Pre-Law: Four-Year Preparation

The minimum requirement for admission to a recognized law school is a bachelor’s degree. Most law schools value intellectual maturity and a broad educational background, such as is provided by majors in the social sciences, natural sciences or humanities, rather than narrow specialization. Well-developed research, analysis, oral and written communication skills are considered desirable.

It is suggested that students take the legal studies minor with additional coursework in the following areas: accounting, economics, history, political science, philosophy, psychology, sociology, communication studies and writing. For more specific information on an appropriate course of study, see the pre-law adviser, who is assigned by the Social Science Division.

Admission to law schools is highly competitive. Applicants are usually expected to achieve an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 and perform well on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), although strength in one of these areas may compensate for weakness in the other. The LSAT should be taken early in the senior year. More information about preparatory materials is available from the pre-law adviser. Contact the Social Science Division for more information.