How to Prepare for a Pre-Law Track?

Hey everyone, I'm a junior in high school and I'm interested in pursuing law in the future. What should I be doing now and during undergrad to prepare for law school? And what classes or extracurriculars should I focus on in high school to help me get on the right track?

First of all, it's fantastic that you're already thinking about your future career plans. While there isn't a specific pre-law track in most high schools, there are definitely steps you can take to prepare yourself for law school and a career in the legal field.

1. Focus on coursework: Since law schools typically take a holistic approach to admissions, it's important to excel academically across various subjects. Concentrate on strong performance in English, history, and social science courses to develop your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, taking elective courses like debate or government might help you develop essential skills for law school, such as argumentation and public speaking.

2. Extracurricular activities: Joining clubs and organizations that align with your interest in law can provide valuable experience and show your dedication to pursuing this field. Consider joining the debate team, mock trial, Model UN, or student government. These activities help develop your rhetorical, research, and teamwork skills while also demonstrating your interest in law and policy.

3. Community engagement: Engage in community service or internships related to law and policy, such as volunteering at a legal aid organization or working with local government offices. This can give you practical experience and demonstrate your commitment to social justice and community service.

4. Undergraduate preparation: Research colleges and universities that offer strong pre-law advising or have reputable government, legal studies, or other law-related programs. While there isn't a specific pre-law major that you must choose, consider majors that help develop critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills, such as philosophy, political science, English, history, or economics.

5. LSAT preparation: Towards the end of your undergraduate years, you'll need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as part of your law school application. It's never too early to become familiar with the test format and practice your analytical and logical reasoning skills.

6. Networking: Begin building a professional network by connecting with current law students, attorneys, and legal professionals through social media platforms, career events, and local organizations. These connections can provide valuable guidance and insight into the legal field.

Remember that the steps you take now will serve as a foundation for your future law school and career aspirations. The key is to cultivate a strong academic background, engage in relevant extracurricular activities, and seek out valuable experiences that demonstrate your passion for law and policy.