Pre-Law

Pre-law studies and a law degree are flexible programs. While many individuals take a traditional path and become practicing attorneys, many others use their legal training to work in business or other professions. To become a licensed attorney, three years of law school is required beyond college leading to the Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Preparation for law school is a continuous process. It involves planning an undergraduate program that develops the skills necessary for the successful study of law; learning about the law profession and career options; and participating in activities (extracurricular, volunteer, internships, related employment) that enhance and build on classroom learning.

Skills deemed most essential by law schools are written and verbal communication abilities, an organized and logical thought process, analytical reasoning, research, and strong habits of thoroughness, tenacity, and intellectual curiosity.

Students are advised to choose a major that features the qualities that law schools are seeking. Common majors for students interested in going on to law school are political science, philosophy, history, and English, but a student from any major can go on to law school. 

Two factors play primary roles in determining admission to law schools:

• academic performance as measured by the grade point average, and
• score on the LSAT

The quality and rigor of the undergraduate program also will be considered.