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The study of law might prepare students for the actual practice of law, or it might prepare them for using the legal understanding and concepts they learn in other professional business capacities. These essential steps in preparing for law school admission depend on whether you intend in obtaining a law license or not.
Undergraduate Degree
Every candidate for law school admission must have an undergraduate degree along with a suitable grade point average when considered with other factors. Virtually every undergraduate student is a pre-law student. Your major is irrelevant. Ask around any first year law school class and you’ll find that law schools accept candidates with degrees ranging from accounting to zoology.
LSAT
If you’re planning on attending an ABA accredited law school, a suitable score on the Law School Admissions Test is required. The LSAT is a standardized, four-hour examination consisting of five parts. It’s administered four times a year at designated locations across the United States and selected locations in a growing number of countries. Because test takers are competing on a national level, many seek to gain an advantage by taking private courses preparing them for taking the LSAT.
Application
Law schools have widely ranging criteria for admission. Along with college grade point average and LSAT scores, ABA accredited law schools like Champlain College also consider personal and professional backgrounds of candidates. Champlain offers a master’s degree in law online for those who seek to supplement their education and work experience without the intent of practicing law. The LSAT isn’t required for this program.
Think Ahead
Just like undergraduate studies, law school takes time and money. There are multiple requirements and strict deadlines involved in the application and admission process. If you’re planning on getting a law license, start thinking about the LSAT at least a year in advance. Take the admissions test early. If you want to start law school in September, you’ll probably have to take the LSAT in December of the previous year. Financial arrangements can be made along the way.
With or without a law license, once you’re a student of the law, you’ll remain a student of the law. It’s a fascinating and constantly changing field with new statutes, regulations and cases that you’ll need to review, consider and stay on top of. Strong professional and personal growth will follow.
This article was contributed by guest author Anica Oaks.