Suggested Annual Checklist for Pre-law Students

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  • Freshman and Sophomore Years
    • Choose a major that excites you – there is no particular major or minor that makes you a more competitive applicant to law school.
    • 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.
    • Consider taking a public speaking course and take advantage of speech services at the Weinstein Learning Center.
    • 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.
    • Sign up for the pre-law listserv.

  • 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.
    • In the Spring semester, create your Law School Admissions (LSAC) account and start studying for the LSAT.   
    • Take the LSAT in June or August.
    • Consider an internship in the legal field for the summer after your junior year. An internship in the legal field can help you explore the law and further develop your interests prior to law school. Internships in non-legal fields can also be a valuable means to develop skills and knowledge that law schools value.  Make an appointment with Career Services to help you identify and pursue internship opportunities.
    • Begin investigating which law schools fit your interests (e.g., the type of law you hope to practice, or the geographical region you want to live in after you finish law school).
    • Attend any pre-law advising workshops that are offered.
    • Late in the summer, approach the people you want to write letters of recommendation in support of your application.  Ideally, at least one letter should be from someone who knows you in an academic setting (typically a UR faculty member) and one letter should be from someone one who knows you in a professional setting (e.g., a supervisor from an internship).  Law schools typically accept no more than three letters of recommendation.
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  • 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, or wish to take it again, aim to do so in September or October.
    • Write your personal statement and résumé. You can seek guidance from UR Career Services for résumé writing assistance.
    • Attend any pre-law advising workshops or campus visits from law school admission representatives.
    • Consider attending regional law school fairs to meet law school admissions officers and learn about different schools. Demonstrated interest can improve your chances of admissions to a law school.
    • Aim to submit all of your applications, or at least those for the schools at the top of your list, by the end of October or early November.
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