Preparing for law school while in high school

I'm a high school junior interested in pursuing law in the future. What can I do now to prepare for law school and build a strong foundation for my college applications?

It's great to see that you're already thinking about law school during your high school years. Here are some steps you can take to prepare and build a strong foundation for your college applications:

1. Develop strong academic and study habits: Excelling in your high school classes is essential, as your GPA will be a significant factor in college admissions, and you want to make sure you attend a good institution that will prepare you well for law school. Focus on rigorous courses, especially in the humanities and social sciences, such as AP English, AP History, and AP Government.

2. Hone your writing and critical thinking skills: As a law student, you'll need excellent writing and critical thinking skills to be successful. Participate in classes and activities that challenge you to analyze complex texts and formulate well-reasoned arguments. Writing-intensive extracurriculars like school newspaper, debate team, or Model United Nations can be particularly helpful.

3. Get involved in relevant extracurricular activities: Demonstrating your interest and leadership in law-related activities can help you stand out to college admissions officers. Potential options include participating in a mock trial team, student government, or a pre-law club at your school. Consider starting one if these clubs don't exist in your school.

4. Gain real-world experience: Look for internships, volunteering opportunities, or part-time jobs in law-related fields, such as working with a local law firm, non-profit organization, or government office. These experiences will help you build a network of connections and provide insight into the legal profession. If you aren't sure where to find such opportunities, CollegeVine's blog has a useful list of law-related internships that you might consider: https://blog.collegevine.com/law-internships-for-high-school-students.

5. Build relationships with teachers and mentors: Developing strong relationships with your teachers and other mentors can lead to meaningful letters of recommendation for college applications. Look for teachers who can speak to your strengths, particularly those related to law, critical thinking, and writing skills.

6. Research colleges and universities with strong pre-law programs: As you begin the college search process, consider schools with robust pre-law advising and programs that will provide you with the support and resources to excel in law school admissions.

Remember that law schools value well-rounded students with diverse experiences and interests. While focusing on law-related activities is essential, make sure you pursue other passions and hobbies as well. This approach will demonstrate your versatility, which can be attractive to both college and law school admissions committees. After all, the law is a diverse field that touches every area of society.

Best of luck with your academic and professional pursuits in the legal world!