If you are determined to know the best pre-law schools in the United States, this article is for you. We will be looking at the 10 best pre-law schools in the United States. Let’s get started!
Overview
In the United States, pre-law refers to any course of study taken by an undergraduate in preparation for study at a law school. See Boston University School Of Law Acceptance Rate.
A pre-law major generally covers topics that will be of importance in law schools, such as logical and analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing.
The pre-law major works to improve the general knowledge of students by requiring them to achieve the same general requirements as every other student, and then introduces the study of law through specifically targeted courses designed to help students improve their analytical and communicative skills.
The American Bar Association requires law schools to admit only students with an accredited Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent depending on the student’s country of origin.
However, there are no specific “pre-law” degree or majors, and unlike pre-med, an undergraduate student seeking legal education in the United States is not required to take a set of prerequisites in order to apply. See NYU Law School Acceptance Rate.
Some schools may offer dedicated pre-law majors with complete course tracks, while others will offer a selection of upper-class courses that are designated as pre-law classes and designed to be taken as a complement to a different, related major.
Here are the best 10 pre-law Schools in the United States
- University of California, Berkeley
- Cornell University
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- University of Michigan
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Columbia University
- Georgetown University
- University of Chicago
1. University of California, Berkeley
As one of the top-rated Law Schools in 2021, the University of California, Berkeley understands what law schools look for when sifting through pools of applications.
While pre-law is not a degree, University of California, Berkeley has endless amounts of resources and a team of advisors and professionals who assist undergrads with application strategies, managing timelines, and insight into school options.
University of California, Berkeley also offers internship programs with the ASUC Legal Clinic, JusticeCorps, and University of California, Berkeley Washington Program. See University of California Berkeley Acceptance Rate.
2. Cornell University
Cornell University offers a variety of undergraduate degrees that will not only set students up for law school but will help them decide on a specific track.
With a degree in international studies, environmental science, and human development, the challenging courses offer undergrads a wealth of knowledge in global, environmental, and advocacy laws.
The University offers various summer programs, including a six-week Pre Law Program and Internship in New York City and a ten-week intensive training through the Cornell Defender Program.
This Defender program includes online instruction from lawyers, judges, investigators, and service providers from all across the United States. See Cornell Early Decision Acceptance Rate.
A team of advisors is made available to help guide students through their law school applications and provide valuable advice on potential legal career tracks.
3. Harvard University
Harvard Law School (HLS) has mentored the minds of notable thought leaders, including numerous federal court judges, state governors, and even former President Barack Obama.
As a University with prestige and academic caliber, undergraduate students attending Harvard have access to mentors, pre-law tutors, and career services to help them with their application process.
The Harvard Law School Junior Deferral Program invites college juniors to apply to HLS during their spring semester. If accepted, students have a deferred enrollment of two years after graduation.
The campus offers accessibility to pre-law tutors through the Pforzheimer house. Previously, the committee has mentored first-years and sophomores through their studies so they can begin to apply to law schools as upperclassmen.
The University also provided informational sessions and workshops in the law application process. See Harvard University Transfer Acceptance Rate.
4. Yale University
Yale University’s pre-law resources provide students with diverse opportunities to study, explore, and familiarize themselves with the many aspects of law.
With the variety of extracurricular activities, students can join the Yale Mock Trial Team, Yale Undergraduate Legal Aid Association, or the Moot Court Team to nurture their interests in the field.
For aspiring law students interested in human rights, Yale works closely with the organization Lawyers without Borders and has created a Student Division on campus. See Yale Law School Acceptance Rate.
The student organization dedicates its time to promoting human justice by working with pro bono lawyers that serve disadvantaged and underserved communities.
5. University of Michigan
At the University of Michigan, student-run organizations like Wolverine Street Law allows students to utilize their legal education by teaching communities about legal rights.
In addition, the University offers several resources through its student organizations, career centers, and advising workshops that will help aspiring law students decide whether a legal career is suited for them. See University of Michigan Acceptance Rate.
Undergraduate students can shadow practicing attorneys through the University Career Alumni Network and seek internship programs through the UM’s opportunity hub. The school also has very active student organizations.
6. University of Pennsylvania
Undergraduates at University of Pennsylvania have access to the Law School Admissions Council, an organization publishing insightful resources into the rigorous process of applying to law schools.
Choosing the right-fit law school, LSAT preparation, and even in-depth webinars are just a few of the offerings from LSAC.
Outside of LSAC, pre-law students at Penn can participate in an abundance of student-run organizations, like the Penn Undergraduates for Refugee Empowerment or the Penn Youth Debate.
In these two groups, students have the opportunity to learn about the different concentrates of law from social justice to juvenile justice systems. See Pennsylvania State University Acceptance Rate.
The John Marshall Pre-Law Honor Society is also a great resource for Penn undergrads to explore the different career perspectives and meet attorneys, law school admissions representatives, and other students looking to pursue a legal career.
Conclusion
That was all about the best pre-law schools in the United States. Was it helpful to you? Let us know in the comment box.
Last Updated on May 7, 2023 by Admin