Pre-Law

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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