Pre Law Info for Freshmen and Sophomores
Even though you won’t begin the actual application process until after your junior year of college, it’s never too early to start preparing yourself for law school. Here are some things to keep in mind during your freshmen and sophomore years at MSU:
- Shoot for a GPA of at least 3.0 (cumulative). This will keep your options open when applying. Remember, your GPA is easily influenced in your first few semesters, and is much harder to change as time goes on— make every attempt to start strong!
- Law school consists of a lot of reading and writing papers. You’ll be best prepared if you enroll in classes in your undergraduate program that focus on reading, writing and critical thinking.
- Consider adding an additional major, second degree, or specialization to diversify your academic program. Visit the academic advisor for the department of the additional major you are considering to see what the requirements are. See the academics page for a list of academic specializations and contact information.
- Your post-graduation plans—whether that means law school, grad school, or full time work—will be greatly impacted by the activities you engage in outside the classroom. Jobs, internships, volunteer experience, student organizations and leadership experience not only prepare you for the future, but are usually a really fun way to spend your time! Consider getting involved in a student group, working on campus, studying abroad— take advantage of what MSU has to offer!
- Law schools expect you to produce letters of recommendation, vouching for your academic aptitude and overall motivation. This means you need to be talking to your professors! Visit office hours, even if it’s just to introduce yourself (most of your classes are probably big enough that your professor doesn’t know your name off the top of his or her head). Get to know your professors— the earlier you start, the easier it will be to come up with people to write stellar letters of recommendation when you need them!
- Consider getting an internship or a part-time job in a law office. This will help you get a better picture of the field, and help you determine what you really want to do with a law degree.
