There is no evidence that particular majors or coursework significantly enhance your chances of acceptance into the law school of your choice. The first, crucial qualifications you need to get into law school are strong grades and a strong LSAT score. So, choose something you find intellectually challenging and do well in it.

Again, it’s important to understand that there is no set “prelaw curriculum.” If you're “prelaw,” you intend to go to law school some day -- that's all the label means. That said, there are courses which might help you determine if legal studies is interesting to you, and might also provide a helpful background once you get to law school.

A course in Logic has been known to be very helpful, both with the LSAT and in law school (Forms of Reasoning is the basic course taught in our Philosophy Dept). Also, any English, History, or Politics class involving extensive research, reading, and writing will simulate the work you'll be doing in a JD program, and can prove beneficial.

As for History, a U.S. History class might assist you in understanding how many historical events center around the making and breaking of laws-- (and many of our U.S. Presidents have been lawyers!). Some law school officials recommend Economics 201-202 as well – certainly an understanding of our economy and how it works is a good thing to have.

And lastly, any of the classes at UVa with "Law" in the title: International Law, Law and Society, Commercial Law, and others. These courses are all excellent choices, and some are taught by professors with law degrees, which can't hurt if you want some contact with experienced faculty.

Whatever courses you select for this coming semester, however, the most important thing to remember is to choose classes that interest you, and put in the library hours necessary to do well. Your performance is what matters in the admissions process, and academic success will come in the classes you are excited about, not the ones you think you "have to" take.