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How to Get Into Law School
Economics is one of several majors frequently used to prepare for law school, especially for those interested in corporate or business law. Law schools look most favorably on a traditional disciplinary major, as long as you do very well in it (see the Hollins pre-law page).
Here's an interesting fact: a study by Michael Nieswiadomy in the Journal of Economic Education (fall 1998) looked at the LSAT scores of students who applied for law school admissions, categorized by majors. He showed that the LSAT scores of economics majors ranked highest among all disciplines. Such good performance may be attributable to the rigors of the economics curriculum.
Earn Excellent Grades.
Depending upon the quality of the law school, that could well mean at least the top 10 percent of your class.
Perform Very Well on the LSAT.
Performing very well on the LSAT is absolutely essential to getting into any law school. Buy LSAT preparation books early (in your sophomore year) and test yourself repeatedly. Then seriously consider taking one of the LSAT preparation courses either in the spring of your junior or the summer before your senior year. LSAT scores are averaged,
so plan to take them early in your senior year when you are feeling well and rested.
Do a Law-Related Internship.
Law schools say internships don't matter much on an application, but they can help you decide whether law school is worth all the struggle.
Choose the Right Courses.
Although law schools say there are no particular courses in any discipline that will especially aid an application, they often recommend courses that emphasize comprehension, analysis, and writing. Certain courses introduce you to different aspects of the law and can help determine your area of interest; Business Law (BUS 222), Constitutional Law (POLS 363), and Civil Liberties Law (POLS 364) are three examples. Courses in critical thinking, logic, and mathematics are also suggested.
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