Debunking Misconceptions About PreLaw | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Debunking Misconceptions About PreLaw

I met with a PreLaw advisor this week and what I learned was truly enlightening.

35
Debunking Misconceptions About PreLaw
watchdog.org

You have to do a “pre-law” major to get into law school (Political Science, English, History etc)

In undergraduate education, or even any graduate education pursued before law school application, the areas you explore are entirely up to you. So long as you demonstrate good work ethic and the ability to analyze, research, and think critically, there is no specific field of study you must major or minor in.

You have to intern in the legal or political field

Law school admissions want to see who you are and what you're interested in. Internships help build your resume, make money if paid, and explore potential occupations. They do not have to be related to law or politics; they must simply be something you want to put time and work into.

You have to be involved with law related activities on campus

While law related activities can allow you to network and engage in mock trials or MUN, don't join out of a sense of obligation. Join because you want to spend your free time in those spaces. If you're not genuinely interested in an activity, your contribution won't be as great as it could be with something you're passionate about.

You have to do paid internships

Paid internships help pay for undergrad, save for law school, and network with potential employers. However, don't turn down an internship simply because of lack of pay. They're great for providing experience and can still serve as potential future employers and networking opportunities.

You have to attend straight out of undergrad

I was shocked to learn that, at my college, only about two students apply to law school their senior year. This is not to say that only two Bryn Mawr alumni per year attend law school. Rather, most graduates take a gap year before applying. Your letters of recommendation, LSAT scores, and essays are good for 5 years in the LSAC's "common app." On a depressing note, once you graduate law school you make have to work for a very long time before you can get time off. In this sense, gap years provide a sense of relief before diving back into academia. Some individuals pursue graduate school before applying for a JD to further bulk up their resume or pursue another passion. There is nothing shameful about taking a gap year nor will it affect your ability to attend a prestigious law school, if that's a goal of yours, or become successful in the professional realm.

All in all, being pre-law and wanting to attend law school doesn't mean you have to do anything other than apply to and attend law school!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

College In Gifs

Because we are all sad Jim Halpert

281
head on desk
Wise GEEK

Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

The "Gossip Girl" series may be over, but Blair Waldorf's iconic character lives in our hearts forever. Blair was the queen of the Upper East Side, and a character you either loved or hated. She taught us everything we needed to know about life, love and of course, how to score a Chuck Bass. So the next time you feel a bit lost and are in need of guidance, look no further than to the Queen B herself.

As I spend my Sunday avoiding my homework and other adult responsibilities, I realized that I've watched this series over and over about a million times. Sadly, there isn't a Blair quote I don't know, so I came up with a list of a few favorites. You know you love her...xoxo

Keep Reading...Show less
class
Odyssey

College is an endless cycle of crappy, sleepless nights, tedious, boring lectures, and hours of never-ending piles of homework.

Keep Reading...Show less
two women enjoying confetti

Summer: a time (usually) free from school work and a time to relax with your friends and family. Maybe you go on a vacation or maybe you work all summer, but the time off really does help. When you're in college you become super close with so many people it's hard to think that you won't see many of them for three months. But, then you get that text saying, "Hey, clear your schedule next weekend, I'm coming up" and you begin to flip out. Here are the emotions you go through as your best friend makes her trip to your house.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week As Told By Kourtney Kardashian

Feeling Lost During Syllabus Week? You're Not Alone!

858
Kourtney Kardashian

Winter break is over, we're all back at our respective colleges, and the first week of classes is underway. This is a little bit how that week tends to go.

The professor starts to go over something more than the syllabus

You get homework assigned on the first day of class

There are multiple group projects on the syllabus

You learn attendance is mandatory and will be taken every class

Professor starts chatting about their personal life and what inspired them to teach this class

Participation is mandatory and you have to play "icebreaker games"

Everybody is going out because its 'syllabus week' but you're laying in bed watching Grey's Anatomy

Looking outside anytime past 8 PM every night of this week

Nobody actually has any idea what's happening this entire week

Syllabus week is over and you realize you actually have to try now...or not

Now it's time to get back into the REAL swing of things. Second semester is really here and we all have to deal with it.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments