Support Our ProgramsPre-Law Programs at Miami University
Information for Juniors
Overview
In your junior year, you are beginning to think about law school admissions. If you plan to attend law school immediately after graduating from college, this is your last year to improve your GPA before applying to law school. You are also preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). As you take classes in your major, you are considering a minor or thematic sequence, and may be interested in taking a few law-related courses.
- Preparing for the LSAT
- If you have not already done so, you should be familiarizing yourself with the format of the LSAT early in the year. You should take a few practice exams early, so that you can formulate a study plan and schedule. By the second semester of your junior year, you should be engaging in focused study for the LSAT and should see improvement in your score. If your score is not improving at a satisfactory rate, you should adjust your study method and schedule. If you are ready, you should plan to take the LSAT in June following your junior year.
- Focused Coursework
- By now, you have likely declared a major, or at least begun to focus your coursework in a particular major or discipline. You may also be considering electives, thematic sequences, or minors of interest. While not required, as a pre-law student, you may want to consider taking one or more law-related courses. These courses help provide an introduction to the law, and many allow you to read and discuss cases, which may help solidify your decision to attend law school, and will benefit you once you begin law school.
- Law School Admissions
- There are nearly 200 ABA-accredited law schools in the U.S. This year, you should learn as much about different law schools as possible. In addition to book and online research, you should consider attending a law forum, or our annual Law Day Fair to meet with law school representatives. You may also want to visit law schools in the area, or in your home state during breaks. During the summer, you should formulate a preliminary list of law schools that interest you.
Checklist
Junior Year
- Continue getting the best grades possible in all classes taken.
- Declare a minor or thematic sequence. Consider one of the law-focused minors, such as Business Legal Studies or Criminology.
- Attend pre-law workshops and programs.
- Begin studying for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). If you have questions about the best way to prepare for the LSAT, schedule an appointment with a pre-law advisor.
- Register for the June LSAT.
- Begin considering which law schools you want to apply to. If you need assistance, schedule an appointment with the Pre-Law Advisor.
- Begin contacting any professors, advisors, supervisors, who you would like to write letters of recommendation.
Summer Following Junior Year
- Take the LSAT in June.
- After you receive your score, formulate a preliminary list of law schools based on your numerical (LSAT/GPA) credentials, geographical preferences, and personal interests. Remember to "diversify" your list to include some safety and reach schools.
- Begin drafting your personal statement.
External Web Resources
LSAT:
- LSAT (LSAC)
LSAT Commercial Preparation Courses:- LifeLong Learning (Miami University, online course)
- Communiversity (University of Cincinnati)
- LSAT Intensive Review
- Kaplan
- PowerScore
- Princeton Review
- TestMasters
Law School Admissions:
- Applying to Law School (LSAC)
- Law School Locator (Boston College)
- Law School Recruitment Forums (LSAC)
- Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools
Financial Aid:
- Financial Aid for Law School (LSAC) [PDF]
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- SmartStudent™ Guide to Financial Aid (FinAid)
- Student Loans (Access Group)