These are the Best Pre-Law Schools for Future Lawyers in the US.
You must have a law degree and pass the bar exam in order to practice law in the United States. While that may seem like a long way off for an aspiring lawyer, your path to a law degree and your dream job begins with your college and major choices throughout your undergraduate years.
Another thing to know is that the best pre-law schools for aspiring attorneys are those that have strong academic advising for students interested in legal professions, impressive placement records for top law schools, and a rigorous undergraduate curriculum that will both develop essential lawyering skills and lead to success on the LSAT.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Pre-Law School
These are a few things to consider when choosing a pre-law school and we used this in ranking the best pre-law school in the United State.
While the colleges on this list can help you succeed and provide valuable resources for your law school career, it’s also critical to achieving at your school and in your major, both academically and socially.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Pre-Law School are;
- Cost
- Major
- Clubs and Organizations
- Feeder Schools
The 10 Best Pre-Law Schools
These are the Best Pre-Law Schools for Future Lawyers in the US.
10. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern is distinct from the other colleges on this list due to its comprehensive pre-law (legal studies) program, which leads to an undergraduate law degree.
Nova Southeastern University is committed to assisting students in their preparation for law school by providing a demanding curriculum and a strong interest in the humanities. Students pursuing a B.S. in Legal Studies at the institution can also take coursework in philosophy, history, and other subjects as part of their studies.
9. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is one of the country’s most selective universities, as well as a powerhouse in terms of preparing students for law school. Approximately 10% of students apply to law school. Some students choose to stay at UChicago because of the Law Scholars Program, which provides them with an early admissions decision and the opportunity to receive considerable merit grants.
Job shadowing with graduates in legal careers and trips to prominent law firms, public defenders offices, government offices, and nonprofits are among the many experiential learning activities available to UChicago pre-law students.
The University of Chicago also has the Rising Attorneys Program, a specific program dedicated to supporting future law students from underrepresented backgrounds and/or low-income families.
As an alumni or undergrad senior, students have the added bonus of applying for
early decision to UChicago Law School through their Chicago Law Scholars Program.
8. University of Texas at Austin
At UT Austin, there are numerous opportunities for budding lawyers to get involved. The Texas Undergraduate Law Review, as well as Minority Women Pursuing Law and Phi Alpha Delta, the coed pre-law fraternity, call the university home.
Every year, the career centre at UT Austin holds one of the country’s largest Law Fairs, allowing students to connect with over 100 law school admissions specialists. Panels and workshops, as well as law school application guidance, are held at the career centre. If you’re undecided about which major to pursue, these resources can assist you in determining what is ideal for you and what will help you stand out on an application.
UT Austin provides a wide range of science and humanities majors, and UT graduates go on to law school with degrees in a variety of fields.
7. New York University
NYU is located in the heart of one of the world’s most populous cities, and it offers a plethora of internship possibilities in the legal field and beyond.
For pre-law students, NYU offers the Lawyer Alumni Mentoring Program or LAMP. Academically, the school is tough in general, and it has an excellent track record in the humanities, notably English.
6. Yale University
Yale University’s pre-law resources provide students with diverse opportunities to study, explore, and familiarize themselves with the many aspects of the law.
According to US News and World Report, Yale is the greatest law school in the country and the fifth-best university overall. While Yale does not provide a pre-law program, it does offer an interdisciplinary track that allows students to design their own major that will prepare them for law school. The Yale Law School Admission Council also offers pre-law counselling and programs to undergraduates throughout the year.
5. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland maintains a department that advises pre-law students and connects them with resources and mentors, as well as working closely with the university’s law school.
Maryland also offers a three-year arts/law program in which a student can apply to law school in their third year of undergraduate studies and receive their baccalaureate degree in their first year of law school. College Park is also close to Washington, D.C., which could help you secure an internship.
4. Columbia University
The Columbia University Undergraduate Law Society provides students with information on law school applications, admissions procedures, and legal career counselling.
Students will be able to create working ties and grow their network through the organization’s network of practising attorneys, law students, and educators.
The private Ivy League law school has an admittance rate of 18.4 percent. Columbia Law School is consistently ranked among the top five law schools in the United States, making it an ideal setting for pre-law students to connect with creative minds researching and teaching in the subject.
Sustainable Development, Sociology, and Political Science are just a few of the majors available at the university, and they’re all useful for studying the foundations of criminal justice, public policy, and environmental legislation.
3. Georgetown University
Georgetown’s pre-law advising center provides one-on-one counseling, application assistance, and workshops on all things law school. Additionally, Georgetown’s track record in the humanities makes it an excellent place to master the skills needed to succeed in law school, and its location in Washington, D.C. provides opportunities for internships and networking with individuals working in the legal or political fields.
With a mere 12% acceptance rate, undergrads will already be accustomed to the hard and challenging course work that will prepare them for the demands of law school.
Finally, the Georgetown Pre-Law Society is a student group that organizes activities and forms partnerships to help students learn more about the legal profession and prepare for law school.
2. Northwestern University
Northwestern University is noted for its academic rigour, and as a large university, it has a wealth of resources, including its own law school. It differs from pre-law programs in that it has an interdisciplinary focus and tries to teach students to think critically about the relationship between law and society, and encompasses anything from psychology to literature to religious studies. It’s a well-rounded degree, with the added benefit of studying in Chicago, which means more internship options.
1. Harvard University
Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has one of the greatest legal schools in the country, as well as a reputation for placing students in top law schools. According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), Harvard consistently ranks first in the nation for LSAT scores.
The campus offers accessibility to pre-law tutors through the Pforzheimer house. Previously, the committee has mentored first-years and sophomores through their studies so they can begin to apply to law schools as upperclassmen.
The University also provided informational sessions and workshops in the law application process. You’ll also be able to take advantage of Harvard’s alumni network at top schools and law firms.
Best Colleges for Pre-Law: Conclusion
It’s not simple to get into law school. It’s possible that your journey to law school will be significantly different from someone else’s. You don’t have to go to a top college or university to get into law school, and you don’t have to be a lawyer to go to a top law school. You must, however, study diligently for the LSATs and develop a great résumé.
Your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and job experience are all crucial aspects of your law school application, so choose the major and institution that best matches you and will provide you with a well-rounded educational experience during your undergraduate years.
