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Office: 602A Goodell Building Phone: 545-5343 For Students Interested in Attending Law School Each year over four hundred current and former University of Massachusetts students go through the highly competitive law school application process. The Pre-Law Office is an advising office that assists students and graduates of the University in getting accepted at the law schools most suitable for them. There is no academic component to the Pre-Law Office. A. Entrance Requirements The only requirement for admission to law school is receipt of a bachelor's degree by the starting date of law school. There is no prescribed course of study or required major for admission. The best guide in choosing a major is to follow your personal and academic interests so that you will be motivated to excel. B. Grades Good grades are very important. Do not apply to a law school with any incompletes on your record. It is also best to avoid using your Pass/Fail option in order to give the law schools a better indication of your abilities in diverse areas. C. Foreign Languages The study of a foreign language is not required for acceptance into law school but it is viewed as an important part of a liberal arts education. Fluency in any language other than English is viewed positively, especially for those considering international law. D. Computer Literacy Since the practice of law is becoming more dependent on computer technology, the more comfortable you are using computers and conducting on-line research, the better prepared you will be for law school. E. Other Considerations Law schools are seeking well-balanced students who have proven their ability to be successful both inside the classroom and beyond it. They are interested in what you have learned and will bring to law school from your extracurricular activities, work experiences, internships, and unusual educational experiences such as national or international exchanges. If study abroad appeals to you, you should be aware that application to law school while you are outside the U.S. is difficult and requires pre-planning before you leave. The Pre-law Adviser can help you with the necessary paperwork. F. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) The LSAT is a half-day standardized test. It consists of five sections of multiple-choice questions that test you on reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning. G. Law School Applications Although law school applications have decreased over the past five years, it is still difficult to gain admission to law school. It is therefore critically important that students seek advising, begin planning for the application process early, and choose their law schools carefully. The Pre-Law Faculty Adviser will be happy to help. To make an advising appointment, call 545-2191.
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