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Pre-Law Program
Pre-Law Course RequirementsIn considering law school, it is important that the prelaw student understand law schools' educational philosophy. As the Law School Admission Bulletin states: "Any course, regardless of field, that helps you develop clear and systematic thinking, command of the English language, and a broad understanding of our society constitutes sound preparation for the study of law. Thus, law schools do not recommend specific undergraduate majors for prelaw students." But the prelaw student should realize that admission to law school is selective. Therefore, students contemplating careers in law should plan their undergraduate study to undertake a substantial academic curriculum and acquire a background of outstanding extra-curricular activities. Selecting a Pre-Law CurriculumStudents interested in the prelaw program follow the normal procedure for declaring and fulfilling requirements for a major in a single school or department or in gaining approval for an interdisciplinary program of study. Whatever the choice of major, the prelaw student's program should be supported by a broad selection of courses from mathematics, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. Courses recommended by law schools include philosophy, literature and advanced writing courses, history, political science, accounting, business administration, economics, mathematics, languages, and the other courses demanding logical thinking, analytical reasoning, or verbal proficiency. Applying to Law SchoolThe Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required of every applicant to law school. It is strongly recommended that this test be taken in June before the senior year. With this test date, students can appraise their prospects, consider retaking the examination in October or December or both, or, if necessary, make alternate plans. Students apply directly to the Law School Admissions Service (LASA) to take the test on the American University campus and should register six weeks before the test date. LSAT applications are available from prelaw advisers. The Pre-Law Handbook, published by the Law School Admissions
Service, is helpful in describing law schools and their requirements
for admission. This handbook is available in prelaw advisers'
offices and in the American University campus book store. Also
available from prelaw advisers is the Pre-Law Guide: Questions
and Answers, which outlines the mechanics of preparing for
and applying to law school as well as comments on the law school
experience itself. Prelaw Academic Advisors at American University
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