If you’re interested in a career in law, pursuing a Pre-Law track is an excellent foundation. The path to law school requires building strong critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills. A well-rounded liberal arts education, combined with internships and volunteer experiences, will help prepare you for law school and a successful legal career.
Becoming a lawyer is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey that requires dedication, a strong academic foundation, and a passion for advocating for others. By excelling in your coursework, gaining legal experience, preparing for the LSAT, and developing as a well-rounded individual, you can successfully prepare for law school and set the stage for a career that can make a profound impact on people's lives. Below are key steps to help you navigate your path to law school. If you have any questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Pre-Law Advisor.
Pre-Law Advisor:
Elizabeth A. Georgian, Ph.D. – [email protected]
Step 1: Plan Your Studies at USCA
- Choose a Major: While traditional pre-law majors like History, Political Science, or Sociology are popular, students from any discipline can pursue law school. Select a major that excites you and involves extensive reading and writing.
- Minor in Pre-Law: The USCA pre-law minor includes courses recommended by the American Bar Association to help you prepare for the LSAT and law school.
- Select General Education Courses that Build Key Skills: Focus on developing problem-solving, writing, oral communication, research, organization, math, and collaboration skills.
- Broaden Your Knowledge: Aim to gain experience in reading complex materials and understanding topics such as history, literature, philosophy, political theory, American history, the political system, human behavior, and diverse cultures.
Step 2: Study Hard
- Maintain a strong GPA, as this is critical for law school admission and scholarship opportunities.
- Build professional relationships with professors—these connections will help you later when securing letters of recommendation.
Step 3: Gain Legal Experience
- Explore different ways to engage with the legal field and assess whether a legal career aligns with your goals.
- Internships
- Shadowing
- Part-time jobs assisting lawyers
- Moot court
- Plan early to ensure you can balance legal experience with your coursework and other commitments.
Step 4: LSAT Preparation
- Begin preparing for the LSAT in the fall of your junior year. Build your reading speed, vocabulary, and stamina by reading widely.
- Aim to take the LSAT in winter or spring.
- Consider joining a study group and utilizing free test prep resources to aid your preparation.
Step 5: Start Your Application
- You can begin your law school application process as early as spring of your junior year. This includes:
- Writing your personal statement
- Identifying a polished writing sample
- Securing letters of recommendation
- Navigating the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
- Taking the LSAT and retaking it if needed
Step 6: Identify Potential Schools
- Choose a law school in the region where you plan to practice law.
- Consider the cost and financial aid options.
- Select schools offering courses aligned with your legal interests.
- Keep in mind that transferring between law schools is less common than in undergraduate education, so choose wisely.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
- Submit your application through CAS once all your materials are in order.
Additionally, if you're a current student, consider joining the Pacer Pre-Law Club, which offers valuable resources such as volunteer opportunities, professional panels, mock exams, campus visits, and more to help you achieve your goals. Contact your Pre-Law Advisor to join.