Preparing for Law School

Ways to enhance your law school application:

Problem Solving, Critical Reading, Writing and Editing, Oral Communication and Listening

• Engage meaningfully with general education coursework
• Choose a major that interests you. Any major is fine, but pre-law students should seek to enhance and challenge themselves with respect to the skills and qualities above.

Research

• Explore campus research opportunities through Undergraduate Research and Creative Works (URCW)
• Be a Research Rookie
• Work with a professor on a research project as a Research Assistant
• Conduct research, as part of your major or as part of Summer Research Program in the Sciences (SuRPS) or Summer Research Institute (SuRI)
• Present your research at a conference with a presentation or poster (e.g., at HPU Research and Creativity Symposium (High-PURCS))
• Publish your research (e.g., HPU Journal – Innovations).

Organization and Management, Relationship-building and Collaboration

• Get involved with a campus club or activity.  Some possibilities include:
  • Join the Pre-Law Club (Phi Alpha Delta) at High Point University (email – [email protected])
  • Become a student justice
  • Be part of Student Government Association (SGA)
  • Work your way to a position of responsibility and leadership

Public Service and Promotion of Justice

• Explore opportunities through Service Learning (including service learning courses)
• Explore other community service opportunities (e.g., Alpha Phi Omega, the Civitan Club, etc.)
• Explore opportunities for service through the Office of Chapel & Religious Life (e.g., alternative Spring Break, Interfaith United, etc.)

Background Knowledge, Exposure to the Law

• Consider a minor or elective coursework that is legally themed
• Join the Mock Trial team (CRJ 2900)
• Do a legally related internship (e.g., District Attorney’s office, Family Law practice, etc.)
• Consider a summer opportunity related to exploring law and law school.
  • https://www.law.fsu.edu/academics/summer-for-undergraduates
  • https://www.discoverlaw.org/preparing/plus.asp

Suggested Courses

Pre-law advising assists students through the law school application process by meeting with students interested in law school and by providing law school-related information to assist students in determining if law school is right for them, preparing for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), and selecting the law school that best fits their future goals. Students interested in law school should meet with a pre-law advisor early in their academic career to develop a plan.

Law schools do not require students to take specific courses. However, there are some courses that will prepare students for the LSAT and for the rigors of law school. Generally, English, History, and Philosophy courses will develop reading and writing skills. Specific courses include:

• BUA 3050 – Business Law (4 credits)
• COM 3450 – Media Law and Ethics (4 credits)
• CRJ 2900 – Mock Trial (2 credits)
• CRJ 3100 – Criminal Law (4 credits)
• CRJ 4300 – Crime, Law, and National Security (4 credits)
• HST 3211 – Case Studies in American Legal History (4 credits)
• PHL 1006 – Logic and Critical Thinking (4 credits)
• PHL 3006 – Symbolic Logic (4 credits)