FAQs:
Are there any classes I have to take before law school?
There are no prerequisite courses that students must complete in order to either apply to or succeed in law school.
What types of courses do law schools prefer to see on applicants’ transcripts?
Law schools review applicants’ transcripts in order to determine the extent to which the applicant (1) took challenging courses; (2) performed well academically in challenging courses; and (3) took courses that helped the applicant develop academic skills relevant to the study and practice of law. Note that law schools do not expect applicants to have taken any law-related knowledge or coursework before applying to law school.
What types of courses would help me better prepare for law school?
The American Bar Association has identified “important skills and values, and significant bodies of knowledge that you can acquire prior to law school and that will provide a sound foundation for a legal education,” including:
Core Skills:
- Analytic and problem-solving skills;
- Critical reading abilities;
- Writing skills;
- Oral communication and listening abilities;
- General research skills;
- Task organization and management skills.
Bodies of Knowledge:
- A broad understanding of history, including the various factors (social, political, economic, and cultural) that have influenced the development of our society in the United States.
- A fundamental understanding of political thought and of the contemporary American political system.
- Some basic mathematical and financial skills, such as an understanding of basic pre-calculus mathematics and an ability to analyze financial data.
- A basic understanding of human behavior and social interaction.
- An understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the United States, of international institutions and issues, of world events, and of the increasing interdependence of the nations and communities within our world.
For information on the types of classes that will help you develop these skills and bodies of knowledge, consult the Coursework Guide below.
Will a late drop/withdrawal hurt my applications?
Typically, one late drop will not negatively impact you in the admissions process. Admissions committees start to become more concerned where there appears to be a pattern of late drops on a transcript. Consequently, depending on the number of late drops that you have, it may be appropriate to include a written addendum with your application explaining the rationales for each.
If it becomes necessary to withdraw from school for one or more semesters, most law schools will request an explanation for the absence. Assuming that there is a well-reasoned explanation for the withdrawal, the withdrawal shouldn’t negatively impact you in the admissions process.
Will it hurt my applications to take a class pass/fail?
Law schools typically consider several factors when deciding how to view a class taken pass/fail, including the frequency of such classes, whether the class was optional or required, and whether the class was in your field of study. If you decide to take one elective course pass/fail, it shouldn’t be a problem. Otherwise, feel free to consult with the Center for Pre-Law Advising when deciding whether to take one or more classes pass/fail.
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