What programs are offered at KU to help me decide?
The following programs can provide valuable information to students considering
the study of law? Special Programs/Organizations
What can I do as a freshman and sophomore?
As there are essentially no formal law school admissions "hoops" to jump through until after your junior year, freshmen and sophomores who plan to attend law school should focus more broadly on laying the foundation for a successful application down the road.
Many students change their intended major or academic interests (often several times!) as they progress through the course of their undergraduate studies. In addition, most people take at least a year off before they begin law school. For these reasons, you should stay as flexible as possible, and perhaps even actively prepare for an alternative (or at least temporary) career should your interest in the law wane, or if you merely decide that you would like to take some time to work in between college and law school.
Are there any specific courses I should take?
In selecting classes beyond your general education and major requirements to help prepare yourself for law school, you should take challenging courses and those that interest you, but no specific courses are required or recommended. The American Bar Association recommends numerous skills and values as helpful in preparation for a legal education, including analytical and problem solving skills, critical reading abilities, writing skills, oral communication and listening skills, general research skills, task organization and management skills, and the values of serving others and promoting justice (Pre-Law Committee of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, Preparation for Legal Education. www.abanet.org/legaled/prelaw/prep.html Consult the ABA network for more information and to assess your areas of strengths and challenges.
KU offers a number of courses related to law and public policy which may serve to affirm (or disaffirm) your interest in studying law, but these should not be taken with the expectation that they will give you an extra advantage in law school.
LAW RELATED COURSES (103 KB)
Will a double major or minor increase my chances of getting into law school? A double major is fine if you wish to complete one, but it is essentially irrelevant in terms of law school admission.
Are foreign languages required for admission to law school? No. However, learning a foreign language can sharpen analytical skills and increase understanding of the English language, which are both important skills for law school.
What if I struggled academically early in my college career? Even if you struggled academically early in your college career, however, all is not lost! Law schools will always consider favorable trends in your grades, and you will have ample opportunity to explain a wayward semester or stray bad grade on your applications.
Are extracurricular activities and work experiences important in law school admissions?
In addition to helping you figure out whether your interest in pursuing legal studies is sincere, relevant work experience and extracurricular activities will be very helpful in rounding out your application. Probably the most important thing to recognize about your extracurricular involvements is that law schools will be primarily interested in qualities such as leadership that are most likely to be developed through significant and meaningful participation in a few organizations, as opposed to mere membership in numerous ones. Distinguish yourself by focusing your energies on ascending within your most valued extracurricular commitments; do not plan to impress schools by joining twenty-five different student clubs and organizations without assuming any real responsibility or position of authority. When combined with a strong academic record, solid extracurricular activities will also show law schools that you are able to budget your time and balance the demands of multiple tasks simultaneously.
Is there a pre-law student organization at KU?
The University of Kansas Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity is a student organization on campus that brings together pre-law students in regular chapter meetings, community service projects, and socials. The organization coordinates a number of activities and events that may be of interest to students contemplating a career in the law, and can provide you with excellent opportunities for leadership and service. For more information, visit their website.
Can internships and work experience be helpful?
Internships and work experience can also help to refine numerous qualities that will
be relevant to law schools, such as your organizational abilities, communication
skills, and determination. Although any work experience will be helpful in rounding
out your application, law-related positions can be particularly beneficial in
providing insights into potential careers in the law. Working for a law firm, public
interest group or government entity can help you begin to differentiate between the
many facets of the legal profession.
Can internships and work experience be helpful?
Internships and work experience can also help to refine numerous qualities that will be relevant to law schools, such as your organizational abilities, communication skills, and determination. Working for a law firm, public interest group or government entity can help you begin to differentiate between the many facets of the legal profession. However, it is not essential that you have a law-related internship in order to be admitted to or successful in law school. Any experiential education will be beneficial.
Where can I find more information about internship opportunities?
The University Career Center can provide internship information, including online resources, program descriptions, resources for seasonal and summer jobs, and books about internship opportunities.
Additional Internship Resources
