Some people have known they want to go to law school since they were in kindergarten. For others, it’s a more recent discovery. No matter when you decide to go to law school, your undergrad experience will be an important factor. Yes, you should focus on your GPA, but that’s not all! To help, here’s a list of the best ways to prepare for law school in undergrad.
We are often asked what is the best major for someone who wants to go to law school. Our answer: It depends! Successful law school applicants have majors that run the gamut from astronomy to zoology, with everything in between. Yes, majors like political science, philosophy, and business are well-represented in law school, but don’t just go with the flow. Most students find that they’re more engaged and get better grades in courses they’re interested in. Your undergrad GPA will be an important factor on your law school application, so make sure you set yourself up for success!
A great way to prepare for law school is to get some legal experience. Whether that’s getting an internship at a local law office or taking classes that have a legal component, try to get some exposure to the legal world in undergrad. Not only will you get a sense of whether you’ll enjoy the work, you can also incorporate that experience as part of your law school application.
3. Get to Know Your Professors
You’ll need reference letters from professors as part of your law school application. Law school admissions staff can spot an impersonal recommendation from a mile away—don’t be that person! Participating in class discussions and going to office hours is a great way to start building relationships with your professors.
Being able to write well is essential in law school and beyond. Get a head start by taking courses with writing components as an undergrad. Refining your writing skills is a great way to prepare for law school while in undergrad. Plus, all the practice will make writing all those application essays easier!
If you plan to go to law school right after undergrad, you’ll need to work on all the pieces of your application while in school. To be on the safe side, you should plan to take the LSAT two years before you plan to enroll in law school. Whenever you decide to take the test, make sure you have enough time to study beforehand!