Department of Political Science
Â鶹´«Ã½
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5346 USA
(269) 387-5680
Pre-Law Information
This pre-law guide prepared by the Department of Political Science at Â鶹´«Ã½ is designed to help you with initial advising and access to resources.
Advising
Students who plan to apply to law school should consult with one of the pre-law advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office:
Resources
- Â鶹´«Ã½ pre-law
- Admission process and the LSAT
- Application process
- Curriculum and extracurricular activities
- Financial aid
- Law School Data Assembly Service
- Preparation checklist
- Special Â鶹´«Ã½
- Suggested majors
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is useful for a career as a lawyer, but it is also a useful degree for careers in business, communications, politics, academia and non-practitioner jobs within the profession including the extensive legal products and services industry.
Though no particular college major is required, some majors prepare you for law school better than others. For example, the prepares Â鶹´«Ã½s for a career in law. The , as well as the department's concentrations in public policy and international relations/comparative politics also provide appropriate undergraduate education for law school-bound Â鶹´«Ã½s.
Determine Whether Law School is Right for You
Talk to lawyers, both practicing and non-practicing.
- Sign up for PSCI 3200 which overviews the legal system, as well as the practice of law.
- Volunteer in a legal services program; do a legislative internship or an internship in a law firm (check with your political science or Haworth College of Business advisor).
- Join the Mock Trial team. Get involved in the Â鶹´«Ã½-run .
- Read the publications on the suggested reading list.