Santa Clara University offers undergraduates and recent alumni a team of advisors to work with you as you navigate the process of (1) determining whether a legal career is right for you, (2) developing an undergraduate plan to prepare you for studying law, (3) selecting the schools to which you will apply, (4) preparing your application materials, and (5) laying an early foundation that will lead to a rewarding legal career. Current students are encouraged to join our Camino course for resources and announcements.
If you are just starting to think about whether law school is right for you:
- Read through these basic considerations.
- Above all, only push yourself toward law school if you definitely need a law degree for the career you want. So think about the career you want, and try out different subjects and work experiences as an undergrad.
- Look over this checklist and this list of advice for your undergraduate career.
- Consider meeting with an advisor. You can book an appointment through the Drahmann Center specifically for pre-law advising.
If you are focused on law school but still have time before you'll start applying:
- Follow this plan to set yourself up for success.
- Make sure you are taking courses that will help you develop relevant skills and amass relevant knowledge.
- Sign up for an LSAC account to gain access to their resources. LSAC is the organization that administers the LSAT and will process your recommendations.
- When you register with LSAC, consider whether you might be eligible for their fee waiver program. If you are, apply for it early to avoid paying unnecessary fees and to unlock valuable resources.
- Meet with an advisor. You can book an appointment through the Drahmann Center specifically for pre-law advising.
If you have already begun the process of applying to law schools:
- Consult these resources on the application process and components.
- Spend a few months preparing for the LSAT, and register for a test date well in advance of your application deadlines. The LSAT is unlike any test you've ever taken, so you must practice for it.
- Think about when to apply (we recommend applying in the fall rather than waiting until winter) and whether you might want to try early decision or early action applications, which have pros and cons.
- Reach out to your recommenders at least 1 full month before your first application deadline, and preferably a little sooner. First, send a brief email reacquainting yourselves and asking if they are available to write for you. If they say yes, tell them your law school and career plans and goals and remind them why you think they are well-positioned to recommend you.
- Work carefully on your personal statements, following all instructions for each program. Try to tell stories that reveal who you are, why you are motivated to study law and have a legal career, and why you will be successful and make a difference.
- Meet with an advisor. You can book an appointment through the Drahmann Center specifically for pre-law advising.