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What to remember for your law school graduation checklist

March 11, 2020

Blog » 3L, Bar Exam Application Tips, Law School Study Tips, LL.M., Non-US Law Student or Lawyer

[ Makenzie Way, 3L at the University of Pennsylvania ]

If you’re anything like me you love to plan. Somehow time has escaped me and now it’s the middle of the semester, meaning my desire (and need) to begin planning all things commencement related has become too strong to ignore. So, in typical OCD fashion, I created a checklist to help me navigate the graduation requirements and necessities. Now I’m sharing it with you!

Graduation Eligibility

Complete a degree audit to confirm your eligibility to graduate and inform yourself on any
outstanding requirements
Complete a pro bono audit to confirm you are on track for graduation and for admission
to the New York bar
Complete any outstanding degree requirements
Submit your senior writing requirement or journal comment before final exams,
if required and not already completed
Apply to graduate pursuant to university specifications

Commencement Tickets

Confirm the number of commencement tickets you’re eligible to receive
If necessary, apply for extra tickets or join the waitlist for extra tickets
Confirm your guest list for commencement weekend
Retrieve graduation tickets and announcement cards
Return or ‘gift’ any unused tickets ASAP
If you’re feeling fancy, send announcement cards

Reservations / Bookings

Make dinner and/or brunch reservations for commencement day
Book graduation photo slot (or plan to take them yourself before commencement)
Book accommodations for guests if they’re not staying with you, or confirm guests have
obtained accommodations if you’re not handling the bookings for them
Obtain visitor parking permit for guests if necessary
Confirm guests travel arrangements, including arrival and departure date(s) and time(s)
Reserve moving truck if you’re leaving the city/state permanently after graduation

Purchases / Rentals

Rent or purchase academic regalia as required by your university
Purchase a graduation outfit, if you do not already have one
If desired, purchase a diploma frame, but make sure to confirm the diploma size and
orientation before ordering
If desired, purchase commencement apparel and/or a grad ring

Bar Requirements / Employment Requirements / Visa Requirements

Request your law school certificate be mailed immediately after commencement to complete your
bar application
Send final transcripts to your employer or potential employer, if required
Obtain an extension on your F-1 visa if you’re an international student planning to study
for the bar exam in the USA

Miscellaneous

Clear out your locker and/or journal or board office space
Send transitional memos or files to pertinent incoming journal board or student organization member(s)
Return any library books
Plan, or attend, a farewell gathering with your classmates or law school friends during commencement
weekend, or immediately before/after
Carve out time to say goodbye to your favorite professors, advisors, mentors, etc.
Apply for any summer funding opportunities, recognition awards or scholarships, and/or post-graduation
fellowships or internships
Cancel or put a hold on city-specific memberships if you’re leaving the city after graduation
Terminate your lease and cancel utilities if you’re leaving the city permanently after graduation
And of course, crush all your final law school exams because we’ll never have to take them again
once we’ve graduated