Lawyer's college studies?

A bit unsure about the whole pre-law thing. What do most law students actually study in college? I'm assuming there's a lot of law courses, but what else?

While it's understandable why you might think law students study primarily law-related courses in college, the reality is a bit different. Pre-law is not a specific major; instead, it's a track that indicates an intention to go to law school. Students intending to pursue law school can major in almost anything.

Common majors include Political Science, English, Philosophy, Economics, and History, but you could major in Mathematics, Biology, or Art if you wanted! The key is to select a major that you are genuinely interested in and will excel at, since law schools look at your undergraduate GPA during the admissions process.

Besides the major, most law schools value the development of certain skills such as critical reading, analytical thinking, problem-solving, writing and researching skills, and oral communication. Courses in the humanities, social sciences, or the arts often help to hone these skills.

On top of this, it may be beneficial to take a few classes that familiarize you with the legal system or philosophies, such as constitutional law or ethics courses. But remember, these are not prerequisites for law school – they’re just suggestions that might pique your interest and give you a bit of background before you start your law studies.

In essence, your undergraduate years should be spent building a strong academic foundation, developing key skills, and exploring your interests. Law schools are less concerned with your undergraduate major and more interested in how you have utilized your time in college to prepare yourself for the rigorous intellectual challenges of law school.