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Why Pursue Pre-Law at Allegheny College

Like most universities and colleges in the United States, Allegheny College does not offer a major specifically called “pre-law,” because law schools do not require any specific major for admission. In fact, the Association of American Law Schools advises students not to pursue specific “pre-law” programs. Instead, it recommends completing precisely the kind of broad-based curriculum featured at Allegheny, so as to develop skills that are absolutely crucial for law school and law careers. The academic rigor, experiential learning opportunities, and in-depth research experiences at Allegheny more than equip students with the skills necessary to succeed.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Pre-Law with:

Where Pre-Law Alumni Work Today

Judicial Law Clerk

U.S. District Court
Sarah Nathan ’20

Duquesne Law School

Olivia Brophy ’23

Your Four-Year Journey

Your Pre-Law Advisor

Students interested in pursuing a law degree are encouraged to reach out early and maintain a connection with the pre-law advisor throughout their academic career to ensure they are on-track academically and gaining experiences outside the classroom that law schools will value.

Your Major/Minor

Students are encouraged to choose a major that is challenging and interesting to them. This allows our students the opportunity to learn a breadth of knowledge and gain a global perspective while also following the proper track to prepare them for a future in law.

If the student wants to practice a certain kind of law, it’s a good idea to factor that desire into the selection of a major or a minor. A student who wants to practice international law, for example, would be well-advised to develop fluency in at least one foreign language. A student interested in corporate law should have some familiarity with the world of business and economics. A student looking to practice law related to healthcare or technology, should know something about a relevant science.

Skills To Build

A law student requires three basic qualities:

  • Skill in the use of language
  • Knowledge of human institutions and values
  • Creative power in thinking
Program Distinctions
  • A reputation among professional schools for a challenging academic program that produces well-prepared, articulate and successful graduate students.
  • The Senior Project, a significant independent research project or creative project undertaken by all students in the major field.
  • Pre-legal advising from First-year Orientation through Commencement, embracing the entire range of law-related careers (including legal journalism and criminal justice) and providing personal attention to each student.
  • Accessible faculty who help to fit the academic experience to each student’s particular needs and interests.
  • A curriculum that emphasizes analytical reading, writing and thinking skills throughout all four years.
  • On average, over 85% of Allegheny’s law school applicants are accepted-more than twice the national average.

Research and Internships

Law & Policy Program

The Law & Policy Program provides opportunities for students to explore their interests in politics from theory to practice. Our goal is to help students focus their studies and prepare for the kinds of work they want to pursue after graduation. Students in the program work toward developing a resume and statement of purpose that communicates their interests, their values, their practical experiences, and their skills. To do this, students accepted to the Law & Policy Program take courses related to their political interests, engage in a variety of opportunities beyond the classroom, and periodically reflect on their experiences. This program is open to students majoring in any discipline of study.

Internships and Job Shadowing

Internships and job shadowing in the legal field are available in Meadville and through various programs in Washington, D.C. as well as in locations where alumni work and serve as attorneys.

Pre-Law Club

The Allegheny College Pre-Law Club will provide a space for those with an interest in pursuing law school to talk to other interested students, take trips to local law schools for tours, learn about the application process, and potentially study together for the Law School Admissions Test. The Pre-Law Club exists to merely make a difficult process of both applying and getting into law school easier for prospective students.

Mock Trial

The Mock Trial team is coached by a local attorney and is another excellent way for first-year students to gain skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and forming a persuasive, cohesive argument which will set a strong foundation for law school.

Center for Political Participation

The Center for Political Participation (CPP) coordinates civic education and civic engagement programs at Allegheny College. It organizes the college’s co-curricular Law & Policy Program, which connects students with practical learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom. Through a diverse offering of collaborative research, community-based learning, public lectures, workshops, and student fellows programs, the CPP is the region’s preeminent resource for liberal arts programming for the public good.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Pre-Law Program

When does advising begin for Pre-Law students?

Pre-legal advising from First-year Orientation through Commencement, embracing the entire range of law-related careers (including legal journalism and criminal justice) and providing personal attention to each student.

What kind of majors do pre-law students have?

Students are encouraged to choose a major that is challenging and interesting to them. This allows our students the opportunity to learn a breadth of knowledge and gain a global perspective while also following the proper track to prepare them for a future in law.

Resources

In addition to the dedicated pre-law advisor and faculty mentors, there is a Pre-Law Library, LSAT study materials, and information on law school application processes located in Pelletier Library.

What is Allegheny’s law school acceptance?

On average, over 85% of Allegheny’s law school applicants are accepted-more than twice the national average.

Program Contact

Kirsten Peterson

Associate Director, Pre-Professional Advising

Email814-332-2845