Law and Legal Careers

Although you may just be starting your college career, it is never
too early to begin thinking about law school. Your first task is to decide on a major field of study. While it is true that many students major in political science or history, pre-law students can major in ANY subject. You are encouraged to follow a rigorous academic program that emphasizes analytical reasoning, logic and writing skills. Guidelines for these courses include:

• Courses that emphasize written and oral communication
  in class assignments and exam questions
• Courses that teach you how to do research
• Courses that give you practice in critical reading and thinking
• Broad-based courses that teach college-level skills rather
  than specific facts

Once you have decided on a major, then you should consider active participation in 3PR where undergraduate students receive current information about law schools and law-related programs.

Before applying for law school, you must take a standardized exam called the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). Getting into law school depends primarily on attaining a high GPA and scoring well
on the LSAT. Other factors, such as extracurricular activities and leadership roles, also play a part in the admissions process. 

The LSAT is a half-day standardized exam which is required for admission to almost all law schools in the United States. The test is offered only four times a year: June, October, December and February. The test consists of five multiple-choice sections which are timed. Each section contains between 25-28 questions, which you must complete in 35 minutes. One section of the test is an “experimental” section, which does not contribute to your overall score. A 30 minute writing section is also required at the end of the exam. Your raw score (how many questions you answered correctly out of 100/101) is then correlated to a score scale ranging from 120 to 180. For instance, if you were to answer 50 questions correctly out of 100, then your LSAT score would translate into roughly a 149/150 (with some variance).Getting into law school is highly competitive. Some law schools have seen an increase of 20% or more in applications, so it is vital that you prepare for this test. For more detailed information on the LSAT, go to www.lsac.org. This web site is where you will register for the test when the time comes.

Texas Wesleyan will provide you the solid liberal arts curriculum and 3PR will help you prepare for this test. You will do practice tests, write your personal essays and a have a wealth of information at your fingertips by the time you are ready to take the test. You will be PRepared to take the LSAT.