PreLaw: FAQ
- Which classes do I take to be "PreLaw"?
- How important is it to apply early?
- What do I do if I didn't get in?
- Does it hurt my chances of getting into law school if I take time off after college?
- What kinds of things should I be doing with that gap time?
- What major should I choose?
- Are there particular classes that are helpful?
- How do I know if law is for me?
- How do I get experience in the field?
- Where can I learn more?
Which classes do I take to be "PreLaw"?
If you're "PreLaw," you intend to go to law school some day. That's all the label "PreLaw" means. It does not refer to a major or a set curriculum. We are asked routinely about what classes to take in order to be "PreLaw." First of all, 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. 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, those classes at U.Va. with "Law" in the title. International Law, Law and Society, Commercial Law, and others . . . these 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 hours in the library necessary for doing 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.
How do I handle being waitlisted?
If you've applied to law schools this past fall and you are on the wait list at one or more schools, make sure they continue to hear from you. We advise you to write a letter addressed to the Admissions Committee stating your continued interest in their school. If you have new grades to provide, then by all means do so; have the Registrar send an official copy of your transcript to LSDAS and they will update your report and forward it to your schools. You might mention in your letter that a report with new grades is on its way. Also, mention any new extracurricular experiences, jobs, or related coursework since you mailed in that application several months ago. Lastly, IF the school is your first choice, then mention it in your letter--all schools like to hear that they're your first choice, the Harvards just as much as the third-tier schools. After you've sent them this letter, there isn't a whole lot left to do but wait. Calling the school to check on your wait list status more than once can be viewed as pestering, and we don't advise it (once is fine). While you may feel like you have to do something more than just sending a letter, believe me – when schools go to the wait list to pull a name and send another acceptance, the applicants who have expressed continued interest have a great advantage over the ones who haven't been in touch since Thanksgiving.
How important is it to apply early?
The fall semester is flying by, and maybe you're considering waiting until winter break to finish up those law school applications. Preprofessional advising encourages you to submit your completed applications by Halloween, Thanksgiving at the latest, but how important is it really to get your application in before the final deadline? Well, all but three U.S. law schools have rolling admissions, meaning that applications are reviewed for acceptance or denial as soon as they are complete. If you wait until the very final deadline to submit your application, the number of open spots may be dramatically smaller than it was a few months before. The average percentage of seats filled by the application deadline ranges from 5-95%, with the overall average about 50%. So, your chances for admission are generally much greater if you submit your application early, as opposed to waiting until the deadline. Keep in mind that application deadlines vary from January to April, so what is late for one law school may be early for another. Determine the deadlines for your chosen schools, and plan accordingly!
What do I do if I didn't get in?
This has been an extremely competitive year for the law school application process, with a record high number of applicants. If you were not accepted, there are resources and other options available to you. First, take advantage of the PreLaw resources at University Career Services. Meet with an advisor to assess your situation and to develop your plan for the future. We will be glad to look over your application and school choices, and identify possible ways to strengthen your application if you choose to reapply. Stop by for PreLaw walk-in hours, held at UCS in Bryant Hall or call 924-8900 to set up an appointment with the PreLaw Advisor. Also, you might want to consider getting experience in the legal field for a few years after graduation before you reapply. University Career Services can offer you help in finding a job as a paralegal, legal assistant, or other law-related employment. Be aware that there are plenty of options and future opportunities available to you even if you do not attend law school next year.
Does it hurt my chances of getting into law school if I take time off after college?
Absolutely not! In fact, the average age of students attending law school is 26. Some schools even prefer you to take time off and get real world experience.
What kinds of things should I be doing with that gap time?
The worst thing you can do is to drag your feet and do nothing (being a life guard probably won’t cut it). But, at the same time, there is no “right thing” to be doing, either. The best plan is to spend your time bettering yourself as a candidate—which can mean anything from working in a law firm to traveling abroad (especially if you are interested in international law and have never been outside of US borders). If you are not staying in Charlottesville after graduation, there are some components of the application process that you should complete before you leave. Request your letters of recommendation from your instructors. Set up your LSAC account and have your recommendations collected to this account. Most other aspects of the application process can be completed online. If you are abroad during your gap year, make sure that you have Internet access and a permanent address (either in the U.S. or abroad) where you can receive correspondence from schools. Most law schools do not offer deferments; the few schools that do generally only accept enrollment deferrals for students involved in a nationally recognized service organization, such as Americorps or the Peace Corps. So, do not apply until you are ready to enroll the following fall!
What major should I choose?
Choose something you will enjoy! There is truly no “pre-law major” or specific curriculum required. In fact, the only academic necessity for PreLaw students is to demonstrate rigorous coursework, strong performance, and a diverse array of subjects. So, choose something you find intellectually challenging and do well in it (hard advice – but we’re sure you can buck up under such pressure).
Are there particular classes that are helpful?
Yes! Consider offerings that require substantial reading, written analysis, and oral discussion. We frequently recommended subjects such as English, Government, History, Economics, Philosophy (especially Logic), Public Speaking, and Accounting. The curriculum available to science, engineering, and business majors also help develop analytical and problem solving skills.
How do I know if law is for me?
Our office helps coordinate several ways to address this important question. Law school representatives from across the country are invited to attend our Professional/Graduate School Forum held each Fall on Grounds. Students have the chance to discuss their qualifications as well ask about the school’s climate directly with admissions personnel. Our office also hosts panel discussions, addressing topics such as law school life, legal specialties, and the career alternatives open to a J.D. Keep an eye on the UCS Online Calendar, and sign up for our PreLaw Listserv.
How do I get experience in the field?
You should also consider joining one of several student groups on-Grounds with an interest in law and debate (search the CIO page). Externships are also an excellent option. These are one-week job-shadowing experiences in which students observe professionals in the legal field and many others.
Where can I learn more?
We hold a general meeting once a semester, where application procedures, admissions criteria, relevant coursework, the LSAT, and other PreLaw topics are discussed. "The Law School Application Process Information Session" is held once in the Fall, and once in the Spring. Our primary audience is generally comprised of third years planning on going to law school after they graduate, but younger and older students are also welcome to attend.
