Students in pre-law have often chosen majors in business, English, history, philosophy, psychology, or sociology, but we have also had students majoring in education, chemistry, art and music also go on to law school.

A standard recommendation from law school admissions representatives to our students has been to major in what they love, and to learn to read and write well and to think critically. Covenant’s core curriculum lays a good foundation for these skills, and any major currently offered at Covenant College can serve as a good background when combined with pre-law advising and selected courses we know will build relevant skills.

Admission to law school is based upon grade point average (GPA) and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores. The applicant’s personal statement, recommendations, and extracurricular activities are also taken into account. Although minimum requirements for LSAT scores vary, realistic expectations for consideration of admission demand a minimum score of low to mid 150s.

The LSAT can be taken during or just prior to the senior year, though it can be taken later. The test may be taken more than once, but all of an individual’s scores are reported, along with an average. Pre-law students are encouraged to obtain a copy of the LSAT and LSDAS Registration and Information Book no later than the spring semester of their junior year to prepare for taking the LSAT.

For more information regarding law school admission and preparation, visit the Law School Admission Council’s website and the American Bar Association’s resource page.

Courses that have frequently been listed by Covenant legal alumni, regardless of major, as having been especially helpful to prepare for law school and legal practice include:

• Advanced English Composition
• Intro to Logic
• Business Law
• U.S. History
• U.S. Constitutional History
• History of Political Theory
• Intro to Philosophy
• Speech
• Accounting

Others might be recommended beyond these, depending on a student’s needs – because the goal is to make sure students have a well rounded set of skills for analysis, writing, and communication, as well as a sense of the opportunities and the responsibilities that practicing law entails.

The Pre-Law advisor also supports Covenant’s Pre-Law Society, a student-led organization sponsored by the history, politics, and international studies department. The Pre-Law Society exists to serve as a resource to students considering or intending to pursue a legal education after college and to maintain a dialogue on campus regarding legal issues. The Pre-Law Society sponsors speakers on campus, organizes LSAT study groups, and plans trips to law school campuses and local legal offices and courts.

Students interested in pursuing law are encouraged to explore local and national internships in the field. Although internships for undergraduates in legal offices are generally quite competitive, Covenant students have had success with both local and regionally based attorneys interested in working with our students when they have openings. Covenant professors and Covenant’s Center for Calling & Career are available to help students make connections and pursue such internship opportunities.