Why choose to be a pre-law student at BGSU in Ohio?
Acceptance into law school is highly competitive. Our job is to help you meet the requirements and build a strong application. The earlier you prepare, the better chance you have to be accepted into the school of your choice.
By declaring as a pre-law student, you will have immediate access to the Office of Pre-Professional Programs and a pre-law advisor. We are here for you from freshman orientation to graduation to help you make informed decisions about your path forward.
- Exceptional pre-law advising. BGSU stands out for its culture of support and personalized guidance. We know what professional schools are looking for in future attorneys and can help you develop those skills and qualities.
- A strong academic foundation. We know what prerequisites you must take, what GPA you need and how to prepare academically for law school. We offer you the support and tools you need to succeed, including resources to prepare for the LSAT admissions test.
- Mentorship, alumni and peer connections. Peer ambassadors offer a first level of support. You also will have many opportunities to shadow and hear from law professionals. These relationships are invaluable as you explore career options.
- Hands-on opportunities. Law schools like well-rounded students. BGSU offers many student organizations and other ways for you to volunteer, be a leader and cultivate those credentials. We have a variety of law student orgs, including the Pre-Law Society, a student-run club. It hosts group activities and guest speakers, such as judges, law school administrators and attorneys.
- Application aid. We help you navigate the rigorous application process to law school.
- Excellent value. BGSU offers a high-quality, affordable education and generous scholarships.
- Proven success. Our graduates are well prepared and regularly accepted into outstanding law schools.
Why choose a career as a lawyer?
A career in law is a good fit if you are intellectually curious, enjoy a challenge and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Advocate for justice. Lawyers play a crucial role in upholding the law and ensuring fairness in society. You could fight for the rights of individuals, corporations or public interest groups.
- Intellectual challenge. Law school and the legal profession require strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Lawyers constantly research, analyze complex legal issues and develop persuasive arguments.
- Diverse career options. Law offers a wide range of career paths beyond the courtroom. You could work in corporate law, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Or you could pursue a career in environmental law, intellectual property law, criminal law or any other specialized area that interests you.
- High earning potential. While starting salaries vary, lawyers typically earn good incomes. The earning potential can be high for experienced attorneys in certain specialties.
Career paths
- Human rights lawyer
- Criminal lawyer
- Corporate lawyer
- Public prosecutor
- Family lawyer
- Trial lawyer
- Securities lawyer
- Tax lawyer
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
There are no specific courses you need to take to get into law school. Law schools emphasize the value of a broad, general program of arts and sciences.
Above all, they stress the importance of acquiring certain intellectual skills and abilities rather than a particular body of information. Foremost among these skills are:
- Good writing and speaking skills
- Logical reasoning
- The use of abstract concepts
Because you can develop these skills in a variety of courses, there is no rigid and detailed pre-law curriculum. In fact, the American Bar Association does not recommend any particular major. Your best bet is to choose courses that help you build the skills that law schools value.
Sample courses
- Legal Research and Writing
- Constitutional Law: Powers and Relationships
- Environmental Law
- Philosophy of Law
- International Law
- Law and Society
- Civil Liberties
How to become an attorney
To practice law, you must earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, also known as a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. J.D. programs generally last three years.
Admission to law school typically requires:
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- Strong overall college GPA
- Well rounded academic experience
Summer virtual academy
BGSU Pre-Law Camp
Are you a high school student interested in a law career? Join us at this camp to explore career options and learn about the BGSU pre-law pathway. Hear from law students, professors and other legal professionals. Learn about legal concepts and language, explore a law library and test your skills in critical thinking. Registration typically opens in October.
Updated: 08/12/2024 10:43AM