Academic Strategies

• There are no specific courses or a specific major required for law school. Major in a rigorous field in which you are interested and will do well. Law schools welcome majors in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
• The political science department and the urban studies department offer opportunities for internships relating to law and public policy which you can complete for credit.
• Academic inidicia of success are important in applying for a seat in an academic class. Seriously consider invitations to participate in honors programs, and, if relevant, plan to write a thesis in order to graduate from your department with honors. (Writing a thesis is also a good opportunity to build a relationship with a professor.)

• WRITING is a crucial skill for law students and lawyers. Take writing-intensive courses and take advantage of every opportunity to improve your writing skills.
• Since GPA is an important factor in law school admissions, challenge yourself but also take courses that allow you to show your strengths and excel.
• Pay attention to the variety and depth of your undergraduate coursework. Taking classes at increasingly difficult levels in a range of areas is a key component of an impressive transcript.
• Law schools prefer that you take a wide range of undergraduate courses and receive a broad education rather than focus primarily on law courses.
• Taking more than one class with the same professor - and developing a relationship during office hours - will help them get to know you better, and observe your intellectual development over time.
• Professors who know you well will be the best individuals to ask for letters of recommendation for law school when you apply.

A few comments with regard to SPECIFIC COURSE selections:

• It can be helpful to develop familiarity with the formation and operation of the governmental institutions which underpin the American legal system, by taking core political science courses.
• A basic course or two in philosophy is recommended to hone students’ critical thinking abilities. Some students find Philosophy 103 – formal logic – helpful in LSAT prep. Math can be useful as well. Look for courses that will strengthen your analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Exposure to economics, accounting, and finance is encouraged for breadth. Clients' legal problems are often related to financial ones.
• In order to be admitted to the Patent Bar (lawyers who work in the very specialized area of obtaining patents), an undergraduate degree or training in a scientific or technical area is required. If you know that you are interested in a specific area of legal practice, find out if lawyers in that area use knowledge from a particular field. Alumni mentors can be helpful here - speak to the Pre-Law Advisor.