Pre-Law

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Law schools seek students who have followed a rigorous program, preferably in the liberal arts, which develop skills of careful reading, precise writing, and incisive and logical reasoning. Law schools do not require any specific major; therefore, majors should be chosen in accordance with their rigor and the student’s interest. Electives should be chosen to complete the student’s writing, mathematical or logical, and communicative skills and to provide substantive knowledge in wide areas of human endeavor.

Students should seriously consider the pre-law minor and use the course list for that minor in selecting courses. Courses in constitutional law, environmental law, American politics, and political philosophy help prepare students for law school by engaging them with programs and methods they will encounter in and beyond law school. Courses in oral communication and additional English writing courses, and minors if time permits, are strong additions to any transcript. In addition to course work, students should seriously consider experiences that broaden their appeal, such as study abroad and internships.

Students seeking entrance to law school must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) as part of the application process. LSAT scores are major factors considered by law schools in the admissions process. The LSAT is a challenging exam that requires preparation. Students typically take the exam for official score the fall semester of their senior year for admission into the following fall law school class. The pre-law advisor in the Department of Political Science maintains LSAT preparation books and helps to prepare students for the LSAT by informing students of mock LSAT exams offered on campus and in the area. The mock LSAT affords students the opportunity to experience the LSAT process prior to taking the actual examination.

The pre-law advisor also keeps students informed of opportunities to visit area law schools for students interested in law school admission as well as summer preparation programs. In addition, students may attend the Law School Forum sponsored by the Law School Admission Council, where students can gather information from law schools throughout the country and meet with representatives from those schools. In addition, the pre-law advisor has admissions information on all law schools in the country.

For additional information, contact the pre-law advisor in the political science department or the Office of Academic Advising.

Programs

• Pre-Law Minor

Return to: Rosary College of Arts and Sciences