3 answers
Paolo
Student
Beirut, Beirut Governorate, Lebanon
2
Questions
Updated
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What are the best Universities for Pre-law in Texas?
Preferably ones that offer good scholorships for students coming from abroad and students with a budget. Thanks for the help!
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1831
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Paolo, Karin's answer is 100% correct- you can major in anything! You want to use your undergraduate learning experience to master studying skills and living skills - managing money, laundry, meals, dr appts, etc.
Having said that, you need to determine if you would do better in a larger setting - like the main University of Texas Campus in Austin, or something a bit smaller and more personal - like Texas Lutheran University in Seguin or Schreiner University in Kerrville. Schreiner offers both Pre-Law and Int'l Relations "tracks" within the Political Science Major. TLU offers both Intl Relations and Pr-Law specializations within the Political Science Major. Both of these are private schools, but, please don't rule them out before exploring the Financial Aid packages available. And, please don't think you have to major in political science. You don't! Get a degree you can use if you end up not going to law school - for example, Environmental Science is a strong degree that would also help you if you were wanting to practice Environmental Law.
Texas has many good schools. You want to remember that true learning, as opposed to just getting the diploma, is your goal. An easy diploma will not serve you well in law school! So use the websites, such as Rate My Professor, to see what other students are saying about a professor. You need to both challenge yourself, and, get good grades!
Also, Texas is a huge state! So while Austin, Kerrville, and Seguin are all within 90 miles of San Antonio, they are all about a 3 hr drive to Houston, and 4-5 hrs from Dallas. There are good schools in both of those cities, as well as in the Panhandle region - where Lubbock and Amarillo are located. If weather is a factor, they do tend to get a bit more wintery weather in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Dallas than in the rest of the state.
The LSAT is unlike any other test out there. Spend a lot of time preparing for it, and try to find a way to take one of the LSAT prep courses. The "logic games" portion is grueling - you need to know how to solve these problems, as there isn't time for a trial and error approach.
While Pre-Law is not a major, many schools have Pre-Law Academic Advisors and Pre-law student organizations. Seek them out!
Best of luck to you!
https://schreiner.edu/academics/tab-95c1e87f681c40aecb0
https://www.tlu.edu/programs
Having said that, you need to determine if you would do better in a larger setting - like the main University of Texas Campus in Austin, or something a bit smaller and more personal - like Texas Lutheran University in Seguin or Schreiner University in Kerrville. Schreiner offers both Pre-Law and Int'l Relations "tracks" within the Political Science Major. TLU offers both Intl Relations and Pr-Law specializations within the Political Science Major. Both of these are private schools, but, please don't rule them out before exploring the Financial Aid packages available. And, please don't think you have to major in political science. You don't! Get a degree you can use if you end up not going to law school - for example, Environmental Science is a strong degree that would also help you if you were wanting to practice Environmental Law.
Texas has many good schools. You want to remember that true learning, as opposed to just getting the diploma, is your goal. An easy diploma will not serve you well in law school! So use the websites, such as Rate My Professor, to see what other students are saying about a professor. You need to both challenge yourself, and, get good grades!
Also, Texas is a huge state! So while Austin, Kerrville, and Seguin are all within 90 miles of San Antonio, they are all about a 3 hr drive to Houston, and 4-5 hrs from Dallas. There are good schools in both of those cities, as well as in the Panhandle region - where Lubbock and Amarillo are located. If weather is a factor, they do tend to get a bit more wintery weather in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Dallas than in the rest of the state.
The LSAT is unlike any other test out there. Spend a lot of time preparing for it, and try to find a way to take one of the LSAT prep courses. The "logic games" portion is grueling - you need to know how to solve these problems, as there isn't time for a trial and error approach.
While Pre-Law is not a major, many schools have Pre-Law Academic Advisors and Pre-law student organizations. Seek them out!
Best of luck to you!
https://schreiner.edu/academics/tab-95c1e87f681c40aecb0
https://www.tlu.edu/programs
Thank you so much Kim! Ill definitely look into everything you told me and incorporate it into my uni picks
Paolo
You're welcome! And, "howdy" from Texas!
Kim Igleheart
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There are two universities that stand out as the top pre-law institutions in Texas,
They are the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University.
Both seem to be very highly ranked, with the University of Texas's law school holding the number one spot in the state for the most recent rankings.
Baylor University, is another strong choice. Other reputable Texas institutions, with strong pre-law programs include Southern Methodist University and South Texas College of Houston.
They are the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University.
Both seem to be very highly ranked, with the University of Texas's law school holding the number one spot in the state for the most recent rankings.
Baylor University, is another strong choice. Other reputable Texas institutions, with strong pre-law programs include Southern Methodist University and South Texas College of Houston.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Paolo,
In the US, you need to earn a bachelors degree (4 years) and take the LSAT before you can apply to Law School (3 years). I would recommend that you get your undergraduate degree in something that you are interested in. You never know what happens, and that would be your backup plan in case Law School doesn't happen. Pre-law is not a degree, and there is no need to take law studies before you get to law school.
Having said that, a university with a strong law program is probably a good choice for your undergraduate degree. Many students choose political science for their bachelors. Other popular options are economics, English, philosophy or business. It would be beneficial if your undergraduate degree is writing-intensive and fosters logical thinking.
You can look for scholarships for international students here:
https://www.wemakescholars.com
https://www.studytexas.us/scholarships
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings/texas
In the US, you need to earn a bachelors degree (4 years) and take the LSAT before you can apply to Law School (3 years). I would recommend that you get your undergraduate degree in something that you are interested in. You never know what happens, and that would be your backup plan in case Law School doesn't happen. Pre-law is not a degree, and there is no need to take law studies before you get to law school.
Having said that, a university with a strong law program is probably a good choice for your undergraduate degree. Many students choose political science for their bachelors. Other popular options are economics, English, philosophy or business. It would be beneficial if your undergraduate degree is writing-intensive and fosters logical thinking.
You can look for scholarships for international students here:
https://www.wemakescholars.com
https://www.studytexas.us/scholarships
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: