Pre-Law
Being “pre-law” means you are on the track to apply for law school. As a pre-law student, you have the desire to work in law and are learning what the ability to work in the legal field entails. You are taking suggested courses in disciplines that are recommended for strengthening the important skill areas for success in law school. Successful candidates for law school can show competitive metrics, meaningful experiences, and strong personal attributes by acquiring skills, values, knowledge and experience from life, educational, and extracurricular experiences.
As a pre-law student, you should be working with the Pre-Professional Advising Center by attending workshops and advising sessions.
Preparation & Application Timeline
What you accomplish early on will be an asset to you when the time comes to apply to law school. It is important to achieve strong and consistent grades early on; avoid C's (and lower) and W's. Learn how to study and learn effectively and be honest when evaluating your academic strengths and areas that need improvement. Being a well-educated person will help you be a successful lawyer.
The study and practice of law touches almost every aspect of society. Read outside of the classroom to enhance your general knowledge. It is also important to explore what law school and a law career are all about to be sure this is truly a good fit for you. Finally, without overextending yourself, actively engage in extracurricular activities that interest you. Extracurricular activities include employment, student organizations, community service, internship or co-op, and hobbies
- Attend a Pre-Law Introduction Workshop.
- Meet with your PPAC Pre-Law Advisor each semester.
- Read the PPAC Pre-Law weekly e-newsletter.
- Focus on your grades & commit to your coursework - improve reading speed and comprehension by reading beyond your course requirements.
- Explore suggested courses, minors, and certificates to sharpen skill sets recommended for success in law school and the legal profession.
- Join a student organization that interests you (Pre-Law Club, Women in Law, Phi Alpha Delta, Mock Trial, College Democrats/Republicans, Student Government, etc.).
- Important: Explore the profession to find out if it is right for you! Empower yourself by considering several career options
- Meet with your PPAC Pre-Law Advisor.
- Continue with the above pursuits.
- Seek professional exposure (volunteer in a legal-based organization, law firm, campaign, social justice endeavor, etc.).
- Consider leadership roles within your extracurricular activities.
- Conduct informational interviews or job shadowing with current attorneys (on-campus, in your hometown, etc.).
- Utilize Law Hub for free and begin LSAT preparation.
- Establish relationships with faculty and professionals who will potentially write strong, positive law school letters of recommendation
- Review the LSAT and application timeline and begin your application year planning.
- Meet with your PPAC Pre-Law Advisor to assess your readiness to apply to law school.
- Continue with the above pursuits.
- Attend the UC Law School Fair in October
- Register for LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service.
- Reach out to letter writers, including faculty and professionals.
- Research law schools and attend an LSAC Forum, if possible.
- Attend PPAC's combined Law Application + Personal Statement workshop.
- Begin working on your personal statement
- Register early for the upcoming June LSAT
- Study for LSAT throughout the spring semester - take full-length practice tests as part of your preparation.
- Attend PPAC's combined Law Application + Personal Statement workshop if you did not attend during the fall semester.
- Finalize personal statement and meet with your PPAC advisor for a review.
- Confirm letter of recommendation writers.
- Take the preferred LSAT administration in June
- Meet with your PPAC Pre-Law Advisor.
- Continue with above pursuits.
- Evaluate your June LSAT score and consider if retaking in August or later is necessary.
- Complete LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) to have law school reports produced.
- Begin submitting individual law school applications between September 1 and November 1. December 1 should be the latest you apply.
- Attend the UC Law School Fair.
- Visit law schools if possible (i.e., individual visit, open house program).
- Research financial aid and scholarships; complete FAFSA application early.
- Once admitted, law schools typically require a seat deposit to be made in April.
Admission to Law School
Pre-Law students should have strong Experience, Attributes, and Metrics. Law schools will consider any factors that bear on your potential as a law student. Demonstrating strong grades, academic skills, and LSAT scores are of primary importance as admission is competitive. In addition, admissions panels consider course load, employment, leadership roles, maturity, and responsibility.
It is very important that you examine your reasons for wanting to enter the field of law and educate yourself about law school and the legal profession as law schools want to be sure that you know why it is a good fit for you. The Law School Admission Council and the American Bar Association are two great resources for career exploration.
Law schools are looking for students who have been successful in balancing academics and extracurricular activities. Do not load your schedule so heavily with coursework that you have no time for real life. Conversely, do not allow your grades to suffer because you are overextending yourself in some other area. Your personal statement is extremely important, as are letters of recommendation.
There is no "best" major for admission to law school. Some common majors include, but are not limited to:
- Political Science
- Law and Society
- History
- Environmental Studies
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
Additionally, many pre-law students explore certificates, including:
- African Studies
- Business Law and Ethics
- Foundations of Cybersecurity
- Historic Preservation
- International Human Rights
- Journalism
- Legal Studies
- Paralegal Studies
- Professional Writing
- Security Studies
and minors, such as:
- Any foreign language
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- English Literature
- Environmental Analysis and Policy
- Forensic Populations
- Paralegal Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies
While there are no formal pre-requisite courses for law school, these "Recommended Courses for Pre-Law Students" can help you build on skills to be successful in law school and beyond.
Law School Admissions Test (LSAT): This test is a standardized exam designed to evaluate abilities necessary to study law. It is not a measure of knowledge, rather, its purpose is to measure your ability to think analytically and critically. Reading comprehension and writing skills are also tested.
Average median GPA of admits: 3.6 (U.S. News & World Report, 2023).
Most law schools require two faculty letters of recommendation and usually accept no more than three. The most valuable letters come from evaluators who know you well. Get to know some of your professors. Take some classes that require participation, research papers, and essay exams. Those faculty members will be better equipped to write a meaningful evaluation of your academic abilities. Personal recommendations are never acceptable. Recommendations from work or internship supervisors are also appropriate.
National median: 41% (U.S. News & World Report, 2023) |
If you wish to begin law school in the fall immediately following your undergraduate graduation, register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) by the summer before your senior year and apply during the early months of your senior year, which is one year before you would enter. Law schools usually begin accepting applications on or around September 1, and schools vary in terms of application deadlines. Regardless of the deadline, we encourage you to have your applications submitted no later than Thanksgiving. You should apply no later than December 1.
The LSAC-CAS is a clearinghouse of your information (transcripts, LSAT score and letters of recommendation) that law schools will have access to once they have received your application. You will also complete and submit individual law school applications. The Pre-Professional Advising Center staff can assist you throughout the application process, including by offering our Law School Application + Personal Statement Workshop.
The Law School Admission Council provides comprehensive information regarding financial aid. AccessLex Institute is a great organization with great tools and financial resources and information for pre-law and law students.
Financial aid starts as early as fee-waivers toward law school applications, for those who meet the criteria. Most law schools also offer scholarships, mostly merit-based and some on need. Many students also take student loans to help fund their legal education.
The Double Bearcat Direct Admission Program allows a limited number of highly qualified UC undergraduate students to enroll in UC Law without taking the LSAT. Only UC undergraduate students who have earned the 85th percentile or above on the ACT or SAT and achieved a 3.6 GPA or higher after at least six semesters are eligible. Students who have taken the LSAT are not eligible. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission. Aside from the LSAT requirement, all other admission requirements must be met.
The 3+3 Law School Program provides eligible undergraduate students in certain approved majors within UC's College of Arts & Sciences the opportunity to apply to earn both a bachelor's degree and law degree in just six years. High-performing students must meet with their A&S advisor who can verify and customize a path that allows the student to complete major requirements and A&S core before beginning law school, if applicable.
How to Get Started
Preparing for admission to law school requires careful long-term planning and accurate information. The PPAC specializes in providing students with necessary information and helping them develop good planning skills. Our staff can provide you with help through each step of the way, including course selection, career exploration, time management tips, information on individual schools, admissions test preparation advice, managing letters of recommendation, and ways to get experience in professional settings.
To get started or learn more, register for a Pre-Law Introduction Workshop.