When to purchase CAS?

kmarie7

I will be applying for Fall 2017, and am taking the LSAT in September. I want to start asking for LORs asap. Do I need to purchase CAS before I get LORS? Also, when will I be able to see my LSAC GPA? I have submitted all transcripts over a month ago.

Accounts Playable

Buy it now. It's good for 5 years (I think). It's used to simply the admissions process so you don't have to send your transcript, LORs, etc. to every school individually. I think most schools require you use it anyway.

stepharizona

@"Accounts Playable" said:
Buy it now. It's good for 5 years (I think).

Yep, do it now and its good for 5 years and updates with every LSAC purchase through their site. Like my account is good until 2121, even though I signed up for CAS in 2014

Matthew524

@stepharizona do you think you will be applying to law schools in 2121?

stepharizona

@Matthew524 said:
@stepharizona do you think you will be applying to law schools in 2121?

I sure hope not! Plan is this cycle... but life happens.

BruiserWoods

@stepharizona THAT'S THE SPIRIT

stepharizona

Haha well as person thats had to delay twice Ive learned to roll with it.

YesSarah

@stepharizona Sorry for my lack of knowledge, but can you explain what CAS is/does?

stepharizona

@YesSarah said:
@stepharizona Sorry for my lack of knowledge, but can you explain what CAS is/does?

CAS is the Credential Assembly Service. Essentially, it is what puts your required filed together for all Law School Applications. Its where you send your transcripts to get your standardized UGPA, how you request and receive your letters of recommendation and more.

You can get the details directly from the LSAC here http://www.lsac.org/jd/applying-to-law-school/cas

Basically it is mandatory to apply to any ABA law school

kmarie7

Do you have to purchase it before you can see your LSAC GPA? @stepharizona

stepharizona

Yes, you have to have CAS in order to have your transcritps sent to the LSAC.

YesSarah

@stepharizona Thank you for your reply! I thought that it was required. Something in this thread had me thinking it was a choice to purchase haha