The basic criteria for acceptance into law school are the grade point average acquired during undergraduate studies and performance on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Application forms and information regarding the dates of this test can be obtained from the prelaw advisor, Timothy J. White, 811 Schott Hall or 513 745-2997. Some importance is also attached to letters of recommendation, job experience, and extracurricular or community activities.
American law schools prescribe neither specific courses nor a specific major for prelaw study. They pay particular attention to students engaged in a broad program of high quality in liberal arts. The degree program should educate the students to assimilate difficult documents and to interpret factual data, to think logically and creatively, to express themselves well orally and in writing, and to acquire a critical understanding of the human institutions and values with which the law deals. While there is no such thing as a prelaw program, it does not follow that all courses or majors are of equal value for the study of law. Some subjects (not necessarily majors) to which law schools attach special importance are accounting, economics, English, history, philosophy and political science.
Students considering law as a career are urged to consult with both their departmental chair and the prelaw advisor. They are also encouraged to join the St. Thomas More Prelaw Society. This organization provides activities that inform pre-law students of current and future trends related to law school admissions and careers in the law.
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