Pre-Law

Pre-Law is a convenient way to describe the training, education, and targeted experiences that precede the formal study of law. However, this is no singular fixed path to law school.

There are no required courses to take as a prerequisite for admission to law school. The American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend a particular major, and law schools do not prefer a specific major. We encourage you to pick a major that you enjoy so that you can perform well academically.

A Bachelor’s degree without any qualification as to courses or major is all that is required. No particular courses are specified, nor is there a preferred major. You will also need to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The test needed depends on the law school(s) to which you are applying.

Applying to law school is a very time-consuming process. You should research the various law schools that interest you to obtain their standard information and application materials as early as possible. Doing this will help you avoid having to rush to get things together at the last minute, which increases the likelihood of mistakes. Read the materials the law schools publish very carefully and follow the directions closely.

Pre-Law Advisors are available for one-on-one support in the Office of Career and Professional Development. Find more information about setting up an appointment here.

A Bachelor’s degree without any qualification as to courses or major is all that is required. No particular courses are specified, nor is there a preferred major. You will also need to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The test needed depends on the law school(s) to which you are applying.

First, a high GPA and a strong score on the LSAT or GRE is helpful. Law schools will also consider (to a much lesser extent): the personal statement, letters of recommendation, undergraduate institution ranking, grade trends, difficulty of undergraduate courses, work experience, graduate degrees, extracurricular activities and leadership experience, and writing skills.

The LSAT is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all law schools that are members of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants.

The LSAT is designed to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: reading comprehension, the organization and management of information, and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from content. It also tests the ability to reason, think critically, and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and argument of others.

The test is offered several times a year. It is recommended that you take the test in June between your junior of senior year OR in August/September at the start of your senior year. See the Law School Admission Council’s website for more information about the LSAT.

Some schools are now accepting the GRE in addition to the LSAT for admission to their Juris Doctorate programs. This can be helpful for students that are unsure whether they would like to go to law school or pursue a graduate degree in another discipline. Please research your school(s) of choice to be sure the test you are taking will be accepted for admission.

Applying to law school is a very time-consuming process. You should research the various law schools that interest you to obtain their standard information and application materials as early as possible. Doing this will help you avoid having to rush to get things together at the last minute, which increases the likelihood of mistakes. Read the materials the law schools publish very carefully and follow the directions closely.

Pre-Law Advisors are available for one-on-one support in the Office of Career and Professional Development. Find more information about setting up an appointment here.