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avatar Anonymous

What should I do to go into law?

My high school has no debate club, few or no courses on this topic, nothing...Obviously history is important, but what else should I focus on?

Question applies to ages: 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

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avatarElizabeth.Johns
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Top 5 in: Choosing College, Discipline, Families and Relationships, Family Activities, Growth and Development, Health and Wellness, Learning Disabilities and Special Needs, Learning Styles, Parents and Schools, Safety, School Policy and Education Issues, Study Skills and Academics, Summer Learning and Camps, Teens and Jobs, Transitions and Readiness, Motivating StudentsTop 5 in 16 Topics		 Law school is a long way down the road for a high school student. I checked out the web site of the American Bar Association and also of a university law school to find out what they had to say about preparing for law school.

The most interesting thing I discovered was that one doesn't need to be in a pre-law program to get into law school. Law school students come from every college major. The ABA notes that while many students enter law with traditional majors such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics, and business, many others have degrees in music, computer systems, engineering, nursing, or mathematics.

The key is to have a broad range of basic skills and knowledge, strong research and writing skills, the ability to speak and write clearly, solid creative and critical thinking skills, and an understanding of human institutions and human nature.

In high school, you should concentrate on taking a strong, solid core of college prep classes in English, science, mathematics, and social studies. Get involved in extracurricular activities that you can be passionate about and become actively involved in, and try to work toward leadership positions. Become active in student government or student council, join the drama club, write for the school newspaper. Ask your guidance counselor to alert you to opportunities like programs that send young people to the state capital to learn about how government works.

Don't limit yourself to thinking about law-related activities. Any activity that exercises and builds your knowledge, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking skills, and improves your speaking and writing skills will help to prepare you for your goal.

References:
mom of four, considered law school but opted for journalism instead
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