Skip navigation, view page content.

Begin OSU masthead and toolbar

Begin Sociology header and quick links

  1. Sociology Webmail
  2. Department Calendar
  3. Remote Access (VPN)
  4. Department Intranet
  1. American Sociological Review
  2. Criminal Justice Research Center
  3. Initiative in Population Research
  4. Departmental Computing
  1. Sociology Courses
  2. Office Hours
  3. Our Newsletter
  4. Make A Gift


Begin Sociology main navigation menu.

Bricker Hall

The Department of Sociology Address:

300 Bricker Hall
190 N. Oval Mall
Columbus, OH 43210
Phone: (614) 292.6681
Fax: (614) 292.6687

Begin related content to this page or sub-navigation menu.

Quick Links

Contact USS

311 Bricker Hall
190 N. Oval Mall
Columbus, OH 43210

Phone; (614) 292.1175
Fax: (614) 292.6687

Thank a Prof Sociology: Understand The World Around You

Begin the main content of this page.

Pre-Law General Information

There is no "pre-law" major at Ohio State, nor is there a major that will assure your admission to law school. Law schools require a bachelor's degree for admission, so choose to major in Sociology or Criminology. Also, choose something that is "compatible" with what you might want to do if you don't go to law school. This way, you will enjoy your classes, learn more, get better grades, and have an alternative plan if you don't go to law school.

An undergraduate major that is vocationally oriented, or narrowly based, may not be the best preparation for law school. Law schools are looking for students who can think critically, write well, have strong analytical and communication skills, and have an understanding of the forces that shape the human experience. Reading and writing are essential aspects of being a lawyer. Therefore, the most useful undergraduate courses are those that are reading and writing intensive. A solid understanding of the rules of grammar, a clear writing style, and strong organizational skills are essential in law school.

Additionally, courses that focus on reasoning and analytical skills, such as math, logic and philosophy are extremely useful as preparation. Other courses that might help are political science, history (especially those related to law and the legal system), economics (micro and macro), and basic accounting.

Preparing for Law School - Freshman through Senior Year Timetable

Freshman Year:

  • Build solid study skills
  • Develop a strong program by looking into honors opportunities, taking challenging courses, and working with your advisor to build a solid course load
  • Explore majors that interest you
  • Meet with the ASC Pre-Law Advisor (Gloria Eyerly) in Denney. Call 292-6961 to set up an appointment
  • Explore internet resources to learn about the different fields of law
  • Visit the Law School Admission Council's web site

Sophomore Year

  • Continue to strengthen your undergraduate record with strong grades and courses; Look into upper-division courses
  • Consider an Honors Contract if you are in the ASC Honors Program
  • Develop contacts with faculty and instructors in your major area
  • Explore internship opportunities
  • Look into research opportunities or the possibility of independent study opportunities with faculty with whom you have had classes
  • Attend campus law school events
  • Email Gloria Eyerly (eyerly.3@osu.edu) and request to be on the Pre-law listserve to receive e-mail announcements of campus pre-law events and activities
  • Consider joining the Pre-Law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta
  • Talk to people in the field of law about law as a career
  • Research different law schools
  • Continue meeting with the ASC Pre-law Advisor (Gloria Eyerly)
  • Become involved in extra curricular activities

Junior Year

  • Continue taking upper-division course work and building relationships with faculty and instructors
  • Begin the application process by preparing for and taking the LSAT (information can be obtained from the Law School Admission Council)
  • Pick up the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book available in the Lobby of Denney Hall
  • Begin securing letters of recommendation
  • Work with your departmental and college advisors to continue developing a strong curriculum plan
  • Explore the option of writing a Senior Thesis
  • Visit law schools and attend law related events on campus
  • Talk to lawyers and those in the legal field
  • Discuss law school application procedures with the ASC Pre-law Advisor (Gloria Eyerly)
  • Apply for and participate in internships or volunteer opportunities related to your major or your interest in law
  • Continue using the resources available on the LSAC web site
  • Register for the June LSAT
  • Using the Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, begin to choose the law schools to which you may want to apply. Hard copies are available for viewing in both the Sociology Department and in Gloria Eyerly’s office.

Senior Year

  • Retake the LSAT if necessary. Most law schools will average multiple LSAT scores, so you would have to improve significantly on your second test. Your LSAT score is valid for 5 years.
  • As early as possible, send information/application request cards (found in the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book)
  • Apply to law schools by Thanksgiving or at the latest, January 1st
  • Evaluate the law schools that truly interest you
  • Visit selected schools to gain more information about their program
  • Discuss acceptances with the ASC Pre-law Advisor (Gloria Eyerly)
  • Research financial aid opportunities for law school
  • Continue volunteer, internships, and extra-curricular activities
  • Complete all undergraduate requirements and graduate!