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| SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENT LIFE :: Pre-Law |
Legal Ease Through Advising ServicesTo ease your path to law school, "Talk with an adviser now," urges Advising Services' pre-law adviser Susan Meyer. "So often students wait until their senior year, and it's much more difficult to make course and prerequisite adjustments." When Meyer first meets with students, she asks them about their major. "Many students have the idea that they need to major in political science to get into law school," Meyer says. "This isn't the case. I ask students Do you like political science? Will you do well? The major doesn't matter. What matters is that the student does well." Pre-law students can major in the sciences but need to complement their major's academic plan with social science, liberal arts and humanities courses. "All students need to develop strong writing, analytical and critical thinking skills," adds Meyer. You're Not Just a NumberAlthough LSAT scores and GPA are important, law schools don't just look at the numbers when a student applies. Meyer says law schools also consider the student's recommendation letters, background, experiences—academic, work, sports, internships, personal, talent, hardships, cultural—whether the student had to work a significant number of hours while attending school, etc. "So when I work with a student," says Meyer, "I interview them to try to learn everything I can about them because sometimes what they think isn't interesting or important is both." Meyer also emphasizes the importance of participating in a legal internship. "Students need to know what day-to-day legal practice is like, so they know it's what they want," she says. "Through internships, students can gain experience in public interest law, government and district attorney offices," Meyer says. Meyer often tells students the story of a friend who was admitted to Stanford law school. Says Meyer, "She graduated at the top of her class, then joined a top law firm. She hated it and went on to try a smaller practice and government. Neither of which she liked." Meyer's point is that her friend didn't realize law wasn't a good fit until she began practicing. "Now she's running a bed and breakfast," says Meyer, and she loves it!" Determined to gain admission to a top law school? In addition to achievieng a high LSAT score and GPA, Meyer advises students to demonstrate a sustained commitment to a cause or issue. "Top law schools want to see leadership and genuine interest. Students need to go beyond just joining a club as an undergraduate." However, Meyer says if the school believes an applicant offers something that will enrich the school's community, that can make a difference. "So there isn't a pat formula," says Meyer, "except to do the best you can, get to know your professors—you need solid recommendation letters—and get involved and play a major role in something you care about, but never to the detriment of the GPA." Meyer concludes by mentioning that she has sons attending UC Davis, and she had to keep reminding them to see an adviser. "When they did, they were amazed at how helpful it was," she says with a laugh. ResourcesTo receive weekly e-mail updates on upcoming events such as career panels as well as useful advice, Meyer suggests students join the pre-law listserve, following these instructions:
Also visit the Advising Services Web site for pre-law, or the UC Davis pre-law Facebook page (Facebook registration required). Pre-law advising is located in Advising Services, 160 South Silo. For an appointment with a pre-law adviser, call 752-4475 or you may drop in to see a law student adviser. At the Internship and Career Center, Ken Barnes, room 211, South Hall, is the coordinator for government, law and legal internships and careers. Stop by during his weekly office hours or contact him: (530) 752-2011, klbarnes@ucdavis.edu. |