{"id":7311,"date":"2017-08-28T11:23:16","date_gmt":"2017-08-28T15:23:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/?page_id=7311"},"modified":"2022-06-29T11:48:51","modified_gmt":"2022-06-29T15:48:51","slug":"pre-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cgs\/resources\/academic-advising\/academics\/pre-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Pre-Law"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pre-Law Advising offers informational programs, individual advising, and application guidance and support to help our students achieve their goals. If you are planning on a career in the field of law or simply exploring that option, pre-law advisors are available to discuss your interests and preparation. The information below is for a College of General Studies student interested in following the pre-law track. Students will work with their CGS academic advisors and the Pre-Professional Advising Office\/Pre-Law Advising<\/a> to plan their own pre-law curriculum. We encourage you to meet with a pre-law advisor each semester as you progress through your studies and prepare for this post graduate pursuit. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pre-Law Advising<\/h3>\n

As a first step on the Pre-Law Advising pathway, students are encouraged to attend a Pre-Law Basics workshop. These group advising workshops provide a venue to meet the pre-law advising staff and discuss common questions freshman, sophomore, and transfer students new to pre-law advising may have. Students will get an overview of pre-law advising services and learn how they can work with pre-law advising throughout their undergraduate years. Pre-Law Basics workshops are offered regularly throughout the fall and spring semesters and will be posted in the Programs & Events<\/a> area of the Pre-Law Advising<\/a> website. Students are encouraged to attend at least one of these group sessions before scheduling an individual appointment with a pre-law advisor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Students should also join the pre-law advising mailing list to stay up to date on pre-law news and events. The Pre-Law Advising Newsletter contains programming updates, application process tips, on- and off-campus opportunity notices, student organization news, etc. The link to sign up is on the Pre-Law Advising<\/a> website. Students will also see upcoming Programs & Events<\/a>, advising articles, and links to additional resources posted on the site.<\/span><\/p>\n

To schedule an individual appointment with a pre-law advisor, a student should log into Handshake<\/a> using their BU credentials and follow these steps: 1) From the Career Center page, select \u201cAppointments.\u201d 2) Select \u201cSchedule New Appointment.\u201d 3) Choose the \u201cPre-Professional Advising\u201d category. 4) Choose the appointment type that best matches (we have several options) and select a date and time that work.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For assistance scheduling an appointment or to address a different question, email preprof@bu.edu<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pre-Law Curriculum<\/h3>\n

Both the Law School Admission Council and the ABA (American Bar Association) Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar agree, there is no single path that will prepare you for a legal education. Successful law students come from all different educational backgrounds. A student\u2019s choice of major should be based on personal interest, ability, and preparation in the subject matter. In addition to the essential guidance your academic advisor will provide, pre-law advisors can also offer advice on course selection. Pre-law students are encouraged to acquire a broad foundation by taking courses in a number of different areas. Courses that develop reading, writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills are recommended. Most important is how well students do in their classes. The higher a student\u2019s GPA, the wider their range of choices for law school. The vast majority of law school candidates (over 70%) take additional time after undergraduate studies to work or pursue other opportunities before returning to the classroom for legal education. This is an important consideration in pre-law planning. Law schools generally appreciate the additional knowledge, skills, and perspective that candidates with post-graduate experience possess. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their preparation and readiness to apply to law school and to discuss their personal timeline and application strategy with their pre-law advisor. <\/span><\/p>\n

Extra-Curricular Activities<\/h3>\n

Activities in which a student has had a strong leadership role and in which he or she has demonstrated the ability to work well with others can be positive factors in the law school admission process. However, it is the extent of the involvement, and not the nominal association, that is considered noteworthy. Pursue activities that align with your interests, values, and goals. When making choices, consider getting involved in a pre-law activity. Meaningful involvement in law-related activities can be of great value in two ways. It may confirm to the law schools that a student\u2019s desire to study law is well-considered, and it also serves as an excellent way for students to discover the area and extent of their interest in law.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pre-law staff serve as advisors to five student-run law groups:<\/span><\/p>\n