Pre-Law
The first step toward your legal career.
While there is no set “pre-law” curriculum required to be admitted to law school, there are qualities that will set you apart. Through Alma’s pre-law program, you’ll:
- Develop critical thinking, analytical, research and writing skills essential for practicing law.
- Partner with our pre-law advising group (PLAG) to align courses from your chosen major with your legal ambitions.
- Apply what you learn in the classroom to research projects and work experience.
At A Glance
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12:1Student-to-faculty ratio
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18Average class size
Possible Careers
The first step toward your legal career.
While there is no set “pre-law” curriculum required to be admitted to law school, there are qualities that will set you apart. Through Alma’s pre-law program, you’ll:
- Develop critical thinking, analytical, research and writing skills essential for practicing law.
- Partner with our pre-law advising group (PLAG) to align courses from your chosen major with your legal ambitions.
- Apply what you learn in the classroom to research projects and work experience.
Get to Know Pre-Law
Pre-Law Advising Group (PLAG)
Professional Development
As a pre-law student, you'll be encouraged to participate in an internship that provides valuable industry experience. Find out more about career support at Alma.
Explore the Curriculum
Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.
Invest in your future.
The American Bar Association and the American Association of Law Schools state that “there is no specific ‘pre-law’ course of study that will enhance a student’s chances of gaining admission to law school.”
As such, we recommend that pre-law students at Alma select a major they are passionate about. You can then work with our pre-law advisors to choose classes that help prepare you for the LSAT and law school.
In addition, you can take advantage of opportunities tailored to the field of law. Many pre-law students complete an internship in private practice, government or with an advocacy organization. You can meet with law school representatives at bi-annual campus visits and through sponsored law school forums.
We also hope you’ll get involved in the Barrister Society, a student-run club that sponsors panels, speakers, workshops and more.
What You Need to Know
More than 90% of Alma College seniors who worked closely with our pre-law advisors have been admitted to at least one American Bar Association-endorsed law school. These include:
- Cornell Law School
- Duke University School of Law
- Harvard Law School
- Michigan State University College of Law
- Notre Dame Law School
- The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
- Stanford Law School
- Yale Law School
Put Theory into Practice
At Moot Court, you’ll learn what it takes to argue in front of the Supreme Court by thinking like a constitutional lawyer — considering both sides of an argument, thinking on your feet and making fine distinctions in your reasoning. You’ll put your skills to the test against other colleges and universities at tournaments hosted by the American Moot Court Association. Bottom line? Moot Court gives you a front row seat to the U.S. Constitution and paves the way for your career in law.
Learn from Someone Who’s Been There
In your junior year as a Pre-Law major, you can join the Plaid Returns Alumni Mentoring Program. We’ll pair you with an alum who graduated from Alma, has pursued a successful law career – and has similar interests as you. Through monthly meetings, your alumni mentor will support you as you design your professional goals and consider your career path.
Contact careers@alma.edu to learn more about the program and annual application deadlines.
One of my big highlights from Alma was working with Dr. (Kristin) Olbertson on a research project that I ended up presenting at a Phi Alpha Theta regional conference. I ended up winning an award for legal history research, which helped me realize I was doing the right things with my career goals. Alma College also makes you work hard in your academics, which is excellent preparation for any grad school.
One of my big highlights from Alma was working with Dr. (Kristin) Olbertson on a research project that I ended up presenting at a Phi Alpha Theta regional conference. I ended up winning an award for legal history research, which helped me realize I was doing the right things with my career goals. Alma College also makes you work hard in your academics, which is excellent preparation for any grad school.
Get Connected
Student Organizations
Find new avenues for personal and professional growth by joining one — or more — of Alma’s 100+ student clubs.
