Key Strategies for High Schoolers Preparing for Law School

Many aspiring lawyers develop their passion for the law early on, influenced by legal dramas, admired role models, or early internships. While the decision to pursue law school often comes later, high school is an opportune time for ambitious students to lay the groundwork for a successful application.

Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach and contributor at US News, recently offered a few tips for high schoolers aiming to secure admission to their dream law school.

BUILD SKILLS IN READING, WRITING, AND RESEARCH

Law schools requires strong reading, writing, and research skills. Kuris recommends that high schoolers get an academic head start by taking Advanced Placement classes that focus in such skills.

“If your high school offers Advanced Placement classes, these can be especially helpful for your law school application,” Kuris says. “They typically appear on your college transcript if accepted by your undergraduate institution, in which case law schools will see you have taken them. Consider taking college classes while in high school if you have the opportunity to do so, perhaps through a dual enrollment program or at a local college. Take them seriously, because you will be obligated to submit these transcripts to law schools even if you don’t receive credit for them from your undergraduate institution.”

TAKE A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS

Prelaw isn’t a necessary pathway to law school. Still, prospective law school applicants can set themselves up for success by taking a diverse range of classes.

“Indeed, students who major in STEM fields may stand out more as law applicants, as attorneys increasingly grapple with issues of science and technology,” Kuris says. “Ultimately, it’s best to major in the field in which you most excel. And the sooner you figure this out, the better. This means that high school is an ideal time to explore diverse subjects and find your academic strengths.”

FOCUS ON EXTRACURRICULARS

Extracurriculars that emphasize leadership and collaboration can help strengthen your law school application. Kuris recommends prospective law school applicants to look into community service opportunities or campus organizations.

“These experiences do not have to be law-related, like debate club or political activism,” Kuris says. “There are many ways to volunteer in your community. That said, the activities that would most boost your law school application would be hands-on experience in the realm of law, such as summer jobs or internships in law firms or government offices, which could help you secure relevant work experiences during or after college.”

Sources: US News, Top Law Coach