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How can I maximize my time in college to build a strong foundation - academically, through internships, and in campus life - to stand out as a future law school applicant?
I am a senior in high school from Dallas, Texas planning to attend Vanderbilt University next fall! I plan to double major in Classics and Human and Organizational Development (Vanderbilt's version of a business major)!
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Christina’s Answer
+1 to a lot of what Ankita wrote - A strong foundation definitely starts with the grades and LSATs - I'd also say just as equally important is who you know and who knows you, so networking becomes crucial here. Start reaching out to law school alumni that you may have first or second connections with on Linkedin to get their advice, insights, and start nurturing those relationships to potentially help recommend you for the law school of your choice. Nonprofits are a great way to get pro-bono shadowing done and build mentor relationships as well as explore what type of law you'd be interested in. Figure out what will differentiate you from other candidates - is it your values, your skills, evidence of what you've already been able to accomplish (maybe in your community with policy etc) without a law degree yet - figure out your strengths, areas of improvement, and get a lot of feedback from trusted advisors so you can gain additional self awareness - best of luck!
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
That's an amazing combination of majors—and a great school choice! Here's how you can make the most of your time at Vanderbilt to build a strong law school application:
Academically:
Aim for a high GPA from the start. Law schools care a lot about grades. Use office hours, study groups, and campus academic resources early.
Take writing-heavy and critical thinking courses. Law schools love strong communicators—your Classics major will help, but also look for philosophy, political science, or ethics electives.
Build relationships with professors. You’ll need strong recommendation letters later. Start early by being engaged and showing interest beyond the classroom.
Internships & Experience:
Look for legal or policy-related internships, especially in the summers. Think law firms, government offices, or nonprofits—even shadowing a lawyer counts.
Vanderbilt has strong alumni connections. Use their career center and networking events to find mentors in law or related fields.
Consider research or TA roles, especially if they tie into your majors or show leadership.
Campus Life & Leadership:
Join clubs with purpose. Pre-law society, student government, debate, or service organizations are great. Take on leadership roles over time.
Volunteer or advocate. Law schools appreciate applicants who are active in their communities and stand for something.
Start a personal project or initiative. Whether it’s writing, starting a club, or organizing events, it shows vision and commitment.
Bonus Tip:
Start preparing for the LSAT by junior year, and keep a reflection journal—you’ll need personal stories and clarity for your law school essays.
You’re already off to a strong start. What kind of law are you most drawn to right now?
Academically:
Aim for a high GPA from the start. Law schools care a lot about grades. Use office hours, study groups, and campus academic resources early.
Take writing-heavy and critical thinking courses. Law schools love strong communicators—your Classics major will help, but also look for philosophy, political science, or ethics electives.
Build relationships with professors. You’ll need strong recommendation letters later. Start early by being engaged and showing interest beyond the classroom.
Internships & Experience:
Look for legal or policy-related internships, especially in the summers. Think law firms, government offices, or nonprofits—even shadowing a lawyer counts.
Vanderbilt has strong alumni connections. Use their career center and networking events to find mentors in law or related fields.
Consider research or TA roles, especially if they tie into your majors or show leadership.
Campus Life & Leadership:
Join clubs with purpose. Pre-law society, student government, debate, or service organizations are great. Take on leadership roles over time.
Volunteer or advocate. Law schools appreciate applicants who are active in their communities and stand for something.
Start a personal project or initiative. Whether it’s writing, starting a club, or organizing events, it shows vision and commitment.
Bonus Tip:
Start preparing for the LSAT by junior year, and keep a reflection journal—you’ll need personal stories and clarity for your law school essays.
You’re already off to a strong start. What kind of law are you most drawn to right now?
Thank you so so much! This is incredibly helpful! I am not exactly sure exactly which branch of law I want to go into right now, but I want to take some pre-law classes in college that will hopefully help me get a better grasp of the different options!
Anna
Updated
Ramón’s Answer
Hi! Reach out to people who are already working in that field. They can give you extra help and, more importantly, they might become your future coworkers! Networking is really important these days, so be bold, get involved, share your thoughts, and ask questions! Good luck!
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Maximizing your time in college to build a strong foundation for law school involves a combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and active campus involvement. Here are some strategies to help you stand out as a future law school applicant:
### Academic Excellence
1. **Maintain a High GPA**: Focus on achieving high grades in your courses, especially those that develop critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills.
2. **Choose Relevant Courses**: Take courses in subjects like political science, history, philosophy, and economics that can provide a strong foundation for law school.
3. **Develop Writing Skills**: Law schools value strong writing abilities. Take courses that require extensive writing and seek feedback to improve your skills.
4. **Engage in Class**: Participate actively in class discussions and build relationships with your professors. Strong letters of recommendation can be crucial for law school applications.
### Practical Experience
5. **Internships**: Seek internships related to law, government, or public policy. Internships provide hands-on experience and can help you understand the legal field better.
6. **Volunteer Work**: Volunteer for organizations that focus on legal aid, advocacy, or community service. This demonstrates your commitment to social justice and public service.
7. **Research Projects**: Get involved in research projects with your professors. Research experience can enhance your resume and provide valuable insights into legal issues.
### Campus Involvement
8. **Join Pre-Law Organizations**: Participate in pre-law clubs or societies. These groups often offer networking opportunities, guest speakers, and resources for aspiring law students.
9. **Leadership Roles**: Take on leadership positions in student organizations. Leadership experience can demonstrate your ability to manage responsibilities and work effectively with others.
10. **Debate and Mock Trial**: Join debate teams or mock trial clubs. These activities can help you develop critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills.
### Personal Development
11. **Time Management**: Develop strong time management skills to balance academics, internships, and extracurricular activities effectively.
12. **Build Relationships**: Foster strong relationships with classmates, professors, and mentors. Networking can provide support and opportunities.
13. **Stay Informed**: Keep up with current events and legal issues. Staying informed can help you develop a deeper understanding of the field and demonstrate your passion for law.
### Preparing for Law School
14. **LSAT Preparation**: Start preparing for the LSAT early. A high LSAT score is crucial for law school admissions.
15. **Personal Statement**: Begin drafting your personal statement well in advance. Reflect on your experiences and articulate your motivations for pursuing law.
By focusing on these areas, you can build a strong foundation that will make you a competitive law school applicant.
### Academic Excellence
1. **Maintain a High GPA**: Focus on achieving high grades in your courses, especially those that develop critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills.
2. **Choose Relevant Courses**: Take courses in subjects like political science, history, philosophy, and economics that can provide a strong foundation for law school.
3. **Develop Writing Skills**: Law schools value strong writing abilities. Take courses that require extensive writing and seek feedback to improve your skills.
4. **Engage in Class**: Participate actively in class discussions and build relationships with your professors. Strong letters of recommendation can be crucial for law school applications.
### Practical Experience
5. **Internships**: Seek internships related to law, government, or public policy. Internships provide hands-on experience and can help you understand the legal field better.
6. **Volunteer Work**: Volunteer for organizations that focus on legal aid, advocacy, or community service. This demonstrates your commitment to social justice and public service.
7. **Research Projects**: Get involved in research projects with your professors. Research experience can enhance your resume and provide valuable insights into legal issues.
### Campus Involvement
8. **Join Pre-Law Organizations**: Participate in pre-law clubs or societies. These groups often offer networking opportunities, guest speakers, and resources for aspiring law students.
9. **Leadership Roles**: Take on leadership positions in student organizations. Leadership experience can demonstrate your ability to manage responsibilities and work effectively with others.
10. **Debate and Mock Trial**: Join debate teams or mock trial clubs. These activities can help you develop critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills.
### Personal Development
11. **Time Management**: Develop strong time management skills to balance academics, internships, and extracurricular activities effectively.
12. **Build Relationships**: Foster strong relationships with classmates, professors, and mentors. Networking can provide support and opportunities.
13. **Stay Informed**: Keep up with current events and legal issues. Staying informed can help you develop a deeper understanding of the field and demonstrate your passion for law.
### Preparing for Law School
14. **LSAT Preparation**: Start preparing for the LSAT early. A high LSAT score is crucial for law school admissions.
15. **Personal Statement**: Begin drafting your personal statement well in advance. Reflect on your experiences and articulate your motivations for pursuing law.
By focusing on these areas, you can build a strong foundation that will make you a competitive law school applicant.