Suggested Annual Checklist for Pre-law Students

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  • Freshman and Sophomore Years
    • Maintain a strong GPA. Remember that a high GPA combined with a high LSAT score is the key to obtaining a merit scholarship.
    • Begin forming relationships with professors whose classes you enjoyed. Recommendations from professors are an integral part of the law school application process. Even if you don’t choose to attend law school, professors can be used for other recommendations or job references.
    • Take courses that will help you develop skills in writing, critical analysis, thinking, and reasoning.
    • Begin pursuing a well-rounded education.
    • Consider taking a public speaking course and take advantage of the university’s Speech Center services.
    • Consider joining UR’s Phi Alpha Delta chapter, a national pre-law fraternity, UR’s Mock Trial program, or other student organizations that align with your interests (it is not required that you are involved with law related student organizations).
    • Take the time to read some of the many books that can provide insights into studying law and the legal profession.
    • Read voraciously and write, write, write.
    • Sign up for the pre-law listserv.
    • Attend pre-law advising workshops throughout the year.
  • Junior Year
    • Maintain a strong GPA. Remember that a high GPA combined with a high LSAT score is the key to obtaining a merit scholarship.
    • Continue to take courses that will help you develop skills in writing, critical analysis, thinking, and reasoning.
    • Start developing a study plan for the LSAT.
    • Register with the LSAC and take the LSAT — ideally no later than the summer before your senior year.
    • Consider an internship in the legal field for the summer after your junior year. Internships are not a requirement, but they can help you explore the law and further develop your interests prior to law school (legal internships are not required for law school, what is most important is your internship is meaningful work to you). Also note, many government internships require a background check, which often take several months to complete, so start the process early.
    • Begin thinking about which law schools you might want to attend and why.
    • Continue to attend pre-law advising workshops offered throughout the year.
    • Begin to identify two faculty members who will write letters of recommendation for you. Faculty members should be asked at the start of the semester so they have at least two months to write your letters. It is important to choose professors who know you well and can speak enthusiastically about your personality, academic record, and potential for success in law school. Internship supervisors or supervisors through on or off-campus jobs are also often great recommendation letter writers.
  • Senior Year
    • Maintain a strong GPA. Remember that a high GPA combined with a high LSAT score is the key to obtaining a merit scholarship.
    • If you did not already take the LSAT register for an exam in the fall.
    • Identify two faculty members who will write letters of recommendation for you. Faculty members should be asked at the start of the semester so they have at least two months to write your letters. It is important to choose professors who know you well and can speak enthusiastically about your personality, academic record, and potential for success in law school. Internship supervisors or supervisors through on or off-campus jobs are also often great recommendation letter writers.
    • Draft your personal statement and résumé. You can seek guidance from UR Career Services for résumé writing assistance.
    • Attend pre-law campus visits with law school admission representatives.
    • Attend regional law school fairs to meet law school admissions officers and learn about different schools. Remember forming relationships with admissions officers can substantially increase your chances of admissions into your top schools.
    • Plan on having all of your applications in the mail by the end of October/mid-November. Most law schools use a “rolling” admissions process, which means they begin reviewing applications as they receive them. The earlier you have your applications materials in, the better chance you have of admissions and consideration for a merit scholarship.
  • General Recommendations
    • Take a variety of liberal arts courses to develop a well-rounded, interdisciplinary perspective.
    • Learn to pay close attention to instructions and detail. These are important skills practiced by lawyers every day.
    • Work on developing professional communication skills.
    • Develop strong relationships with your professors.
    • Develop excellent time management strategies. Learn to use your calendar and avoid procrastinating. Personal discipline is essential to success in law school.
    • Take as many writing courses as possible. Becoming an excellent writer will help you stand out in law school and in the legal world.
    • Familiarize yourself with legal documents by reading U.S. Supreme Court cases and legal briefs. You can find these online at sites such as Legal Information Institute, Findlaw.com, Oyez.org, and SCOTUSBlog.com.