Is there a “Pre-Law” course of study?

Students often ask if there are specific courses or a particular course of study they should take in order to have a better chance of getting into law school. The answer, on the surface, is no. Although LJST, Political Science and Economics are three of the most common majors for Amherst applicants, law schools accept applicants across the full spectrum of majors. They do, however, like to see a combination of strength in one or two major areas, along with a good breadth of other course choices. If you are intent on attending law school, choose courses which encourage your life as a reader and a thinker–law schools choose their students based on evidence of “being able to do well in law school,” which is sometimes interpreted as “being capable of thinking like a lawyer.”

One very important element of your law school application will be your resume, as an indication of the non-academic work and activities which, along with your coursework, make up who you are as a law school candidate. Become actively involved in the things which truly interest you, but beware of more casual “dabbling” in activities just to beef up your law school resume. Law schools are interested in seeing “the whole person,” and will appreciate a background which shows depth and commitment to the world around you.