Pre-law preparation is not
a curriculum as in the case of pre-medicine or other programs which
follow a specific pattern of undergraduate courses. Both the American
Bar Association and the American Association of Law Schools recommend
a broad liberal arts program of courses for potential law students.
Pre-law students will best prepare for law school by pursuing a rigorous
course of study during their undergraduate years. No specific major
is required for admission to law school, but students should select
major and minor fields which they find both interesting and promising
for superior academic performance.
Admission to law school
is on a competitive basis and the number of openings at each school
is limited. The main criteria for admission to most recognized schools
are a high grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate work and a high
score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). A bachelor of arts or
bachelor of science degree from an accredited four-year college or university
is required for admission to law schools accredited by the American
Bar Association.
Law school admission directors
and independent studies of the factors which contribute to success in
the study of law conclude that undergraduates should develop a core
group of skills during their programs of study. It is important that
students select courses that develop strong vocabulary and reading comprehension
skills, effective writing ability, analytical/logical reasoning, and
an understanding of societal institutions and values.
Each student who declares
an intent to study law after graduation should make initial contact
with the Pre-Law advising program at the Pre-Law OAR interest session.
1. What is the best
major for a pre-law student?
There is no one major that will guarantee
success in law school, and both the ABA and AALS emphasize that many
different courses of study can prepare students for the study of law.
But whatever you choose as a major field, make sure it is a challenging
course of study that emphasizes reading, writing, and analytical ability.
2. Are there any
courses at WKU that can help me develop reading, writing, and analytical
skills?
Courses which can develop the requisite skills and abilities
for legal study include:
English 100, 200, 300, 301 and English electives
Government 110, 220, 326, 327, 328 and 424
History 119, 120, 445, 446 and History electives
Philosophy 110, 115, 120, 415 and Philosophy electives
Based on individual interests, students may also pursue elective courses
in accounting, economics, sociology/criminal justice, foreign language,
and speech communications.
3. How will I know
if I really want to go to law school and does WKU offer any courses
on law or legal issues?
The following courses, while not mandatory for pre-legal study,
offer undergraduate students a useful introduction to various aspects
of public law and legal history:
Government 326, 327, 328 and 424
History 445 and 446
Journalism 301
Management 300
4. What is the LSAT
and when should I take it?
The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is required for admission
to law school and tests reading comprehension, logical and analytical
reasoning skills. Check the link to LSAC
for more information.
5. What is the role
of Pre-Law advising in this process?
Students are encouraged to meet with a pre-law advisor in addition
to his/her major advisor during their tenure at WKU. Pre-law advisors
will provide assistance in obtaining information about law schools,
the LSAT and other pertinent information. During senior year, the pre-law
advisor will also be available to assist students in the preparation
of their applications to law schools of their choice.
6. What do I have
to do to apply for law school?
In addition to maintaining an exemplary academic record and
making a good score on the LSAT, applicants are usually required to
submit letters of recommendation. Applications are usually accompanied
by letters of recommendation from faculty members who can comment on
the student's ability and promise for the study of law. Aspiring candidates
should so conduct their undergraduate studies that they can with confidence
ask at least three faculty members to serve as references.
