Preparing for Law School
There are many paths to the legal profession, and a person can choose any undergraduate major they like, and still attend law school. The American Bar Association (ABA), which is the major accrediting institution for law schools in the United States, has some advice for students considering going to law school.
For a comprehensive tool that can help you prepare for law school, try AskEdna. The new Education Network at AccessLex — is your place. Whether you are looking to complete your MAX personal finance lessons, want advice on how to study more effectively, need guidance on the many facets of the bar exam, or are just starting out and have questions about choosing, applying and paying for law school, AskEdna can help. Law School Transparency also has many tools available to pre-law students.
Preparing for the LSAT
The two most important factors in law school admission are the cumulative undergraduate GPA and the score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Law schools will see every score an applicant has on the LSAT, but it is the high score that is most frequently used for decision making purposes.
It is critical that you study diligently for the LSAT before you take it. An LSAT preparation course is an important part of that preparation. LSAT prep courses can be live, online or in print, and range in price from free to over thousands of dollars. Khan Academy and LSAC offer a free LSAT prep course online. Find the course that is right for you, but plan to take the course and start studying three to four months before you take the test. One of the best ways to prepare for the LSAT is to take sample tests under timed conditions. Copies of formerly administered LSATs may be purchased from LSAC.
Exploring Different Areas of the Law
While many applicants to law school do not know what area of law they want to practice, it can be helpful to consider what sort of legal practice most interests you. If you are not sure which field of law is right for you, have a look at this page from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which describes many types of legal practices and offers a quiz to help you choose which one might be right for you. Also, if you want to hear lawyers talking about their lives and careers in different fields of practice, check out the podcasts I am the Law and Women in the Law, by Law School Transparency. Courses you take in law school as well as summer work experiences will also play a role in helping you decide what area of law is of greatest interest to you. Most students will leave law school with a general law degree and over time and through years of practice will develop an area of expertise.
U of I Pre-Law Society
Students who are interested in attending law school or who have a general interest in the law can also join the University of Idaho Pre-Law Society. This is a registered student organization that holds events every year that aim to provide information to undergraduate students about how to apply to and finance law school, and about different fields of legal practice. If you are interested in attending events or joining the group, contact the pre-law advisor. Also, visit the Pre-Law Society’s Facebook page to learn about upcoming events.