Pre-Law at a Glance is your starting point for exploring what it means to be pre-law at Illinois. Whether you’re just beginning to think about law school or you’ve already mapped out your path, you’ll find helpful resources, tips, and guidance here. Our goal is to make the pre-law journey clearer, less stressful, and more exciting—so you can focus on discovering your interests and building your future.
Pre-Law at Illinois – Designating Pre-Law
At the University of Illinois, pre-law is not a major; rather, it is an educational designation. Students interested in attending law school are not required to complete any specific coursework or major to be eligible to apply to law school in the future. The over 2,000 designated pre-law students at Illinois come from a wide variety of disciplines and majors. Any student with an interest in attending law school is encouraged to become a pre-law designated student and engage in the many resources offered through PLAS.
How to Designate: Adding the “pre-law designation” to your academic record is very easy. Request to become a designated student by completing the pre-law designation form. Requests are processed bi-monthly. Once designated, you will also be added to the Pre-Law email listserv.
Resources to Explore
Academics: Majors, Minors, and Courses
There is no required major, minor, or prerequisite coursework for law school. Pre-law students are encouraged to make curricular choices that reflect their interests and are best suited for their long-term success. Law schools look for prospective students who have excelled academically (strong GPA), pursued diverse and advanced coursework, and have sought out unique academic opportunities. They look for academic experience in academic skill sets, particularly necessary for future legal studies, including research, writing, and critical thinking. Law schools do not place any higher value on majors that are “typical” for pre-law students over others.
At Illinois, pre-law students come from every College and major in subjects ranging from philosophy to engineering to communications to global studies to music. One of the most common majors for pre-law students is Political Science, as it provides a unique opportunity to study legal topics and those related to the judicial branch of government. Additional majors common for pre-law students are those related to business/economics, public policy, and social sciences.
In selecting your major, consider your long-term interest in law and how an undergraduate major might enhance your future study in this area. For instance, if you are interested in environmental law, consider what majors allow you to learn about environmental science and policy. If corporate law is a future goal, consider a business-related major such as accounting or economics. Utilize minors and elective coursework to fill gaps in your interests, add exposure to different subjects, as an opportunity to develop different academic skill sets, and enhance your overall curricular opportunities.
PLAS offers guidance to students each semester on choosing majors and courses that will help support their goals of law school and their individual interests!
Resources to Explore
- Explore Pre-Law 101: Part I – Academic Success & Readiness Webinar (Registration Required)
- The PLAS Blog
- Course Recommendations – on the PLAS website
- Course Recommendations – under the Academic Readiness & Opportunities module in Canvas
- Canvas Page
- Minors commonly explored by pre-law students
Exploring Legal Careers
Some students enter college knowing they want to attend law school; others discover an interest in law later in their studies or even after graduation. No matter when your interest begins, it’s important to research what a legal career looks like and the many options available.
Lawyers work in diverse settings—private firms, government, public interest, business, policy, academia, and more. A JD degree can open doors to traditional legal practice and law-related careers that don’t require a license.
Keep in mind: salaries vary greatly across legal fields. For example, public interest positions often start more than $100,000 lower than large firm roles. Consider potential debt, geographic location, and financial goals when evaluating this path.
Resources to Explore
- Explore Pre-Law 101: Part I – The Legal Profession Webinar (Registration Required)
- Alumni Attorney Talks Series – Interviews with Illinois alumni in diverse legal fields.
- Legal Specialties Series (Canvas) – Overviews of many practice areas.
Additional Canvas Resources
Additional Organizations & Publications
Developing Skills for Law School
Law schools seek well-rounded applicants through a holistic review process. Admissions committees look at your academics, extracurriculars, leadership, work history, professional experiences, personal attributes and qualities, and community service engagement. Strong preparation goes beyond coursework and includes skills and values identified by the American Bar Association, including critical thinking, writing, research, and exposure to the law. Choose experiences that genuinely interest you. Leadership roles, internships, research, and consistent community service can all strengthen your profile. Even jobs outside of law—such as serving in retail or food service—can demonstrate responsibility, time management, and people skills.
Resources to Explore
- Explore Pre-Law 101: Part I – Developing Skills Webinar (Registration Required)
- ABA Guide: Preparing for Law School
- Internships page on the PLAS website
- Connect with your academic advisors, colleges, and units to explore ways to develop your skills
Paying for Law School
The reality is that law school is an expensive educational program. Most individuals who attend law school will incur some type of loan or financial assistance to manage these expenses as a student. The current average cost of law school tuition/fees is between $30,000 and $55,000 per year. Many factors will affect the cost difference between individual law schools, including whether they are private or public, and whether the rate is for in-state or out-of-state tuition.
Ultimately, law school is an investment. It requires an investment of your time, efforts, intellect, and finances. That investment can return profound benefits to you, but it is important to research and understand all aspects of attending law school prior to committing.
The financial cost of law school may also be intimidating, and it is often one of the greatest concerns for individuals considering a legal education. Although law school is a large financial investment, it is not an impossible or unattainable one. Please know that the Pre-Law Advising Office is here to help! Researching the financial aspects of attending law school now will help you plan, prepare, and ultimately have the confidence to make the best decision for yourself later.
Resources to Explore
Taking a Gap Year: Post-Graduate Opportunities
Taking time to pursue opportunities before law school, often referred to as a “gap year,” is an increasingly common path to law school, with more than half of future law students typically taking one or more years before law school. Pursuing other opportunities before law school can build professional skills, provide opportunities for academic and personal development, provide greater financial awareness and stability, clarify professional goals, and strengthen your overall application. Law schools will consider a wide range of experiences valuable, and do not expect that these opportunities have any specific law focus. Whether you go straight through or pursue other opportunities first, consider how your timeline will support your long-term success.
Resources to Explore
Internships
Internships are valuable – even if they’re not law-related. Internships provide an opportunity to gain professional skills, explore interests, and build networks. They can be valuable in understanding the type of work you enjoy and the type of professional settings that suit you best. Internships for pre-law students do not need to include legal settings or topics. Legal internships are often limited and designed for current law students. Law schools do not expect formal legal internships and will value the substance and nature of your experience above the specific industry or setting.
Start with opportunities in your major/minor, consult professors and mentors, explore Handshake, or meet with a PLAS advisor.
Resources to Explore
- PLAS Internship Guide & Database in Canvas
- Internships page on the PLAS website
- Your academic college, major/minor advisors, and faculty are great resources, too.
Wellness in the Legal Profession
Law is a demanding career—high pressure, high stakes, and high responsibility. Building resilience and prioritizing well-being now will prepare you for success in law school and beyond. PLAS is committed to supporting both your academic and personal wellness, helping you understand the professional and academic relevance of wellness in your current and future success, and helping you pursue opportunities to achieve and maintain your wellness!
Resources to Explore
Application Basics
Individuals seeking law admission will begin applying approximately one year in advance of their anticipated start to law school. For students considering a traditional path to law school, the application period will occur during their senior (final) year of undergraduate studies. The active application period is generally September 1 (open) – March (close) each year; however, application deadlines will vary by each school throughout the spring and potentially early summer months. In addition, law applications are considered on a rolling basis, meaning offers of admission will be extended prior to published application deadlines, making application submission timing an important factor in law application strategy. Below is a general application timeline for someone anticipating a start to law school in the fall of 2029. Keep in mind that application timelines should be specifically tailored to each applicant, considering their individual circumstances and goals. Use this example and adjust the years based on your anticipated law school start date.
| January 2028: (junior year or 18-20 months before starting law school) | Create an Application Timeline and Begin Studying for the LSAT |
| Spring/Summer/Early Fall 2028: | Sit for the LSAT (most applicants will sit for the LSAT more than once) |
| Fall 2028: | Applications Open/Prepare Applications |
| November 1, 2028: | Submit Applications to Schools |
| Spring 2029: | Application Deadlines/Pay Seat Deposit |
| Fall 2029: | Begin Law School |
The law admissions process can be intimidating, but any individual (no matter their background) has an opportunity to be a successful applicant, law student, and future attorney. Many paths to law school lead to successful admission outcomes. It is important to seek expert guidance, prioritize creating an individual plan based on your individual goals, and begin preparing early. A successful application to law school begins with a successful undergraduate experience.
Resources to Explore
The LSAT (and Other Admission Test Options)
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) each year. The exam is offered approximately eight times per year throughout the fall, spring, and summer months. The LSAT tests critical thinking and writing skills through two distinct parts: a four-section multiple-choice exam and a unique argumentative writing portion. The LSAT score, which is derived from the multiple-choice portion, is scored from 120 to 180. Those applying to law school will typically sit for the exam in the calendar year prior to their anticipated start to law school. Test-takers typically prepare at least three to six months before their first attempt.
Law schools utilize the LSAT to assess the academic ability and readiness of prospective students. Expectations for LSAT scores will vary from school to school. Generally, the higher your LSAT score, the more competitive that score will be. To help applicants assess the competitiveness of an individual LSAT score, law schools will publish the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles for entering classes each year. LSAT scores are also significant factors for merit-based admissions scholarships.
Alternatives: The LSAT remains the only universally accepted admissions test for law school admissions; however, a growing number of law schools will accept additional admission test options. These additional admissions tests include GRE, GMAT, and JD Next exams. These alternative options may provide unique benefits for some applicants; however, it is important to consider any alternative testing option carefully and to consult with a pre-law advisor before committing to any admissions testing path.
Resources to Explore
Quick Questions
Check out the Quick Questions page to review some of the most commonly asked questions from pre-law students.