The academic system in the United States is difficult to understand – especially for young people choosing their career paths. When it comes to law school, things are no different. Students first have to graduate from college (4 years) before they can get into law school.
How can students prepare themselves before getting into law school? During their undergraduate years, students need to work on themselves to become competitive applicants. Today, we will talk about what is required to get into law school and determine the best pre-law preparations.
What is pre-law?
Pre-law is a confusing but often used term. It refers to studies and courses in undergraduate colleges that students can take to help them prepare for their future education. As a student, you can major in any subject before going to law school after getting a bachelor’s degree.
There are only a handful of colleges that actually offer pre-law majors, and they are not a requirement for getting into law school. Getting a pre-law major also does not guarantee that you will get admitted to or finish law school.
According to Criminal Defense Attorney Aaron Black, a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer, staying focused on your goal is the best way to approach this. Even though your studies will not primarily be focused on law, you will be able to make the most out of certain subjects and build upon your knowledge.
Majoring in pre-law – yes or no?
In general, there is no need to get a pre-law major or minor. Even still, some people decide to go down this road. While this path may seem logical, there are several disadvantages linked to majoring in pre-law that many people fail to discuss. Here is what you should know.
Law schools favor students with different majors and rich backgrounds
Most of the top law schools try to fill their classrooms with students from different majors and backgrounds. In fact, people who majored in science and math have some of the best admission rates. However, that does not mean law schools prefer such students.
It is partly because graduates in these fields are more academically prepared than other applicants. STEM majors also rarely apply for law school, and since colleges want variety, they have a higher chance of being accepted.
The practice of law has many different fields of interest. The knowledge you bring with you about a particular subject matter could apply to a certain field of law. If you know what kind of lawyer you want to become, you can major in a subject directly connected to that law practice.
Pre-law majors usually aren’t available at top colleges
A student that has decided to get a major or minor in pre-law will not have that many options. Top colleges do not always offer these courses. Law schools are less likely to admit a student with a pre-law major from a less reputable college than a student with a degree in any field from one of the best colleges.
In other words, during admissions, they will pay attention to the reputation of the academic organizations more than the courses themselves. It is better for a student to go to a top college and receive a diploma from another discipline instead of pre-law.
There are some excellent pre-law majors out there, but they are not easy to find, and students might have to move far from home or to another side of the country.
Pre-law majors aren’t seen as demanding
Top law schools prefer students who have completed rigorous academic coursework and finished challenging courses. Pre-law is not always seen as a challenging major. Even though GPA is an important aspect of any college application, law schools will value a 4.0 in mathematics more than a 4.0 in pre-law.
It is not about the subject itself but the level of difficulty. Law schools want students who have proven they can work hard, gain valuable knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills. It is better to get into a top college, get good grades, prepare properly for the LSAT, take relevant law classes, and engage in extracurricular activities related to law.
Conclusion
Becoming a lawyer is not easy, and it requires a lot of work and focus. You should find a college that will give you proper recommendations, accomplishments, and experiences relevant to your field of law. Top colleges have some of the best OAA advisors and mentors that can prepare you for law school and are better than most pre-law majors currently available.