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What do I need to do to get into law school?
I want to get into college and do a minor, I don't know which one to do to get into law school
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5 answers
Updated
Seana Lee’s Answer
Hello - I went to law school when I was 37 - but my advice is to study what you like in college so you can get good grades! Do some activities you love as well - show the law school you are a well rounded person who knows how to work hard. Practice reading and writing. Take a prep class for the LSAT if you can - LSATs are hard (I thought they were harder than law school, honestly) - and also apply to places that are not too expensive. Law school debt can be upwards of 100K or more! Look for quality programs through City or State Schools. Make sure you have a quiet place to study and prepare for the LSAT. Applications are long and take time, do not rush through them. But Law school is amazing and will open your mind in ways you never knew - it's totally worth it. Good Luck!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Daphne !
The path to becoming an Attorney is a step by step process and it will be important to understand that process and how college works in connection with it.
If your end goal is to become an Attorney and you're still in junior high or high school now, you can start there with some things that can sharpen the skills you'll need in the future. It's not necessary to flash forward to Law School just yet, so let's discuss what you can do now and as you progress.
Right now, take as many history, government and English classes that you can in your current school up until you graduate. Join the Debate Team or run for a class Office. This will give you public speaking and leadership skills you'll need for college and Law School in the future. In your junior year in High School, start looking at universities to attend for your Bachelors Degree.
You can enroll in Law School with any major, that is, your Bachelors Degree can be in any subject, however, it is highly advised to Major in Political Science, Government and some colleges do offer a Pre-Law Major but not all colleges do. You do not need a minor. A major is what you get your degree in. A minor is sort of a choice and it's not required to have a Minor. I majored in Theatre and Minored in Social Science. I did end up having careers in both fields, but this isn't necessary for everyone, so you should first focus on what Major you will select. When the time comes closer, you will have learned a lot more about how college works.
In your junior year of college, start looking at Law Schools. You're going to need to read about them from their websites and visit as many as you can. The duration of time this path takes from starting college and graduating Law School is seven years usually.
Before applying to Law School you have to take an entrance exam called the LSAT for admission to Law School. You should apply to Law School with a very high GPA from college. You'll need to take the LSAT exam in the Spring or Summer BEFORE you apply to Law School. You can read websites of various Law Schools to see what else they require for admissions because they all may have different things they ask of students, but they all need student's LSAT scores.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
The path to becoming an Attorney is a step by step process and it will be important to understand that process and how college works in connection with it.
If your end goal is to become an Attorney and you're still in junior high or high school now, you can start there with some things that can sharpen the skills you'll need in the future. It's not necessary to flash forward to Law School just yet, so let's discuss what you can do now and as you progress.
Right now, take as many history, government and English classes that you can in your current school up until you graduate. Join the Debate Team or run for a class Office. This will give you public speaking and leadership skills you'll need for college and Law School in the future. In your junior year in High School, start looking at universities to attend for your Bachelors Degree.
You can enroll in Law School with any major, that is, your Bachelors Degree can be in any subject, however, it is highly advised to Major in Political Science, Government and some colleges do offer a Pre-Law Major but not all colleges do. You do not need a minor. A major is what you get your degree in. A minor is sort of a choice and it's not required to have a Minor. I majored in Theatre and Minored in Social Science. I did end up having careers in both fields, but this isn't necessary for everyone, so you should first focus on what Major you will select. When the time comes closer, you will have learned a lot more about how college works.
In your junior year of college, start looking at Law Schools. You're going to need to read about them from their websites and visit as many as you can. The duration of time this path takes from starting college and graduating Law School is seven years usually.
Before applying to Law School you have to take an entrance exam called the LSAT for admission to Law School. You should apply to Law School with a very high GPA from college. You'll need to take the LSAT exam in the Spring or Summer BEFORE you apply to Law School. You can read websites of various Law Schools to see what else they require for admissions because they all may have different things they ask of students, but they all need student's LSAT scores.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Ahmed’s Answer
From my experience, law schools don't require a specific minor, but choosing one that builds your critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills can really set you apart. Here’s some advice:
Focus on Your Strengths and Interests:
Pick a minor that genuinely excites you—this enthusiasm shows in your work. Whether it’s political science, philosophy, or history, your passion will help you excel.
Political Science:
This minor offers insights into government, policy, and legal frameworks. It’s a great way to understand how laws are made and applied.
Philosophy:
Philosophy sharpens your ability to think critically and argue persuasively. Courses in ethics and logic are particularly valuable for law school preparation.
History:
Studying history, especially legal or constitutional history, provides context on how our legal system evolved, offering depth to your legal understanding.
Extra Tips:
Apply Your Learning: Complement your academic work with internships, moot court, or debate clubs. Practical experience can be as influential as your coursework.
Balance Your Schedule: Make sure the minor you choose doesn’t overload you. You want to maintain a strong GPA while exploring these subjects.
Develop Communication Skills: Strong writing and analytical skills are crucial in law school, so any minor that hones these abilities will be beneficial.
Ultimately, your minor should not only enhance your law school application but also keep you engaged and motivated throughout your studies. Trust your instincts and choose what aligns best with your interests and career goals—you’ve got this!
Focus on Your Strengths and Interests:
Pick a minor that genuinely excites you—this enthusiasm shows in your work. Whether it’s political science, philosophy, or history, your passion will help you excel.
Political Science:
This minor offers insights into government, policy, and legal frameworks. It’s a great way to understand how laws are made and applied.
Philosophy:
Philosophy sharpens your ability to think critically and argue persuasively. Courses in ethics and logic are particularly valuable for law school preparation.
History:
Studying history, especially legal or constitutional history, provides context on how our legal system evolved, offering depth to your legal understanding.
Extra Tips:
Apply Your Learning: Complement your academic work with internships, moot court, or debate clubs. Practical experience can be as influential as your coursework.
Balance Your Schedule: Make sure the minor you choose doesn’t overload you. You want to maintain a strong GPA while exploring these subjects.
Develop Communication Skills: Strong writing and analytical skills are crucial in law school, so any minor that hones these abilities will be beneficial.
Ultimately, your minor should not only enhance your law school application but also keep you engaged and motivated throughout your studies. Trust your instincts and choose what aligns best with your interests and career goals—you’ve got this!
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I agree with the first answer—it's really great advice! The key is to study what you love. You can enter law school with any major, so choose what excites you. Enjoy the journey and good luck!
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Daphne:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in law. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be English, social studies, and American history and government. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Lawyer, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients, legal staff, law enforcement, etc. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
The educational pathway to become a lawyer will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. LSAT entrance exam will need to be taken. Law school will be 2-3 years to earn a Juris Doctor Degree. Then, there is the bar exam to take, to pass and to be earned in the state where you plan to practice law.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for Law school:
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania (Carey)
- Duke University
- Harvard University
- New York University
- Columbia University
- University of Virginia
- Northwestern University (Pritzker)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Cornell University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Lawyer!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in law. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Other classes to take will be English, social studies, and American history and government. The combination of these concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a Lawyer, communication is essential and critical when dealing with clients, legal staff, law enforcement, etc. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
The educational pathway to become a lawyer will be between 7-8 years. 4 Years will be to earn a Bachelor Degree. LSAT entrance exam will need to be taken. Law school will be 2-3 years to earn a Juris Doctor Degree. Then, there is the bar exam to take, to pass and to be earned in the state where you plan to practice law.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a link to the Best Colleges and Universities for Law school:
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania (Carey)
- Duke University
- Harvard University
- New York University
- Columbia University
- University of Virginia
- Northwestern University (Pritzker)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Cornell University
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and to gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
Best wishes for your education and career path as a Lawyer!