Bright New Beginnings

Discover essential tips for excelling in your undergraduate studies and preparing a strong academic foundation for law school admission.

I majored in political science as an undergraduate and I loved it! I also majored in Latin American Studies so my political science coursework was focused on international politics and I studied political systems in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and throughout the Americas. In particular, I was intrigued by why some governments worked for some people, but not all, and how power is shaped and shared. Since I was interested in my courses, I did well. (By contrast, I did not do well in that one advanced math course I enrolled in and later dropped.) Still, I learned a valuable lesson – I perform better when I am genuinely interested in what I’m doing. This is a privilege. For me, it’s been helpful. I hope this value is helpful to you, too!

Last fall, an undergraduate student starting college told me that they were not enjoying a particular class they were taking. When I asked why they’re in the class, they responded that they are in the class because it is a required course for the political science major at their school. When I inquired further into why they are in the political science major, she answered that she must become a poli sci major because she wants to go to law school. I wasn’t surprised by her response, but I assured her that she can do what she wants with that very expensive undergraduate schooling she was paying for. There is no “required major” for law school; what matters is that you graduate and did well academically as an undergraduate student.

Her assumption was not uncommon. In fact, there are many assumptions undergraduate students, especially first-generation students, make about law school if they don’t have lawyers in their family or researched the field exhaustively.

When I speak with undergraduate students at community colleges or four-year colleges, I am frequently asked questions such as:

• “If I don’t have a 4.0 GPA, can I still get into law school?”
• “What should I major in to be a strong candidate for law school?”
• “Do I have to major or minor in political science, public policy, or government to be competitive for law school?”
• “I shouldn’t take creative or arts-based classes, right, because these aren’t ‘serious’ classes and will hurt me for law school?”

Full disclosure: I am not an admissions counselor for law school, but I’ll share a few thoughts on how I’ve answered these types of questions for college students in the past based on my own experiences and research.

1. Prioritize Your Grades

Your undergraduate grades are a key component of your law school application. Here’s how to maintain a high grade point average (GPA) while in college:

• Stay Organized: Use tools like planners or apps to keep track of deadlines and assignments.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to use tutoring services and academic support available at your school. Even if you excelled academically in high school, ask for help in college when you need it! It’s a game changer!
• Form Study Groups: Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding and retention of course material.

2. Choose a Major That Interests You

It’s a common misconception that you need a specific major to get into law school. Choose a major that excites you and allows you to excel academically.

• Follow Your Passion: Select a major you’re genuinely interested in.
• Excel in Your Field: Focus on performing well academically in your chosen discipline.
• Broaden Perspectives: Consider interdisciplinary studies to enrich your educational experience.

3. Build Strong Relationships with Professors and Supervisors

Letters of recommendation are crucial for your law school application. Here’s how to cultivate strong relationships for glowing references:

• Engage in Class: Show genuine interest and participate actively in discussions.
• Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback to improve and show your commitment.
• Go to office hours: Be sure to regularly attend your professors’ office hours to build a positive relationship with them!
• Pursue Research Opportunities: Engage in projects with professors to demonstrate your dedication.

4. Consider Additional Degrees or Dual-Enrollment Programs

Some students pursue additional degrees before or while in law school. Here’s how to evaluate your options:

• Research Programs: Look into various schools and their joint degree offerings.
• Evaluate Your Goals: Determine if additional degrees align with your career aspirations.
• Plan Strategically: Consider how these programs fit into your long-term plans.

Conclusion

Building a strong academic foundation is essential for law school success. Focus on your GPA, choose a major you love, build strong relationships, and explore additional academic opportunities.

More than anything, I suggest to undergraduates, including those in my family, to follow their heart. Do what piques your interests. If you follow something you want to do and learn you don’t like it, that is a valuable lesson. It is as good to know what you don’t like or want to do as it is important to know what you want to do.

Stay committed and proactive, and you’ll be well-prepared for your law school journey.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re in this phase of preparing for law school, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of my Pre-Law Workbook: Do You Want To Be a Lawyer? It’s designed to walk you through the big-picture questions: Why law? What kind of lawyer do you want to be? Does this path align with your goals, values, and interests?

And because finances will impact your academic journey, check out my workbook on Managing Law School Expenses and Scholarships. It includes real numbers, budgeting tools, and scholarship tracking templates so you’re not caught off guard by the costs of your education. You can find both in my Stan store.

Remember: preparation isn’t just academic. It’s emotional, financial, and deeply personal. 💙