Considering Law School After Undergrad

Hi everyone, I'm just a junior right now but I've been thinking about eventually going to law school after I finish my undergrad studies. Anyone got any tips on what I should be focusing on in high school to prepare myself for that path? Like, what kind of extracurriculars or subjects would be good to pursue? Thanks!

Hello! It's great that you're thinking about your future goals, and considering law school is a significant decision. While there's no required high school curriculum for prospective law students, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for that path.

1. Focus on your academics: Strong grades and a challenging course load demonstrate your ability to handle rigorous intellectual work, which is essential for law school. As a potential law student, you will need excellent critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills. Taking classes like AP English, history, and social science can help you develop these skills.

2. Extracurricular activities: Although there's no set list of required extracurricular activities for law school, some activities can give you a feel for the legal profession and help you develop relevant skills. Consider joining a debate team, participating in Model United Nations, or becoming involved with a mock trial club. These activities can help you hone your public speaking and logical reasoning abilities. Additionally, volunteering or interning at a local law firm, or participating in community service related to legal advocacy can provide valuable experience and exposure to the legal field.

3. Develop essential skills: Law school requires strong communication, reading, and analytical skills. Work on improving your writing by taking on opportunities to write essays, articles, or blog posts. Enhancing your public speaking and active listening skills will also be beneficial. Joining clubs or organizations that involve presentations, speeches, and discussions can help you practice these skills.

4. Explore your interests: While a background in law-related classes or extracurriculars can be helpful, it's also crucial to pursue your other interests and passions. Law schools appreciate well-rounded applicants with diverse skill sets and experiences. So, don't limit yourself only to law-related activities. Feel free to explore and participate in other areas you're passionate about.

Remember, a successful law school applicant doesn't have to follow a specific formula. Instead, focus on building your academic foundation, developing essential skills, and exploring a variety of extracurricular activities that can help you grow both personally and professionally. Good luck!