Pre-Law

Set Yourself Apart

While there’s no specific “pre-law” curriculum required for law school, certain qualities and skills will make you stand out. Alma College’s Pre-Law program is designed to help you develop those essential attributes, including:

Critical Thinking & Analytical Skills: Sharpen your ability to think deeply and analyze complex issues—key skills every law professional needs.
Expert Advising & Course Alignment: Partner with our Pre-Law Advisors to tailor your major courses to support your legal career goals.
Real-World Application: Put your classroom learning into action through research projects and valuable work experience, preparing you for law school and beyond.

At Alma College, we’ll help you build the foundation you need to succeed in law school and in your future legal career.

At A Glance

88%

of our graduates are admitted to at least one law school, which is 20 points higher than the national average.
$25K

scholarship opportunity for History majors completing an Honors Thesis to help fund their first year of law school.

Possible Careers

Attorney

Samuel Robb, J.D., 2016 | The Spitz Law Firm, LLC

Attorney-Advisor

Megan Isom, J.D., 2017 | U.S. Department of the Interior

Owner and Attorney

Nicole Bennett, J.D., 1994 | Westland & Bennett PC

Law Student

Matthew Garland, 2023 | Michigan State University College of Law

Assistant Attorney General

Mika Obrecht, J.D., 2018 | Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment

Chief of Staff

Joe Martin, J.D., 2013 | Senator Joseph Bellino

Campaign Organizer

W Robert Schultz III, J.D., 1977 | Active Transportation Alliance

Law Student

Justin Headlee, 2022 | Loyola University Chicago School of Law

Set Yourself Apart

While there’s no specific “pre-law” curriculum required for law school, certain qualities and skills will make you stand out. Alma College’s Pre-Law program is designed to help you develop those essential attributes, including:

Critical Thinking & Analytical Skills: Sharpen your ability to think deeply and analyze complex issues—key skills every law professional needs.
Expert Advising & Course Alignment: Partner with our Pre-Law Advisors to tailor your major courses to support your legal career goals.
Real-World Application: Put your classroom learning into action through research projects and valuable work experience, preparing you for law school and beyond.

At Alma College, we’ll help you build the foundation you need to succeed in law school and in your future legal career.

Entrance to Top Law Schools

Scots graduating since 2010 have achieved an 88% law school acceptance rate, nearly 20 points higher than the national average acceptance rate of 70%. (Access Lex Institute, Legal Education Data Deck, November 2024)

In the last five years, Alma alumni have enrolled in the following law schools:

Lewis & Clark Law School
Loyola University Chicago Law School
Michigan State University College of Law
Notre Dame Law School
Stetson University College of Law
University of Detroit Mercy Law School

University of Kansas School of Law
University of Michigan Law School
University of Toledo College of Law
Vermont Law and Graduate School
Wayne State University School of Law
William & Mary Law School

Get to Know Pre-Law

Pre-Law Advisors

At Alma, you'll receive guidance and mentorship from an interdisciplinary team of faculty who are here to help you navigate the path to law school.

Professional Development

As a pre-law student, you'll be encouraged to participate in an internship that provides valuable industry experience. Find out more about career support at Alma.

Explore the Curriculum

Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.

Recommended Courses for Pre-Law Students

Preparing for the LSAT

Chart Your Own Path to Law School

The American Bar Association and the American Association of Law Schools agree that there’s no specific “pre-law” course of study required for law school admission.

At Alma College, we encourage Pre-Law students to choose a major they are passionate about, and work with our advisors to select courses that prepare you for the LSAT and law school.
Take advantage of real-world opportunities, such as internships in private practice, government, or advocacy organizations. You can also connect with law school representatives at bi-annual campus visits and law school forums.

Preparing for the LSAT

As an upper-class student, you will enjoy free access to online Kaplan Test Prep services to help you prepare for the LSAT (Law School Admissions Exam).

Learn from Someone Who's Been There

In your junior year in the Pre-Law program, you can join the Plaid Returns Alumni Mentoring Program. We’ll pair you with an alum who graduated from Alma, has pursued a successful law career – and has similar interests as you. Through monthly meetings, your alumni mentor will support you as you design your professional goals and consider your career path.

Contact careers@alma.edu to learn more about the program and annual application deadlines.

Student & Alumni Spotlight

Neil Youngdahl `15

“

One of my big highlights from Alma was working with Dr. (Kristin) Olbertson on a research project that I ended up presenting at a Phi Alpha Theta regional conference. I ended up winning an award for legal history research, which helped me realize I was doing the right things with my career goals. Alma College also makes you work hard in your academics, which is excellent preparation for any grad school.

Neil Youngdahl `15

Put Theory into Practice

Moot Court

At Moot Court, you’ll learn what it takes to argue in front of the Supreme Court or any other appellate court in the U.S. by thinking like a constitutional lawyer — considering both sides of an argument, thinking on your feet and making fine distinctions in your reasoning. You’ll put your skills to the test against other colleges and universities at tournaments hosted by the American Moot Court Association. Bottom line? Moot Court gives you a front row seat to the U.S. Constitution and paves the way for your career in law.

In our very first year (2024), two Alma College teams came within one win of the national tournament.

Student wearing a suit and presenting during a student led Moot Court

Model UN

Build skills in diplomacy, collaboration and negotiation. Learn how peaceful, multilateral conflict resolution can address global challenges. And be a part of the team that the Huffington Post called a “Model UN powerhouse.”

Learn More