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
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88%of our graduates are admitted to at least one law school, which is 20 points higher than the national average.
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$25Kscholarship opportunity for History majors completing an Honors Thesis to help fund their first year of law school.
Possible Careers
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.
Get to Know Pre-Law
Pre-Law Advisors
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
Recommended Courses for Pre-Law Students
Recommended Courses for Pre-Law Students
Preparing for the LSAT
For preparing for law school:
Chart Your Own Path to Law School
Chart Your Own Path to Law School
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.
Entrance to Top Law Schools
Entrance to Top Law Schools
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
Preparing for the LSAT
Preparing for the LSAT
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
Learn from Someone Who's Been There
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
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.
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.
Put Theory into Practice
Moot Court
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.
Model UN
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.”
Get Connected
Student Organizations
Find new avenues for personal and professional growth by joining one — or more — of Alma’s 100+ student clubs.
