Support the ProgramPre-Law Programs at Miami University
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a Pre-Law major?
- Is law school right for me?
- When should I meet with a Pre-Law Advisor?
- When should I take the LSAT?
- Do I need to take a commercial LSAT preparation course?
- How many times can I take the LSAT?
- What courses should I take to prepare for law school?
- What is the LSDAS?
- To how many law schools should I apply?
- Should I take time off before law school?
- What is a Dean's Certification letter?
- When should I submit my applications to law schools?
Is there a Pre-Law major?
No. You are encouraged to major in whatever discipline you find most interesting. Regardless of your major, you should take courses that will enhance those skills that are essential for success in law school and legal practice: critical thinking, reading, writing, speaking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning skills. You should also excel academically, as admission to law school is very competitive. Miami also offers two law-related minors, Criminology and Business Legal Studies, and several law-related courses and thematic sequences.
Is law school right for me?
Maybe. Law school affords its graduates many different career opportunities, not all related to legal practice. If you think you might be interested in law, you should first learn more about the intellectual, financial, and time commitment necessary to obtain a Juris Doctor. The Pre-Law Center has many resources that can assist you. In addition, you should also see a career counselor at the Career Exploration and Testing Center to determine whether law is a good fit for you. Also, find time to talk to and shadow law students and lawyers in different fields. Because the decision to attend law school is so very important, students should not apply without gathering a lot of information and giving it careful consideration.
When should I meet with a Pre-Law Advisor?
As early as possible. You should meet with a Pre-Law Advisor as early as your freshman year to discuss course planning and academic standards for law school, and to learn more about law school and legal practice. As you advance in your undergraduate career, the Pre-Law Advisor will assist you in finding a mentor, internships, law-related extracurricular and volunteer opportunities, and will help you navigate the law school admissions process. A Pre-Law Advisor will answer any questions that you have, and will refer you to other resources available, within the Pre-Law Center and throughout the university, to help you make the transition from college to law school.
You can also meet with a Pre-Law Faculty Advisor within your major. They can provide you with, among other things, information about courses you can take within your major, and other career options available within your major.
When should I take the LSAT?
The LSAT is administered four times per year: February, June, September/October, and December. It is best to take the LSAT in June following your junior year of college. This will provide you with adequate time to weigh your law school options, and to complete your applications early in the law school admissions season.
Do I need to take a commercial LSAT preparation course?
Not necessarily. Some students prefer to study on their own. However, other students find that commercial courses provide them with the discipline to begin and maintain a study schedule when they otherwise would not. Whether you take a commercial course or decide to engage in self-study, you should start studying as early as possible. You should also assess your progress regularly, by taking practice exams, and adjust your study method and study schedule as necessary.
How many times can I take the LSAT?
You should plan to take the LSAT only once. This is, in part, because some schools average multiple scores. Also, even schools that accept the higher score can see all of your scores. However, you may take the LSAT no more than three times in any two-year period, unless you are given written permission by a law school to which you are applying.
What courses should I take to prepare for law school?
You should plan to take courses that will enhance your critical thinking, verbal and written communication, reading, problem solving, and logical reasoning skills. Generally speaking, seminar courses should be favored over lectures, because they tend to allow for more discussion, and courses requiring papers or essay exams should be favored over those with multiple choice exams. To gain valuable problem solving and logical reasoning skills, courses in math, science, and logic are recommended. Additionally, Miami offers two law-related minors, Criminology and Business Legal Studies, and several law-related courses that may be of interest to pre-law students. Review the Miami Bulletin and/or contact a Pre-Law Advisor or your faculty advisor regarding these courses.
What is the LSDAS?
The Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS™) processes applicant information for submission to law schools. LSDAS prepares a law school report that will be sent to every law school in which you apply. The report includes an undergraduate academic summary; copies of transcripts, LSAT scores and writing sample copies, and copies of recommendation letters processed by LSAC.
You must pay a registration fee for LSDAS, which includes preparation of the law school report, processing of transcripts and recommendation letters, and an online law school application service.
To how many law schools should I apply?
It depends. On average, students apply to approximately six schools. However, Miami students tend to average between eight and nine. Diversifying your list will give you the greatest range of options to choose from after admission decisions are made. If you only apply to schools above your range, you risk not having any options; if you only apply to schools well below your range, you limit your ability to attend a school that you might find competitive and interesting. You should apply to several schools in which your credentials fall within the median GPA and LSAT scores. However, you should also plan to apply to a few schools in which you fall within the top 75% or above, and a few in which you fall within the bottom 25% or below.
Should I take time off before law school?
It depends. The decision to take time off before attending law school is a very personal one that varies depending on the students' individual circumstances. More than half of all applicants apply to law school a year or more after graduating from college. There are several advantages to taking time off before applying to law school. Because law school is a rigorous academic program, taking a year or more off between college and law school may give you a much needed break. You may find that gaining work experience will make the lessons learned during law school more tangible, and can also help you identify practice areas that you may be interested in pursuing. Additionally, the organizational, management, and leadership skills you obtain in the workplace, can help you navigate the law school process much easier.
What is a Dean's Certification letter?
A form or letter that is required by some law schools, which must be completed by the Dean or another authorized representative. The letter certifies that you are in good standing with the university. Some schools require that the Dean disclose any disciplinary action taken against you, as well as details of your academic standing within the university. While you may be required to submit the certification letter or form with their application, some schools require the certification only after you have been accepted to the law school. Dean's Certification letters are processed in the College of Arts and Science Advising Office, Upham Hall, Room 146.
When should I submit my applications to law schools?
As early as possible. Many schools use a "rolling admissions" system, which means that they make decisions as completed applications are received. Because most schools only plan to admit a certain number of students in any given year, as students are admitted, there are less spot remaining. Therefore, the earlier you apply, the better your chances. You should find out when the law schools you are applying to will begin accepting applications and apply as soon after that date as possible.