1. Skip the prelaw major.
Law schools prefer students with a broad base of knowledge and not simply a background in prelaw; you will be a much more attractive law school candidate with a well-rounded education.
If your school offers prelaw courses, by all means, take a few to get a feel for the subject matter, but when it comes to your major...
2. Pursue your passion.
Of course, if prelaw is truly your passion, go for it, but you should use high school and college coursework as a way to delve deeper into subjects you love--anything from literature to art history to chemistry.
You may discover that law school isn't your ultimate goal after all (and that's OK!) but if you do end up applying, you'll be able to add a unique perspective in the law school classroom--and that's what admissions counselors are looking for.
3. Take a wide range of courses.
Any course that provides training in writing, analytical thinking, or public speaking skills is helpful, especially those in philosophy, logic, and debate. You should also consider classes in government, politics, and behavioral sciences. For more suggestions, see recommended undergraduate courses.
4. Apply yourself.
Make no mistake: one of the two most important factors in your law school application will be your undergraduate GPA (the other is your score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)), so you want to earn the best grades possible.
In other words, study, study, study to give yourself the best chance at being accepted to the law school of your choice.
5. Find a job or internship in the legal profession.
Try to get some exposure to the legal profession by working or volunteering in a legal environment. Aside from lawyer's offices, other possible placements include courthouses, legislators' offices, and even the U.S. Department of Justice.
Not only will this help strengthen your application by showing your interest and experience in the legal profession, it may also help you decide whether law school is truly for you.
