etc. to write a letter of recommendation, so don't worry about that. TOEFL, essays, and translating diplomas take longest, so start with them. As for your last question, I don't know, actually. Easiest way to find out would probably be to send an email to the schools you intend to apply to. Cheers. -Toni-