Pre-law
Description
This is not a true major area of study, but it enjoys such popularity among students. Most
colleges that offer this program explain that it is intended to be a guided program of liberal
arts courses, taken with the close assistance of a pre-law adviser, a faculty member assigned to help students follow a plan of study that will likely lead to admission to a graduate school of law. Pre-law is a preprofessional endeavor and will not lead to qualification
to practice law. One must graduate from law school and pass the state bar examination
to become a practicing lawyer.
Plan of study
Law schools, unlike medical, dental, and veterinary schools, do not prescribe what undergraduate courses should be taken for graduate admission. However, students are well
advised to take courses that train them to think and write in a rigorous, analytical manner.
Therefore, the plan of study should include a major that will prepare the student in this
way. There are many possibilities, including English, philosophy, logic, linguistics, and
political science. Law school admission is competitive, so it is important that the student
maintain a strong grade point average in college. The LSAT is an important part of the
law school admissions program, and students should prepare themselves to do well on
this standardized examination.
Expect to take
English, social studies, mathematics, science, foreign language, a declared major with
appropriately challenging course work. This entire program must be closely advised.
Suggested high school subjects
Advanced social studies, advanced English, foreign language, computer literacy.
General interest areas
Social sciences, law, business, diplomacy, foreign service, public service.
Some career possibilities
Business management
Foreign service officer
Civil lawyer
Government/regulatory official
Civil servant
Lawyer
Clergy
Paralegal
Corporate lawyer
Social worker
Criminal lawyer
Teacher
Diplomat
Some related majors
Business administration
Philosophy
Criminology
Political science
English literature
Social sciences
History
Urban studies
International relations
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Copyright 2009 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.
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