3 answers
Simeon
Student
Auburn, Washington
1
Question
Asked
513 views
How is the transition from basic university to law school, is it difficult? What are the specific processes?
I got accepted into a public institution that has a law school branch located on campus
Login to comment
3 answers
Evan Johnson
M&A Lawyer
4
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
Evan’s Answer
Hi Simeon,
I think the primary transition from undergrad to law school is that the level of intensity and seriousness increases to another level. In law school you are training to think and act like a lawyer, with the goal of getting a job in that field. I think it's important to view law school as the first step toward working in the field of law, so if you treat law school like a job (get up early, stay focused on classes and studying during the day, and relax in the evening), you'll find that the rigors of law school are very manageable and you will set yourself up for success.
I think the primary transition from undergrad to law school is that the level of intensity and seriousness increases to another level. In law school you are training to think and act like a lawyer, with the goal of getting a job in that field. I think it's important to view law school as the first step toward working in the field of law, so if you treat law school like a job (get up early, stay focused on classes and studying during the day, and relax in the evening), you'll find that the rigors of law school are very manageable and you will set yourself up for success.
Damion Josephs
Lawyer
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Damion’s Answer
Depending on the classes you take in you take undergraduate career/at a basic university, the experience of the transition could be like stepping into a new world. As an example, law school, in part, trains students to think about topics in a particular way, which might be different than the experience in taking non-law-related classes in undergraduate schooling. As another example, law school, like business school or medical school, is specialized schooling. The specialized schooling focuses students in on the law and how it relates to/interacts with society, as opposed to undergraduate schooling which is less specialized and has its students learning about a variety of topics/subjects.
In the scenario you’re describing, at most schools, you’ll need to separately apply to the law school. Law schools typically have a certain list of requirements to fulfill for the application process, for example, taking the “LSAT” – the Law School Admission Test.
In the scenario you’re describing, at most schools, you’ll need to separately apply to the law school. Law schools typically have a certain list of requirements to fulfill for the application process, for example, taking the “LSAT” – the Law School Admission Test.
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
Congratulations on getting accepted! It's awesome that you're already at a university with a law school right there on campus. This setup can really help with finding mentors, networking, and getting a feel for law school life early on. Moving from undergrad to law school is a big change, but with the right preparation and attitude, you can handle it.
Is the Transition Tough? What Changes?
Yes, law school is a lot more challenging than undergrad, even if you did well before. In undergrad, especially in majors like business or political science, you usually have a mix of lectures, tests, and papers. In law school, you'll focus more on analyzing cases, legal reasoning, arguing, and writing.
Here are some differences you'll see:
Reading Load: You'll need to read a lot in law school. Expect to read and summarize several cases each night. These cases are often old and full of legal terms.
Socratic Method: Professors might ask you to explain or argue about a legal idea without giving direct lectures. This helps build critical thinking but can be scary at first.
Grades and Competition: There are usually fewer graded assignments, and your final exam might count for your whole grade. There's often a grading curve, which can add pressure.
Legal Writing and Research: This is very important. You'll likely take a legal writing class in your first year, learning to write documents like memos and briefs, which are different from what you wrote in undergrad.
How Do You Move from Undergrad to Law School?
Here's a simple plan if you want to start law school after you graduate:
Take the LSAT (or GRE for some schools)
Most law schools need the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which tests reading, analytical reasoning, and logical thinking. It's different from business tests, so start practicing with tests and prep courses in your junior or early senior year.
Apply Through LSAC
You'll send your law school applications through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). This includes your LSAT score, undergrad transcripts, recommendation letters, resume, and personal statement (your chance to explain why you want to study law).
Meet With Pre-Law Advisors
Since your school has a law school on campus, make the most of it. Visit the law school, attend a class if you can, and talk to law students. Pre-law advisors can help you plan your path and timelines.
Consider Early Admission or "3+3" Programs
Some schools offer fast-track options or "3+3" programs, where you do three years of undergrad and start law school in your fourth year. Check if your campus offers this.
Keep Your GPA and Stay Involved
Law school admissions are competitive, so your GPA matters a lot. Getting involved in student groups, moot court, internships, or volunteering with legal nonprofits can also make you stand out.
Final Thoughts
Moving to law school is tough but doable, especially for someone like you who's already planning ahead. Being on the same campus as your future law school is a big plus. Use this time to keep up your grades, start LSAT prep early, and connect with the law school community.
If you want, I can help you find LSAT prep resources or sample timelines for starting law school. You're on a great path!
Learn more:
- Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
- Khan Academy – Free LSAT Prep
- ABA Resources for Pre-Law Students
Is the Transition Tough? What Changes?
Yes, law school is a lot more challenging than undergrad, even if you did well before. In undergrad, especially in majors like business or political science, you usually have a mix of lectures, tests, and papers. In law school, you'll focus more on analyzing cases, legal reasoning, arguing, and writing.
Here are some differences you'll see:
Reading Load: You'll need to read a lot in law school. Expect to read and summarize several cases each night. These cases are often old and full of legal terms.
Socratic Method: Professors might ask you to explain or argue about a legal idea without giving direct lectures. This helps build critical thinking but can be scary at first.
Grades and Competition: There are usually fewer graded assignments, and your final exam might count for your whole grade. There's often a grading curve, which can add pressure.
Legal Writing and Research: This is very important. You'll likely take a legal writing class in your first year, learning to write documents like memos and briefs, which are different from what you wrote in undergrad.
How Do You Move from Undergrad to Law School?
Here's a simple plan if you want to start law school after you graduate:
Take the LSAT (or GRE for some schools)
Most law schools need the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which tests reading, analytical reasoning, and logical thinking. It's different from business tests, so start practicing with tests and prep courses in your junior or early senior year.
Apply Through LSAC
You'll send your law school applications through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). This includes your LSAT score, undergrad transcripts, recommendation letters, resume, and personal statement (your chance to explain why you want to study law).
Meet With Pre-Law Advisors
Since your school has a law school on campus, make the most of it. Visit the law school, attend a class if you can, and talk to law students. Pre-law advisors can help you plan your path and timelines.
Consider Early Admission or "3+3" Programs
Some schools offer fast-track options or "3+3" programs, where you do three years of undergrad and start law school in your fourth year. Check if your campus offers this.
Keep Your GPA and Stay Involved
Law school admissions are competitive, so your GPA matters a lot. Getting involved in student groups, moot court, internships, or volunteering with legal nonprofits can also make you stand out.
Final Thoughts
Moving to law school is tough but doable, especially for someone like you who's already planning ahead. Being on the same campus as your future law school is a big plus. Use this time to keep up your grades, start LSAT prep early, and connect with the law school community.
If you want, I can help you find LSAT prep resources or sample timelines for starting law school. You're on a great path!
Learn more:
- Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
- Khan Academy – Free LSAT Prep
- ABA Resources for Pre-Law Students