The Pre-Law Advising program in the College of Arts & Sciences helps students select courses and degree programs that will give them the best possible academic preparation for the study of law and provides them with information concerning legal education and the legal profession.
Students interested in attending law school are encouraged to select courses that will give them a broad liberal arts education. This generally includes courses in American history, American politics, economics, speech, logic, ethics and expository writing. Students are especially encouraged to seek courses that enhance writing skills, public speaking skills and critical and analytical thinking.
What exactly is Pre- Law?
Pre-Law is in part a curriculum designed to give students the best possible undergraduate preparation for the study of law. Students preparing for a legal career must develop excellent skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking and have a broad understanding of the development of American social and political institutions.
Pre-Law is, however, more than just academic preparation. The program is designed to help students decide if law school is for them. Students are encouraged to join the Pre-Law Student Association, talk to lawyers, professors and advisors and to possibly enroll in an internship while an undergraduate student. Students are also encouraged to make arrangements with the University of Alabama School of Law for a tour of the law school or to sit in on a law school class.
Pre-Law is also designed to help students prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). All students planning to pursue a legal education are required to take the LSAT. Intensive preparation for this test is vital for success and students are encouraged to select courses that will help them succeed on the LSAT. Students are strongly encouraged to sign up for an LSAT preparation course and to spend study time on their own in getting ready for the LSAT.
Can I major in Pre-Law?
The College of Arts & Sciences does not offer a major in pre-law studies. Students may, however, design their own major through New College which could include a pre-law depth study.
If Pre-Law is not really a major then what should I major in?
There is no “best” major for law school. In fact, law schools choose students from a wide range of academic disciplines. Law schools seek students who are academically prepared for law school and who have excellent grades and competitive LSAT scores.
Students planning to attend law school should select a major that reflects their interests and abilities. The choosing of a major is important and should only be done after careful consideration. The Office of Student Services in the College of Arts & Sciences encourages all students to seek the counsel of advisors, career counselors and professors, and to make personal assessments of their strengths and weaknesses before deciding on a major.
What are the requirements for admission to law school?
Admission to law school requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and the submission of a score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Applicants to law school are also required to provide undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal essay and to have subscribed to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS).
What does it take to get in?
It takes excellent grades and a competitive score on the LSAT. Generally a student should strive for a grade point average of 3.00 or higher and an LSAT score above the 50th percentile.
Where do University of Alabama students go to law school?
The University of Alabama School of Law is the most popular choice of UA students who apply to law school. However, UA students annually are admitted to over 100 ABA-approved law schools across the country. This includes elite law schools such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, New York University, The University of Virginia, Northwestern, Chicago, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Duke.
Where is the Pre-Law Advising Office located?
The main advising office for pre-law students is located in 200 Clark Hall. The telephone number for students interested in pre-law is (205) 348-7324 and the e-mail address is wmcmilli@as.ua.edu.
