Key Deadlines & Timeline: Law school applications are typically started a year or more before entry, but there is no single “correct” schedule. Generally, students begin planning and preparing for the LSAT and gathering materials well in advance. For example, LSAC suggests registering for the LSAT and arranging reference writers about 18–24 months before 1L, preparing essays and taking the LSAT about 12 months before matriculation, and submitting applications in the fall or winter prior to starting law school. In practice, each school sets its own deadlines. In Ontario, the centralized OLSAS deadline for first-year English JD programs is usually November 1st (e.g. Nov 1, 2025 for the 2026 intake). Other provinces vary: for instance, UBC’s JD deadline is December 1, Alberta’s is December 1 , and McGill’s (BCL/JD) application typically closes November 1 . You should always confirm each school’s dates on its admissions website. In short, a recommended timeline is to prepare your LSAT and essays about a year before applying, but flexibility is normal and some applicants reapply or adjust timing as needed.
Application Platforms (OLSAS and Others): Most Ontario law schools use the Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS) through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). OLSAS covers all Anglophone Ontario JD programs: Lakehead (Bora Laskin), TMU (Lincoln Alexander), Osgoode (York), Ottawa (common-law), Queen’s, Toronto, Western, and Windsor. Applicants submit one OLSAS form to apply to multiple Ontario schools. Other provinces have separate systems: e.g. UBC, UVic, Alberta, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Dalhousie, etc., each use their own portals (or LSAC’s application services)–for example, UBC has its own online application and Alberta’s Faculty of Law uses an LSAC-based system. McGill (civil/common) uses McGill’s own portal. In all cases, applications must include both the OUAC/LSAC form (where used) and any school-specific submissions.
Application Components
Applying to Canadian law schools is holistic; most require a standard set of materials. Key components usually include:
- Transcripts & GPA: You must submit official transcripts from every post-secondary institution you attended (including exchange or summer courses). For Ontario schools, these go to OLSAS directly; other schools will have similar instructions. If you studied outside Canada/USA, you’ll typically need an accredited evaluation (e.g. WES) to convert your grades and credentials into a Canadian equivalent. Law schools look at your undergraduate GPA as a major factor. Each school may calculate GPA differently (Ontario’s OLSAS computes a cumulative GPA from all courses). Competitive GPAs are generally high–for instance, Queen’s Law reports most successful applicants have around A- averages (≈3.7 GPA), and the University of Alberta’s median entering GPA was about 3.8. Note that some programs do not set a formal minimum GPA, preferring holistic review, but in practice most admits have very strong grades.
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test): Virtually all Canadian JD programs require the LSAT (an LSAC- administered standardized exam). The LSAT has two sections: a multiple-choice section (scored 120–180) and an unscored writing sample. You must complete both sections for your score to be sent (the writing sample, though ungraded, is still required by law schools). Most schools will retrieve your LSAT scores from LSAC once you apply (you enter your LSAC account number in the application). LSATs are offered multiple times per year (typically 8–9 dates annually in Canada). Keep in mind LSAC’s retake limits. Applicants generally submit their highest LSAT score from the year of application; many schools use the highest score for admission decisions.
- Personal Statement (Statement of Interest): Most law schools require a personal statement or statement of interest. This is an essay (often 500–1,000 words or up to several thousand characters) written by you to explain why you want to study law, what makes you a strong candidate, and any special interests or experiences. For Ontario applications, OLSAS includes a “School Submissions” section where you compose a personal statement or answer specific essay questions for each school. For instance, Queen’s limits its personal statement to 6,000 characters including spaces. Schools view the personal statement as a way to understand your motivations, background, and fit with the program. Write about meaningful achievements, your reasons for choosing law, and how you see yourself contributing to the school community. Follow each school’s guidelines on length and prompts; some schools may also offer optional essays for specialized programs or diversity streams.
- Letters of Recommendation (References): Many programs ask for 1–3 references. Typically, at least one should be from an academic instructor (a professor), and another may be from an employer or community mentor. OLSAS lets you designate up to three referees; each referee then submits their letter directly (via OLSAS’s online form) to keep it confidential. Schools vary in how many they require: for example, Western Law asks for 2 letters (one must be academic), Queen’s asks for 1 academic (up to 3 max), while the University of Toronto does not require any reference letters for general applicants. Letters should come from people who know you well (e.g. professors, supervisors) and can speak to your abilities and character. Arrange referees early, and ensure they submit letters by the deadlines. All reference letters are sent confidentially–you cannot see them–so choose trustworthy referees who will submit through the proper channel (OLSAS for Ontario, or whatever the school’s system is).
- Resume/CV: Some schools request or recommend a resume or CV listing your education, work, volunteer, and extracurricular experience. This is especially common for “mature” or non-traditional applicants. For example, the University of Toronto requires mature applicants to submit a résumé. It is wise to have a clear, well-organized 1–2 page resume ready, but not all programs will need it–check each school’s requirements.
- Other Materials: Certain applicant categories (e.g. Indigenous, Black, Access/mature) may require additional statements or documentation (such as a short essay on personal background or official proof of Indigenous status). Some joint or specialized programs (e.g. JD/MBA, combined law programs) may have extra essays or forms. We recommend reading each program’s Admissions Guide or OLSAS “Program Requirements Overview” for specifics. However, the items above (transcripts, LSAT, statement, letters, resume) cover the core application for most Canadian JD applicants.
Applying & What’s Next
After submitting your applications (one central OLSAS or school-specific form plus fees), you will provide documents before deadlines (e.g. OLSAS requires transcripts and reference letters by Nov 1st, or by each school’s posted deadlines). OLSAS and other portals allow you to track which documents have been received.
Schools then review files (often using a holistic rubric) and issue admission offers in late fall through spring. While the above timeline is typical, remember there is no single guaranteed path: some applicants re-apply, some take extra time to improve credentials, and application dates can vary. Always verify each school’s current instructions and deadlines on its official website or the OUAC/LSAC information.
Additional Resources
For more information on Canadian law schools and admissions, see official sources. For instance, LSAC’s Guide to Canadian JD Programs provides admission stats and deadlines for each school (e.g. University of Alberta JD info). Law school rankings can help identify top programs–for example, Times Higher Education’s 2025 ranking lists Toronto, McGill, UBC, York, Ottawa, Queen’s, Dalhousie, etc. as among Canada’s best law schools. Ultimately, choosing where to apply should be based on your interests and fit; consult each faculty’s admission pages for the most accurate, up-to-date guidance.