Making the Best of Your First Year on Campus

  1. Find Your Major

Interested in law school, but struggling to decide on a major? Do not worry! Unlike some graduate schools, there are no prerequisites for applying to law school. In fact, the American Bar Association states on its website: “The ABA does not recommend any undergraduate majors or groups of courses to prepare for a legal education.” You have the opportunity to pursue your undergraduate studies in any major, there are no preferred majors. Law schools admit students from a diverse range of academic areas of focus. Finding your passion is encouraged! Choose a major that complements your interests and strengths so you can develop a strong application. Feel free to take a variety of courses that appeal to your academic interests and challenge you to think critically and analytically. The most important thing to keep in mind is success in whichever major you decide to pursue.  Grades are a significant factor of admissions decisions; however, the major you chose to get your degree in is taken into consideration as well. Take courses you feel passionate about and see yourself excelling in; it will only benefit you as a future applicant!

  1. Expose Yourself to a Variety of Coursework

Although there are no prerequisites for law school, courses that improve your reading comprehension and writing skills are highly recommended. Law is a profession that requires intensive reading, writing, and research. Taking courses matching these areas of study can help develop the skill sets necessary for getting accepted into law school.  To develop skills from a range of disciplines, try to expose yourself to a variety of coursework during your undergraduate years. When the time comes to start preparing for law school, you will have already developed the skills law schools look for in applicants.  The Center for Pre-Law Advising offers a Pre-Law Coursework guide (available on our website) you can refer to for suggested courses to take here at UW.

  1. Get Involved

Law schools greatly realize the value of involvement during your time as an undergraduate student.  Involvement demonstrates that you are an active participant of your local community and can help indicate whether you will be an engaged member of your law school community.   With over 800 organizations and hundreds of volunteer opportunities offered to UW students, choosing extracurricular activities can seem overwhelming.  The Wisconsin Involvement Network (WIN) is a useful resource for exploring different types of involvement on campus and can recommend Registered Student Organizations aligning to your selected interests.  Use the WIN website to find the student orgs that best match your interests, reach out to those you can see yourself getting excited about, and attend an org meeting or two to try it out.  Other ways to get involved include volunteering, participating in student government, playing sports at any level, playing in a University band or orchestra, joining a fraternity/sorority, studying abroad, or applying for an Undergraduate Academic Awards.  A breath of involvement may seem like a good idea for building a resume, but a depth of involvement is seen as more valuable. Taking on leadership roles is a great way to show commitment to an organization, which can help you stand out on a law school application.

  1. Gain Work Experience

It is never too early to start thinking about potential future careers! Gaining work experience now can not only help build your resume, but can also help you decide whether or not law school is in fact the right fit for you. Find a law professional to job shadow for a day, volunteer at a law office, research intern opportunities, or select a student job that matches your personal interests.  Relevant work experience for students interested in applying to law school may include, but are not limited to, positions at legal firms, government agencies, non-profits, corporate legal departments, and the university. Whichever opportunity you decide to experience, take advantage of your time to develop skills that will most benefit you when applying to law school.

  1. Confirm Your Interest in Law

As a first-year student, it is 100% OK to be undecided about your interest in law.  Use your time as an undergraduate student to explore areas of the law that most interests you.  Suggestions for you to help confirm your interest in the law are joining a pre-law student organization, taking a law-related class, attending pre-law events on campus, and talking with as many law professionals as you can.  Discover what you are passionate about so when it comes time to apply for law school, you will be certain it is the best decision for you.

  1. Stay Connected with the Center for Pre-Law Advising

In addition to academic advising services, the Center for Pre-Law Advising offers a variety of resources to UW students interested in law.  Feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding your pre-law path!  Even if you are still uncertain law school is the right choice for you, we can help provide guidance for you to make the best of your undergraduate years.  Appointments can be scheduled with our peer advisors on our website at www.prelaw.wisc.edu.  To stay updated with information on upcoming pre-law events and follow up on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and/or subscribe to our e-mail list by sending a blank e-mail to join-centerforprelawadvising@lists.wisc.edu.