Career Tips For English Majors

Law School

Skills and Coursework

Law schools recommend that students take a challenging course of study that emphasizes writing, theory and analysis, and problem-solving. Sample a variety of disciplines, but be sure to take courses in the humanities and social sciences. Work with faculty who make you think about the subject matter in addition to covering the subject matter. It may also be beneficial to show that you can work on sustained projects that require a degree of self-motivation. Take advantage of opportunities to do independent studies and/or write a thesis.

The University of Maine Law School does not stress the importance of knowing a second language, but other schools suggest that lawyers will be working in an increasingly international environment where a second language would be an advantage.

Law schools look for students with a broad world-view and a sense of how human values and institutions both shape the law and are shaped by it. Study abroad may help you acquire that broader understanding of the world.

Standardized Tests and GPA

 

The LSAT tests verbal skills, reading comprehension and analytical skills. It consists of the following sections:

* Logical Reasoning (Argument) in which you analyze statements for logical errors.

(Multiple choice)

* Analytical Reasoning (Games) in which you solve complex logical deductive puzzles. (Multiple choice)

* Reading Comprehension, in which you read passages and answer questions

* Experimental (Depends on the exam)

* Writing Sample, in which you write an essay on a topic. The essay isn't scored, but it is sent with your application to law schools. Law schools usually do not use it as a significant part of your admissions process. Nevertheless, it is important to put effort into writing this essay on the off chance that it is read. (Since many people use admissions consultants to write their admissions essays, the LSAT essay is the one place where admissions evaluators can see how you actually write.)

 

At the University of Maine Law School, the median LSAT score is 156; 25th-75th percentile is 153-158.

The median undergraduate GPA is 3.36; 25th-75th percentile is 3.15-3.54.

 

At Yale University , the LSAT score for 25th-75th percentile is 169-175.

The undergraduate GPA 25th-75th percentile is 3.80-3.97.

Other Recommended Activities

 

  Applicants should have explored the field of law prior to applying. Interviews with alumni and internships with law firms or government agencies are good ways to find if law school is appropriate for you.

 

For students who do not work outside of school, the law school looks for applicants who have been active in student organizations.

 

It is important to develop personal relationships with advisors, faculty, and employers who will be able to write you strong letters of reference.

Top Law Programs ( U. S. News )

Yale Chicago

Harvard U Michigan , Ann Arbor

Stanford U Pennsylvania

Columbia U Virginia

NYU Duke