Graduate School

Law School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

I’m thinking about a career in law, and maybe law school. What should I do to explore?

• Apply for a job at a law firm! There are many opportunities for non-lawyers to work in law firms. Working in a law firm will give you first-hand experience in the day-to-day activities of a firm.
• Take classes that are reading and writing intensive, as this will help you prepare for the demands of law school; choose electives wisely.
• Engage in activities that develop your critical thinking skills.
• Practice voicing your opinions respectfully in classes.
• Form mentorships with professors. These relationships are helpful for academic and career advice, and some faculty may help you by writing letters of recommendation later.
• Focus on performing well now. If you had a rough start, have you demonstrated improvement in your grades as time has gone on? Have you taken tough classes and been successful?
• Get involved in the UHD community through student organizations. Community engagement (whether at UHD, in your neighborhood, or another organization) demonstrates initiative.

How do I prepare to apply to law school?

• Do your homework about law schools! Attend open houses and other programs for interested applicants. Talk to current students to hear about their experiences and the school culture.
• Applying to law school is a long process. Make a two-year plan to prepare before you expect to enroll.
• Take the LSAT. Many people study for a full year before they take the LSAT. Shoot for a score of 150, though there is no official cut-off.
• Make sure your undergraduate transcript shows an interesting variety of classes. Take classes that are reading and writing intensive as this will help you prepare for the demands of law school.
• You will write a personal statement when you apply to law school. Law schools recommend applicants get help writing this statement. Utilize faculty mentors, the Writing Center, or the Career Center to get feedback on your statement.

What can I expect when I go to law school?

• Expect the time commitment of your first year of law school to be like a job. If you are able, consider focusing on law school rather than working, which requires planning ahead financially. If you do not have experience at a law firm or are not yet comfortable taking the LSAT, consider taking a year off between undergraduate and law school to work in a law firm, save some money, and work on your application and entrance materials.
• South Texas College of Law offers a summer Boot Camp ahead of the official start of the fall term to give students a head start at fall classes.
• Take advantage of study groups with fellow law students.
• Establish mentorships with faculty. These relationships will be important to your success.

What do I need to do in my personal life to succeed in law school?

• Consider taking a year or two off between undergraduate and law school to work in a law firm, save some money, and work on your application and entrance materials.
• Do things in your life that demonstrate good time management and stick-to-it-ness.
• "It's not about you" - show empathy through volunteering and community engagement.

The Bar Exam 

• Passing the Bar Exam requires 450 hours of study and preparation. It is not uncommon for individuals to take the Bar Exam more than once.
• Many law schools offer guided preparation classes for the Bar Exam.
• Know that there are many career opportunities for those who are unable to pass the Bar. While passing the Bar is required for practicing law, there are job opportunities in banking and real estate, for example, where a law degree is valued.