If you would like to receive information about pre-law and work with a pre-law advisor at the University of Lynchburg, please email an inquiry to Dr. Nick Frank at frank.n@lynchburg.edu.
Admission Criteria
According to information provided by David Behrs, former Director of Admissions at George Mason University School of Law, law schools generally observe the following criteria when selecting candidates for admission:
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Selectivity
Admissions committees place the greatest weight, approximately 80-90% of their decision, on LSAT, GPA, Major, and Institutional Weighting (undergraduate institution attended) The Washington, D.C., area law schools automatically admit the top 5% of their applicants. The next 15-20% are reviewed by the admissions committee. The selection process is highly competitive.
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Relevance to Law School Program
Law schools seek applicants with background related to the law school’s programs. In general, while pre-law students are not restricted to a particular major, law schools prefer students who can think, read, and write well, and who have some understanding of the legal environment.
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Quality
Most important are a student’s prior academic performance and the Law School Admission Test. Law school admissions committees are usually impressed by applicants who can convincingly demonstrate that they’ve challenged their thinking and reasoning skills in a diverse course of undergraduate study.
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Discipline and Funding
Law school is competitive and time-intensive.The ABA requires that no full-time student work more than 20 hours a week at an outside job. Hence students should also be prepared for the investment of time and money required.
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Recommendations
Students should request recommendations in time for their application deadlines. Also, students should consider obtaining recommendations from several faculty members on one recommendation form, showing a consensus of support from their undergraduate institution.
