Preparing for Law School Questions
Law schools do not require a particular major. Rather than focusing on a specific major, law schools generally prefer students who excel in their chosen field of study. Law schools appreciate having a diverse student body, and will accept students with a range of different educational backgrounds. Therefore, you should pick something that aligns with your interests and will encourage your success in school!
There are no specific classes or prerequisites that you need to take in order to get into law school. You should focus on getting the best GPA that you can and building relationships with your professors.
These courses can help you develop skills that will be utilized in law school, but none of these classes are required for law school admittance.
Many law schools offer summer law programs for undergraduate students who are considering pursuing a legal career. Certain programs are geared toward specific demographics and have different eligibility requirements. Always remember to inquire directly with the specific law school for the most up-to-date information.
Some prospective law students are concerned about the average cost of law school.
As a result, a number of schools have developed accelerated programs. Although these options are indeed rare, they do exist. Applicants should do their own research to identify the accelerated programs that meet their interests.
Always remember to inquire directly with the specific law school for the most up to date information.
For more information on financing law school: Financing Law School
Law school is often considered to be intensive and competitive, with the end goal of getting you to think like a lawyer through reading case law, completing writing and research assignments, and utilizing a class discussion method known as "cold calling.
In your first year, you'll likely take Civil Procedure, Contracts Law, Criminal Law, Tort Law, Property Law, and Legal Writing.
For more information, check out this page from the LSAC: What to Expect in Law School. You may also consider seeing if your school offers tours or the opportunity to sit in on a law school class.
Law School Application Questions
In 2024, the LSAT will be offered in January, February, April, and June. Check LSAC's page for LSAT dates for the most up-to-date information.
Generally, we recommend taking the test in June if you are prepared for it. If you take the LSAT in June, you will have the rest of the summer to focus on making the other areas of your application perfect. Additionally, you have a buffer in case something unexpected happens the day of the test and you have to retake it. Also, you will be prepared to submit your application as soon as possible in the fall.
Planning when to take the LSAT is a balancing act between making sure you feel as prepared as possible, and getting your application in early for schools with rolling admissions deadlines. Do not take the LSAT if you are not adequately prepared, as your score will permanently stay on record with LSAC and appear on your application. Although a vast majority of law schools take your highest LSAT score, others may average LSAT scores or take the most recent LSAT score. Refer to your individual law schools to learn which LSAT score policy applies.
We recommend beginning with untimed tests and building up to tests under timed, test-like conditions. Many students fall into the trap of spending a long time preparing to take a practice test. Taking a complete test is the best way of determining your strengths and the areas that need improvement, so it is ideal to do it as soon as possible.
Preparing for the LSAT is like training for a marathon, you need to make sure that your brain will function as well in the first hour of the test as the last hour.
A good LSAT score is one that will make you a competitive candidate for the law school you want to attend. This page details more information on LSAT Score Ranges.
Many law schools will publish information about the range of scores they accepted in previous years and make these score ranges available on their official websites. You can also use the: ABA-LSAC Official Guide.
There are two ways to obtain fee waivers for law school applications: the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) fee waiver and those issued by individual law schools.
- In order to qualify for an LSAC fee waiver, one must submit an application available on the LSAC website.
Applicants must provide detailed financial information, including income and holdings data. It is generally considered extremely difficult to qualify for such a waiver. However, if you plan to apply to this program, it is recommended that you submit your application at least one month before you plan to register for your first LSAT.
Individual law schools may also opt to waive a candidate’s fee. Generally, a school will contact an individual to inform him/her of the fee waiver. Applicants can also request a fee waiver directly from the school, however some may require proof of financial hardship.
Each law school designates an application deadline. Therefore, it is up to each applicant to research this information and plan to finish all application materials and submit them via: LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service.
Generally, applications open in late Summer to early Fall each year. Applicants should prepare to submit their applications as soon as it opens due to the variety of law school admissions policies.
Some law schools require submission of a Dean’s Certification which asks college(s) whether an applicant has been subject to disciplinary action or academic probation. Most law schools do not require a Dean’s Certification with the exception of a few institutions. Be sure to check each school's specific policy.
Law schools will notify applicants of their admissions status by mail, email or both. The length of time it takes each law school’s admissions committee to review an application varies; consult the individual law schools to which you apply. Also remember that if you have strong qualifications, but do not quite match the competition of those currently being admitted at a particular law school, you may be placed on a waiting list. The law school will notify you of its final decision as early as April or as late as July.
Many prospective law applicants seek to find opportunities to attend law schools at the in-state tuition rate. Luckily, certain law schools allow their students to establish residency in that particular state while/by attending the state law school. Always remember to inquire directly with the specific law school for the most up to date information.
Questions about the Pre-Law Advising Center
Yes! PAC is open to the public, and we see prospective law students from all walks of life. We offer a variety of services, such as making personalized application strategy timelines, helping you to create your list of potential law schools, and reviewing resumes and personal statements for your application.
Schedule your appointment with a Pre-Law Advisor here!