Prelaw is not a formal major at Rice. The expression "prelaw" is used as a convenient way to describe all training, studies, and experience which precede formal law study. It should not be viewed as underemphasizing the importance of undergraduate work, nor as implying that such work is a mere preparation for the study of law. The success and effectiveness of your legal training depend upon the breadth and depth of your cultural and intellectual background and experience; they must not be underemphasized. Students who plan to enter law school would be wise, therefore, to take traditional and demanding academic courses.
1. What are the requirements for admission to law school?
A bachelor's degree with any courses or major. No particular courses are specified nor is there a preferred major.
2. What do law schools ask of an applicant beyond the fact that they have a degree?
First, a high grade point average (GPA) and a strong score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Beyond that they look for a program of study that was designed to develop basic skills and insights in a. comprehension and expression in words, the ability to think deductively, inductively, and by analogy, and creative power in thinking.
Schools also want “interesting” students who have demonstrated a passion in life that externally focused and beyond themselves. This is done in the personal statement.
3. Which courses should I take to develop these basic skills?
No specific courses are required; however, anyone entering the legal profession should have the ability to easily communicate both verbally and in writing. Courses with a strong writing component are, therefore, recommended. Generally, basic accounting courses are useful as well as the Economics and Philosophy of the Law courses offered at Rice. Legal courses in history, political science, or anthropology can provide a historical overview to law which is usually not given in law school.
4. As a Prelaw student, what criteria should I use in selecting a major?
The best guide is your own interest, passion, and ability. Major in a field that interests you, you enjoy, and in which you can express your passion. You will make better grades in subjects you like. That is important. Also, if you get no fun or inspiration from your studies, you are probably in the wrong field. Look beyond your major, however, to your other course selections. You should also select distribution and elective courses that contribute to your vision of your curriculum.
5. How important are extracurricular activities?
This varies from law school to law school but they are generally not a major consideration in admission to most law schools. However, reasonable participation in campus activities can help you develop valuable communication, social, and logical skills.
6. Where can I get more information and advice about prelaw studies and law schools?
The office of the Prelaw Advisor is located in the Student Advising Office in the Ley Student Center. Reference books and pamphlets are there with information about the legal profession and law schools.
The best single source of information is the Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools put out by Law Services. A copy is available for your use in the Prelaw Office. Other copies can be obtained in the Campus Book Store or from the LSAC.
JUNIOR YEAR
• Make this your best year academically. Your acceptance to law school will depend to a great extent on your academic record. If you hope to go on immediately to law school after graduation, your junior year grades will be the most recently completed and thus reported.
• Usually it is not a good idea to take the LSAT prior to June, but start reviewing old copies of the test and exploring the option of enrolling in a commercial test preparation course. Sample tests are available in the LSAT registration packets (available in the Academic Advising Office, Ley Student Center), or in LSAT prep books (such as Barron's).
• Do not write to law schools for catalogs and application forms until you return to school in August. Their printing deadlines for current year materials are late summer.
• Continue to explore and learn about the legal profession by:
-reading articles, pamphlets, and books.
-talking with and observing lawyers.
-taking part in the law-related activities on campus.
• Give some thought to recommendations. Most law schools request two faculty letters. The most persuasive letters are often written by faculty who know you well and for whom you have done your best work. Consider taking another course from such professors.
• Now is the time to correct any remaining weakness(es) in your academic skills. If you are a slow reader, have a weak vocabulary, or possess mediocre writing skills, you might explore courses in a community college in your hometown during the summer or you might take an additional English course.
• Pick up a LSAT/LSDAS Registration Packet in the Academic Advising Office. Read the packet thoroughly to make sure you understand all phases of the application process. This is the single most important step.
• Register for the LSAT and LSDAS.
• Read the Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools, if you have not already. Begin to develop a list of 10-15 law schools which, given your GPA and LSAT scores, offer a reasonable chance of your gaining admission. A few should be longshots, but most should be in the "more likely" range. It's also nice to have one or two "safe" schools. Most applicants wind up sending applications to 6-10 schools.
• Prepare for and take the LSAT. The advantage of taking the June test is that you will know your score before August and can better select an appropriate range of law schools. You will also have time to register for and retake the test in the fall if your performance is not up to par. If the June test is not convenient, plan to take the October test.
• Develop a system for keeping track of all the registration and application details. Duplicate all forms, applications and correspondence for your own records.
SENIOR YEAR
• First request applications from law schools using the postcards in the LSAT/LSDAS packet.
• Make an appointment with the Pre-Law Advisor to discuss your plans.
• Pull together ideas for a personal statement or essay. Begin drafting and revising.
• Conclude arrangements for your letters of recommendation.
• Use the transcript matching forms in your LSAT/LSDAS packet to request that the Registrar send your transcript to LSDAS.
• Obtain financial aid applications (available from Financial Aid) if you intend to apply for financial aid.
• Investigate other financial possibilities
• If you are uncertain about the strength of your credentials or the advisability of retaking the LSAT, make an appointment with the Pre-Law advisor.
• Finalize and send your applications (with the Law School Matching Forms in the LSAT/LSDAS Packet) to law schools before Thanksgiving, if possible.
• Double-check everything. By mid-January, make sure the law schools received your applications, your LSDAS reports and all letters of recommendation.
• Wait and hope.
• Once admitted, send a deposit to reserve your space in the entering class.
• After hearing from all law schools, but before graduation, let the Pre-Law advisor know your results and decision.
• Let your recommenders know of your application results.
• Arrange with the Registrar for a final copy of your transcript to be sent to the law school you will attend.
Office of the Prelaw Advisor I Donald Ostdiek, PhD. I Student Judicial Programs I Ley Student Center I dho@rice.edu I 713-348-4786
