Support the ProgramPre-Law Programs at Miami University
Information for Sophomores
Overview
Now that you have reached your second year of college, you have become acclimated to the college environment. You are now deciding where to focus your studies and are seeking new and exciting challenges. As a pre-law student, you should focus on enhancing those skills that are relevant to law school and legal practice, gaining more information and exposure to the field of law, and becoming involved in your campus and community.
- Skills Enhancement
- Lawyers are skilled in many different areas, but there are certain skills common to every lawyer. Lawyers, and law students, must have strong writing, speaking, reading comprehension, critical thinking, problem solving, and logical reasoning skills. Take classes and participate in activities that will help you enhance these skills.
- Practical Experience
- Before you commit to any field of study, you should know what it involves. Take some time to talk to lawyers, sit in on a law school class, and apply for internships in law-related fields.
- Community Involvement
- Lawyers are practitioners and public servants at the same time. Therefore, law schools value students who have made a significant commitment to improving the community in which they live. Become involved in a community organization that you find interesting. If you are interested in learning more about the legal field, consider volunteering with a law-related public service organization.
Checklist
- Focus on getting the best grades possible in all classes taken.
- Attend the "So You Think You Want to Be a Lawyer?" seminar for second-year students.
- Meet with a career counselor in the Career Exploration and Testing Center, 196 Health Services Center.
- Choose a major that interests you. Avoid the temptation of choosing a major that you think will make you more attractive to admissions representatives.
- Once you have declared a major or pre-major, visit an advisor from that division and/or department.
- Choose courses with a strong emphasis in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking.
- Visit the Pre-Law Center and check out books about legal and non-legal careers that may interest you.
- Begin considering pre-law internship opportunities. If you need assistance, make an appointment with the Pre-Law Director.
- Consider joining one of the pre-law student organizations, i.e., Phi Alpha Delta, Mock Trial, Associated Student Government, and Student Court.
External Web Resources
- Law and Advocacy
(National Student Leadership Conference) - The Law & You (Ohio Bar Association)
- Preparing for Law School (American Bar Association)
- Thinking about Law School (LSAC)