prelaw

Prelaw is an informal designation used in North American higher education to describe undergraduate planning aimed at preparing for law school. It is not a major, degree, or professional program, and there is no universal set of required courses. Students select coursework and experiences that develop skills valuable to legal study and practice, with emphasis on critical reading, analytical writing, argumentation, and civics. Law schools recruit from diverse disciplines, so prelaw remains flexible rather than prescriptive.

Typical components include common majors such as political science, history, philosophy, economics, or criminology, though any field can be compatible with a prelaw track. Core competencies include strong writing, research, and logical reasoning. Courses may touch on constitutional history, ethics, statistics, or public policy. Extracurriculars such as debate, moot court, internships with law firms or courts, and participation in clinics or mock trials can enhance preparation. Some colleges offer formal prelaw advising offices or tracks to help with course planning and admissions timelines.

Law school admissions require a bachelor’s degree and may include the LSAT or, where available, the GRE. Applications consider undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and relevant experience. While a prelaw designation can assist with planning, admission depends on the overall strength of the application and fit with the program. Many students pursue law-related experiences during college to demonstrate readiness for legal study, but success ultimately depends on more than a prelaw label.