Is pre-law school required for law school?

Question

I am thinking about becoming a lawyer, and I wanted to attend Central Michigan University, but they only offer pre-law. I'm confused and have just started looking into colleges so can somebody who knows about this offer some advice, and if CMUs pre-law program would be a good choice. Thanks

Answer 1

Lucky for you, I'm in law school. To be a lawyer, you have to have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college. Then you have to attend law school (for 3 years) and pass the bar exam. To get into law school, you do not have to be a pre-law major in college. Any major that teaches you how to write clearly, communicate efficiently, and analyze things is great for law school. Historically, the top majors for law school are English, History, Philosophy and Political Science.

So basically, don't worry about finding a school that offeres pre-law. Just try to get a well rounded college experience that focuses on reading, critical thinking, analysis, and writing. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Actually, most law schools don't like "pre-law" programs. Basically you need to be able to read and critically assess material, be able to write REALLY well, and have good logic abilities. Law schools love math and logic/linguistics for that reason.

I would pick the undergraduate program that works for you, and then consider where to go for law school. Take what really interests you and do REALLY well. Make sure you are getting a good solid education in English and math. Political science will only help you if you want to go into policy work after your law degree.

Answer 3

There isn't anything that's actually "pre-law school." When you go to law school, you're going to graduate school, getting a graduate degree. Before you go to graduate school, you need to get an undergraduate degree, at a 4-year college/university. You major in something that interests you as pre-law, almost any major can be a precursor to law school, depending on what type of lawyer you want to be.

But yes, you have to get an undergraduate degree before going to graduate school.