Pre-Law schools in California?

So, after a lot of contemplation, I think it's law for me. I reside in California, so what are the best pre-law schools nearby? If you've been through a pre-law program here, what were some experiences that stood out for you?

One thing to clarify up front is that unlike pre-med, there's really no official "pre-law" curriculum to follow in college. Law school applicants come from a range of backgrounds and majors, not just political science or history. However, foundational skills in critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, research, and argumentation are helpful, which many humanities courses offer.

This said, you might want to consider universities in California with strong humanities programs, reputable law schools, and/or resources specifically for students interested in law. Some universities also have programs that guide and support students considering law school.

Stanford University is an obvious choice. Stanford has a broad range of humanities majors, with highly reputed programs such as Philosophy and Political Science. There's also Stanford Law School on campus, a top three law school in the nation, which offers opportunities for undergrads to get a taste of the law school experience through events, internships, or taking a class.

UC Berkeley is another strong option. The Political Science and Philosophy departments are quite strong and Berkeley Law is right on campus. Berkeley also offers a Legal Studies major and minor, which provide an interdisciplinary approach to law, for those who want to dive deep into law as undergrads.

The University of Southern California has a special program for undergrads interested in law, the Philosophy, Politics, and Law (PPL) major. They also have a Prelaw program that offers advising to students considering law school.

UCLA is also a strong choice. It's got strong humanities departments and the highly regarded UCLA Law School. There's also the Undergraduate Law Society, which organizes events for pre-law students.

If you're looking for a smaller school, you could look into Claremont McKenna, part of the Claremont Colleges. It has a pre-law track, and students have access to the resources of the other colleges in the consortium as well.

Remember, what ultimately matters for law school admissions is your GPA, LSAT score, and your ability to communicate effectively through your personal statement and other required essays—not the specific major you choose in undergrad or attending a "pre-law" program. You should pick a major and a university where you think you'll perform well acadically and enjoy your time there!