What is the Pre-Law Program?

Pre-Law is not a major at The University of Alabama. Rather, Pre-Law is in part a curriculum designed to give students the best possible undergraduate preparation for admission to and success in law school. Students preparing for a legal career must develop excellent skills in oral and written communication, in addition to critical and analytical thinking.

Pre-Law is, however, more than just academic preparation. The program is designed to help students decide if law school is the right choice for them. Students are encouraged to join the Pre-Law Student Association, to talk to lawyers, professors and advisors, and to possibly enroll in an internship or do shadowing with a professional. Students are also encouraged to make arrangements with the University of Alabama School of Law or any law school in which they have interest 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.

As part of the Pre-Law Program, it is essential for students to take courses in which they develop skills in writing, critical thinking, reading comprehension, research, communication skills, analysis, and logic. In addition to the skills developed through academic coursework, students should put forth an effort to develop a deeper understanding, commitment, and dedication to their pursuit of attending law school.

Can I major in Pre-Law?

The University of Alabama 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. Students are able to choose any major at The University of Alabama and follow the pre-law program.

What classes should I take to get into law school?

While there is no specific major required for admission to law school nor specific classes that a student should take if planning to attend law school, UA Pre-Law has identified a number of classes that could be beneficial in developing the skills necessary to excel in law school. You are encouraged to discuss the value of any of these classes with your Pre-Law advisor prior to registration.

Potential Classes for Pre-Law Students (PDF)

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. We 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, a resume, and to have subscribed to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through LSAC.

Where do I order an official college transcript?

You must have an official transcript sent to LSAC from every college or university you have attended. You will contact the records office for each school to request the transcript be sent to LSAC; a transcript request form printed from your CAS file must be included with each transcript. For The University of Alabama, you can request the transcript online through mybama.ua.edu or go to the records office in 206 Student Services building.

What if the law school requires a Dean’s Certification?

Certain law schools will require a Dean’s Letter or Dean’s Certification as a part of their application process. This document is provided by the law school in the application. The applicant should take or mail the form to the pre-law advisor .

What does it take to get in law school?

It takes excellent grades, a competitive score on the LSAT, strong letters of recommendation (including at least one from a professor), and a great resume and personal statement. Generally a student should strive for a grade point average of 3.3 or higher and an LSAT score above the 50th percentile. In addition to strong numbers, the strength of the rest of the application is very important.

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 ABA-accredited law schools across the country. This includes top law schools such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, New York University, The University of Virginia, Northwestern, Chicago, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Duke.

How can I keep up with announcements, events, and activities related to the pre-law program?

The Pre-Law Program has created a List Serv in order to distribute announcements of events, requirements, and other information via email. In order to receive these emails, including information regarding the administration of practice LSATs; law school fair information; visiting law school admissions officers; upcoming PLSA events and announcements; and all other pre-law related information, you must sign up for the Pre-Law List Serv.

After clicking on the link, choose “Join or leave the list”

Then enter your name and email address and click “Subscribe.” You should receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter from the list serv.