Prospective law students need a broad educational background that provides the critical reading, thinking and writing skills that law schools expect. Students interested in attending law school are encouraged to consider a major that they both enjoy and that will foster these skills. Majors traditionally included, but are not limited to, history, philosophy, English or business at a liberal arts institution. For some types of law (patent and intellectual property law especially), an undergraduate degree in the natural sciences or engineering can also be helpful. At Covenant College, the History Department sponsors the Pre-Law Society, a student organization designed to assist students with law school preparation, evaluation and application.
Admission to law school is determined by the institution to which the application is made. Admission is based upon graduation from an accredited undergraduate college or university, grade point average (GPA), Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores and the personal statement from the applicant. Recommendations are also important, and some extracurricular activities are taken into account in competitive situations.
Although minimum requirements for GPA and LSAT scores vary with individual law schools, realistic expectations for consideration of admission demand that the prospective law student earn a minimum GPA of at least 3.00 - 3.33 (B to B+) and a minimum score on the LSAT in the high 140s to mid 150s. Of course, the higher these scores, the greater one’s choices for law school.
The LSAT can be taken during or just prior to the senior year, though it can be taken later. The test may be taken more than once, but all of an individual’s scores are reported, along with an average. Pre-law students are encouraged to obtain a copy of the LSAT and LSDAS Registration and Information Book no later than the spring semester of their junior year to prepare for taking the LSAT.
Students should also consult The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools. This guidebook is published annually and contains a description of all the American Bar Association approved law schools with GPA and LSAT profiles of the most recent class admitted. Copies of the guidebook are available for perusal from the career development center or the pre-law advisor, Dr. Richard R. Follett. All Pre-Law students are encouraged to contact Professor Follett at Richard.Follett@covenant.edu for further information.
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