Getting into Law school is hard but being a Lawyer is even harder if you don’t know this basic thing we’ve listed here in this article. Going to a pre-law school is the basic step aspirant lawyers need to take before applying for law school. Therefore, we’ve made available a comprehensive list of pre-law schools in the US.
Furthermore, enrolling in a pre-law major can be a great way to prove your commitment to law school and the legal profession. Also, law schools tend to admit students that have an obvious interest in law because this is a very good sign that the student will succeed in law school and go on to make beneficial contributions during their legal career.
What Is Pre-law School?
Prelaw school majors are designed to prepare aspiring lawyers for law school, and these majors often include a diverse combination of humanities and social science classes ranging from philosophy to political science. Also, an undergraduate prelaw curriculum may include seminars on certain areas of law like constitutional law, and it could include classes on relevant topics in the practice of law such as rhetoric, public policy, sociology, psychology, accounting, or economics.
Although this area of study touches on many subjects that might be fascinating to aspiring attorneys, other concentrations can give a solid foundation for legal education, experts say, pointing out that an undergraduate degree in nearly any field can set the stage for a law degree.
Also Read: How Long is Law School?
Best Pre-Law Courses to Take
1. Political Science
Political Science is the not-at-all-surprisingly common top pre-law major. 18% of all applicants admitted are mostly from this major.
2. Psychology
A Psychology degree can be very helpful for forthcoming attorneys, since practicing law is as much about the folk involved as it is about the law itself.
5. Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice major tends to have a lower percentage of applicants accepted than other majors. History, English, and economics all had more admitted applicants than Criminal Justice.
6. English
Practicing law also needs strong oral and written language skills for things like case reports, briefs, and analyzing & presenting a case. You’ll be required to use these skills in law school as well as in practice.
7. History
Law is tightly entangled with History, as it needs knowledge of legal precedents and origins of laws.
8. Economics.
If you’re interested in tax or corporate law, an Economics major is a good foundation. Economics is also vastly applicable to other areas of law.
9. Philosophy
Law and Philosophy are like the negative and positive poles of a magnet. Very distinct, but inseparable. At its foundation, the law must consider human nature, ethics, common sense, and other philosophical topics to be effective.
10. Arts & Humanities.
This major may include concentrations like religion, language, and design.
11. Sociology.
Sociology is the study of people in groups. Laws are approaches to how people are expected to act in groups.
Why Enroll in Pre-Law Schools in The US?
If you major in pre-law, you will grasp a better understanding of how law school works, and you may also have more advantages on the LSAT. It can also help you determine if the law path is right for you before committing to go to law school.
Also, studying a pre-law course doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll become a lawyer, one can later decide to use he/her degree to venture into something else. So, it’s a win-win situation.
Also Read: How Much Does Law School Cost?
How To Enroll in Pre-Law Schools in The US
Getting into law school can be a time cautious process since there are many measures to take before you submit your law school application.
Here are the steps you’ll want to take to get into law school:
- Research the role of a lawyer: Before you go for a law degree, it is wise to thoroughly research the different aspects of being a lawyer. Also, lawyers spend the bulk of their time writing, reading, and researching complex documents.
- Complete a bachelor’s degree: While many graduate programs expect the completion of certain requirements, law school programs do not. Also, people who apply to law school often have all kinds of degrees. The essential thing is that you complete your bachelor’s degree with a high-grade point average.
- Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT): You’ll need to take the test as part of the application process. It’s, the average cost is $500. The score you receive is the most important metric in deducing your admission into law school
- Request your official transcripts: You’ll need to compile any official transcripts from all graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs before applying. Each copy will cost you approximately $10 to $20.
- Write a personal statement: Another prerequisite for admission to law school is a personal statement. Think of this step as a chance to show the admissions committee your personality. You can talk about academic achievement, career goals, and anything else you feel is relevant.
- Obtain letters of recommendation: Law schools generally require at least a letter of recommendation, though you’ll likely want to include more. Ask your undergraduate professors who operated with you the most to write these letters.
- Lastly, apply to law schools.
The Top 15 Best Pre-Law Schools in the US
Our team of researchers has done the work to carefully selected the best pre-law schools in the US. So, in no particular order;
Also Read: How Hard Is Law School?
#1. University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
As one of the top-rated schools in the US, the University of California. Berkeley understands what law schools look for when examining pools of applications.
While pre-law is not a degree, UC Berkeley has endless amounts of resources and a team of professionals and advisors.
Nonetheless, the team assists undergraduates with application protocols, managing timelines, and insight into school choices.
UC Berkeley also offers internship programs with the ASUC Justice Corps, legal clinic, and UC Berkeley Washington Program.
Acceptance Rate: 17.5%
Graduation Rate: 91 2%
Tuition Fee: $44,600
#2. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
Cornell University offers varieties of undergraduate degrees that will not only set students up for law school. But also help them decide on a specific track.
In addition, With a degree in environmental science, international studies, and human development, the challenging courses offer undergraduates a wealth of knowledge in environmental, global, and advocacy laws.
Furthermore, the University offers several summer programs, comprising a six-week Pre Law Program and Internship in New York City and a ten-week intensive training through the Cornell Defender Program. This Defender program includes online instruction from judges, lawyers, investigators, and service providers from all across the U.S.
Acceptance Rate: 10.7
Graduation Rate: 96.3.4%
Tuition Fee: $40,000
#3. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Harvard Law School (HLS) has mentored the minds of prominent thought leaders, including numerous federal court judges, and even former President Barack Obama.
As one of the pre-law schools in the US with prominence and academic caliber, undergraduate students attending Harvard have access to pre-law tutors, mentors, and career services to help them with their application process.
Furthermore, the campus gives accessibility to pre-law tutors. Previously, the committee has mentored sophomores and first-year through their studies so they can begin to apply to law schools as upperclassmen. They also provided informational workshops and sessions on the law application process.
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Graduation Rate: 96.1%
Tuition Fee: $68,900
#4. Yale University (New Haven, CT)
Yale University’s pre-law resources provide students with various opportunities to explore, study, and familiarize themselves with the many aspects of the law.
With varieties of extracurricular activities, students can join the Yale Mock Trial Team, and Yale Undergraduate Legal Aid Association to cultivate their interests in the field.
In addition, for aspiring law students who are enthusiastic about human rights, Yale works closely with the organization Lawyers without any borders and has created a student division on campus.
Acceptance Rate: 6.5%
Graduation Rate: 97.1%
Tuition Fee: $69,400
#5. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
At the University of Michigan, students run organizations like wolverine street law which allows students to wield their legal education by teaching communities about legal rights.
In addition, the University offers several resources through its student associations, career centers, and advising workshops that will enable aspiring law students to determine whether a legal career is suited for them.
Furthermore, undergraduate students can tail practicing attorneys through the University Career Alumni Network and pursue internship programs through the UM’s opportunity hub.
Acceptance Rate: 26.1%
Graduation Rate: 91.6%
Tuition Fee: $67,000
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#6. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
Undergraduates at the University of Pennsylvania have access to the Law School Admissions Council, an organization publishing insightful resources on the difficult process of applying to law schools.
Outside of LSAC, pre-law students at Penn can partake in an abundance of student-run clubs, like the Penn Youth Debate or the Penn Undergraduates Refugee Empowerment. Also, in these two groups, students have the opportunity to learn about the different concentrates of law from social justice to the teenager/juvenile justice systems.
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Graduation Rate: 95.8%
Tuition Fee: $70,000
#7. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is excellent for pre-law students looking to get into the entertainment industry. Located in Hollywood itself, entertainment and media lawyers are continually needed to represent high-profile clients, negotiate film rights, and work on legitimate issues involving athletes or the use of sporting auditoria.
UCLA’s Law JumpStart program invites students to learn from a panel of professionals that come from varieties of legitimate careers. The program assembles informative workshops from how to write a productive personal statement to researching law schools to assist prepare their students for the difficult application process.
Furthermore, the school’s pre-law advisors also motivate students to take the following courses to best help prepare them for law school, which include law and politics, principles of critical thinking, international law, and logic.
Acceptance Rate: 14.3%
Graduation Rate: 91.1%
Tuition Fee: $62,000
#8. Columbia University
The Columbia University Undergraduate Law Society is one of the pre-law schools in the US that gives students entry to information about law school applications, admission processes, and advice on legal professions.
With its network of law students, practicing attorneys, and educators, students will have the opportunity to create their working relationships and broaden their network.
Furthermore, the University has a vast range of majors to pursue, including Sociology, Sustainable Development, and Political Science, which are useful to learn the backbone of public policies, criminal justice systems, and environmental law.
Acceptance Rate: 6.7%
Graduation Rate: 95.2%
Tuition Fee: $61,600
#9. Georgetown University
Georgetown University in Washington DC is the heart of America’s justice system. With the District of Columbia Courts, White House, and the Library of Congress just a mile away, students will have the outstanding opportunity to breathe and see the fast-moving world of politics.
Through GU’s Cawley Career Education Center, undergraduate students have access to pre-law resources, including advising, LSAT preparation, and workshops.
In addition, for students looking to study foreign policies and international relations, GU offers a bachelor’s in Global Business, International Politics, and International Economics, making this a well-rounded intro to the study of international law.
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Graduation Rate: 94.6%
Tuition Fee: $57,600
#10. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago provides its students with great resources to know if a legitimate career path suits them. Also, the careers in law program offer undergrad students access to workshops, one-on-one advising, featured panel discussions, and a listing of internships in the legal field.
Furthermore, the school gives a one-year Law & Politics program aimed toward rising second, third, and fourth-year students who are interested in going to law school. Through this track, students will receive special advice, professional field mentorship, and take specific courses.
Acceptance Rate: 7.3%
Graduation Rate: 92.8%
Tuition Fee: $60,600
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#11. Stanford University
Stanford University fills out its law curriculum by making available course offerings from varieties of other departments. According to Stanford’s website, it also offers joint schemes for earning additional degrees while studying law in doctoral or master’s degrees. Also, to develop cooperative abilities, Stanford students participate in teamwork-based simulation courses. The university registers the smallest student body of any top-ranked law school, allowing small sections with personal professor interaction.
Acceptance Rate: 5.2%
Graduation Rate: 94.2%
Tuition Fee: $56,200
#12. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is one of the pre-law schools in the US which offers its students over 250 courses and seminars every year. First-year students finish foundational subjects before being given the option to register in seminars, advanced theory courses, and clinics. Externships, studying abroad, and independent research projects complement classwork. Also, the University of Virginia operates under a distinctive code of conduct. Also, the Honor System, informs how students engage in campus and academic life. According to the law school’s website, for graduates who specialize in public service, the university might give loan repayment assistance.
Acceptance Rate: 22.6%
Graduation Rate: 94.6%
Tuition Fee: $54,800
#13. Northwestern University
Northwestern University introduces students to the core parts of legitimate work, such as reasoning, writing, and analysis, during their first year. They also partake in moot courts and prepare to apply for positions with one of the law school’s many journals. According to Northwestern’s website, during the second and third years, students can take electives in areas such as comparative law, estates and trusts, and federal jurisdiction. Also, Northwestern is one of the pre-law schools in the US that offers six concentrations for specialization and vast options for clinic work in trial advocacy and negotiation and mediation.
Acceptance Rate: 9.3%
Graduation Rate: 93.8%
Tuition Fee: $58,700
#14. Duke University
Duke University is one of the pre-law schools in the US that guides students through preliminary coursework in core areas such as property law and contracts. Before expanding the curriculum to include small group study and clinic work. However, according to Duke’s website, the program has 11 clinics to work with. The program goes from children’s law and civil justice to First Amendment law and health justice. Also, for students interested in conducting public interest work during summers, Duke guarantees to fund.
Acceptance Rate: 7.7%
Graduation Rate: 94.8%
Tuition Fee: $57,640
#15. New York University
New York University introduces students to the legitimate profession through its first-year Lawyering Program. Whereby students practice legal research and then simulate interviews, trials, and counseling. It offers joint degrees with other institutions and its Stern School of Business. Also, the law program promotes colloquia, where students and professors collaborate to study particular topics in-depth.
Acceptance Rate: 21.3%
Graduation Rate: 83.3%
Tuition Fee: $54,900
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Conclusion
Finally, after reading this article you must have understood that going to pre-law schools in the US is a dual opportunity.
Nevertheless, if you find anything confusing kindly give us feedback we are always here to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions On Pre-Law School
Well-Rounded.
Good Communication Skills.
Ethical Responsibility
Perseverance.
Prelaw college majors are designed to prepare aspiring lawyers for law school, and these majors often include an eclectic combination of humanities and social science classes ranging from philosophy to political science.
In the United States, pre-law refers to any course of study taken by an undergraduate in preparation for study at a law school. Also, the American Bar Association requires law schools to admit only students with an accredited Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent depending on the student’s country of origin.
Firstly, Pre-Law Isn’t Viewed as a Challenging Major.
Secondly, most Top Colleges Don’t Have a Pre-Law Major.
Lastly, law Schools Want to Admit Well-Rounded Classes.
With roughly 100,000 LSATs administered in the past year, that would suggest that about 30 people received a perfect score. Also, When only 30 people achieve this score out of 100,000 test-takers, the inference is that this is a very, very difficult exam.
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