So You Want to Go to Law School?
Whether you’ve dreamed of being a lawyer for years or just recently discovered your interest in law, this timeline will help you prepare and apply with confidence.
Note: The timeline below assumes you plan to go straight to law school after graduation. If you’re considering a gap year or have special circumstances, schedule a pre-law advising appointment for personalized support.
First and Second Year: Build Your Foundation
- Focus on academics—your GPA is critical.
- Join extracurriculars that excite you, even if they aren’t law-related.
- Pick classes that challenge and interest you. Law schools don’t prefer any major.
- If you're interested in patent law, choose a STEM major.
- Get familiar with the LSAT (but no need to study yet).
- Talk with attorneys and law students about their experiences.
- Attend LST events or schedule a pre-law advising appointment.
Third Year: Start Preparing
- Keep your GPA strong and take on leadership roles.
- Create a free account at LSAC.org.
- Identify professors or mentors for recommendation letters.
- Research law schools that align with your interests and stats.
- Take a cold, timed LSAT practice test over winter break.
- Brainstorm ideas for your personal statement.
- Register for the LSAT and plan your prep strategy (Khan Academy is free).
- Meet with a pre-law advisor to review your game plan.
Summer Before Fourth Year: Final Push
- Keep your schedule light so you can focus on final LSAT prep and applications.
- Take the LSAT.
- Draft your personal statement.
- Submit recommender contact info to LSAC.
- Request transcripts from GT and any other colleges you’ve attended.
Fall of Fourth Year: Apply Early
- Finalize your law school list (include reach, target, and safety schools).
- Complete and polish your personal statement.
- Verify all recommendation letters have been submitted to LSAC.
- Submit your law school applications—ideally before Thanksgiving.
- File the FAFSA starting October 1 for financial aid consideration.
Spring of Fourth Year: Decision Time
- Choose your law school and submit your seat deposit.
- Seek advising support if you’re navigating waitlists or financial aid offers.
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Andy McNeil
Co-Director of the Law, Science & Technology Program
Minors and Certificates
Compare requirements and explore your options on the Minors and Certificates page.
LST Minor & Pre-Law Certificate
Explore how law intersects with science, technology, and public policy. Both the minor and certificate offer interdisciplinary coursework and advising support.
- The minor appears on your transcript and requires four electives.
- The certificate does not appear on your transcript and requires three electives.
- Both options include courses in ethics, law, and technology policy.
- Open to all majors—no formal application required.
Intellectual Property Certificate
Designed for students interested in patent law and intellectual property, this certificate complements STEM majors and builds legal literacy in innovation.
- Ideal for students pursuing careers in patent law or tech policy.
- Includes coursework in IP law, ethics, and innovation policy.
- Does not appear on your transcript.
- No formal declaration required—just email your course list before graduation.
Schedule Pre-Law Advising
Whether you're just exploring law school or finalizing your applications, our advisors are here to help. Get personalized guidance on course planning, LSAT prep, and more.
Use Navigate 360 to schedule an appointment. If you’re having trouble finding a time, email Andy McNeil directly.
Explore Resources & Get Involved
Resource Guides
Get expert tips on every step of the law school journey. Our downloadable guides cover the LSAT, personal statements, financial aid, letters of recommendation, and more.
Internship Database
Explore a curated list of legal internships for undergraduates. From nonprofits to government agencies, find opportunities that match your interests and goals.
Student & Alumni Orgs
Connect with peers and mentors through student-led groups like the Mock Trial Team and Georgia Tech Bar Association. Build your network and leadership skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse answers by topic. Click to expand each section and view individual questions.
Program Options & Requirements
What’s the difference between the LST Minor, Pre‑Law Certificate, and IP Certificate?
The LST Minor and the Pre‑Law Certificate have nearly identical course requirements. The key difference is that the Minor includes one additional 3-credit course and appears on your transcript when you graduate. The Certificate does not appear on your transcript but can still be included on your resume and law school applications. The IP Certificate focuses on intellectual property and patent law topics, and is especially useful for students considering a career in patent law. Like the Pre-Law Certificate, it is awarded by the program but is not part of your official academic record.
How do I declare a Minor or apply for a Certificate?
To declare the LST Minor, submit a Change of Minor form via DocuSign. You’ll need approval from your academic advisor and from Andy McNeil, the program Co-Director. Declaring early is encouraged so we can track your progress and ensure you're meeting requirements. There is no formal process to declare the Pre‑Law or IP Certificate. Instead, during your final semester at Georgia Tech, email Andy McNeil with your full name, GTID, the courses you completed that count toward the certificate, and the mailing address or email where you’d like your certificate sent. Certificates cannot be awarded retroactively.
Do I need to declare the minor to take LST classes?
No. Most LST courses are open to all undergraduates, regardless of major or minor. However, during early registration periods (Phase I), some seats may be restricted to declared minors or Public Policy majors. Declaring the minor earlier may give you access to more courses, but it’s not required for enrollment.
How do I subscribe to the Pre‑Law newsletter?
Complete the subscription form to start receiving LST mailings.
Courses & Scheduling
What courses count toward the LST Minor or Certificate programs?
The most up-to-date list of approved courses is available on the Minors & Certificates page. Most courses are offered through the School of Public Policy (PUBP), and others are available through schools like History and Sociology, Literature, Media, and Communication, and International Affairs. If you find a relevant course that isn’t listed, contact Andy McNeil to ask whether it might be eligible for substitution.
What if I can’t get into a class I need?
Some classes may fill quickly or have registration restrictions in Phase I. If you’re blocked from registering, email the instructor directly to request a permit or to ask whether additional seats may open. Declaring the minor does not guarantee enrollment in restricted classes, but it may help in future semesters. If you’re consistently having trouble, discuss options during a pre-law advising appointment.
Advising & Academic Planning
How do I schedule a pre‑law advising appointment?
All advising appointments are scheduled through Navigate360. If no slots are currently available, check back in a few days—new appointments open regularly. If you still can’t find a time, email Andy McNeil with 3–4 windows of availability, and he’ll do his best to find a time that works.
Should I take a gap year before law school?
A gap year can be a great opportunity to gain work experience, travel, save money, or simply take a break before law school. Many law schools welcome applicants who’ve taken time off, especially if they’ve used that time intentionally. If you’re unsure, talk with an advisor about your goals and how a gap year might affect your timeline or application.
What should I major in if I want to go to law school?
Law schools do not prefer one major over another. Choose a subject that you enjoy, where you can do well academically, and that helps you build strong reading, writing, and analytical skills. Common majors include Public Policy, History, Literature, and International Affairs, but students from STEM, business, and design backgrounds are admitted to top law schools every year.
LSAT & Applications
When should I prep for and take the LSAT?
Ideally, prep during your third year and test over the summer before your fourth year. This gives time to retake if needed and apply early. Use LSAC’s free Khan Academy course and supplement with full-length, timed practice tests.
Should I retake the LSAT?
Law schools see all scores, but most use your highest. Retake only if data suggests a clear path to improvement. Meet with pre-law advising to weigh score patterns and your school list before deciding.
How do law schools view GPA?
GPA is one of the two most important factors (with LSAT). Use LSAC’s UGPA/LSAT calculator to estimate outcomes. Keep in mind published medians don’t show the full range of admitted students.
What makes a strong personal statement?
Share your unique story—why law, why now, and why you. Avoid academic essays or rehashing your resume. Highlight your values and voice. See the Personal Statement Guide in the Pre‑Law Portal for examples and structure tips.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Select professors or supervisors who know your work and can speak to your abilities with detail and enthusiasm. Avoid generic or character-based letters. Consult our Letters of Recommendation Guide for how and when to ask.
Costs & Career Preparation
What does law school cost, and how do I pay for it?
Tuition and living costs vary widely. Use AccessLex tools to estimate total cost of attendance. Submit the FAFSA early, and look for scholarships on school websites or national databases. Most aid is merit- or need-based; external scholarships are limited.
What are the hidden costs of applying?
Expenses include LSAT registration, study materials, Credential Assembly Service (CAS) fees, and individual school application fees. Fee waivers are available through LSAC and some schools. Budget at least several hundred dollars if you aren’t eligible for waivers.
Do I need a legal internship before law school?
Not at all. Law schools do not expect formal legal internships. Valuable experiences include leadership, research, nonprofit work, or client-facing roles. You can also shadow an attorney, attend court hearings, or intern at an organization you care about.
What student organizations are best?
Join clubs that genuinely interest you. Leadership roles, initiative, and commitment matter more than quantity or whether they’re law-themed. Law schools look for impact, not just involvement.
Who handles Dean’s Certification or conduct forms?
These are processed by Georgia Tech’s Dean of Students Office. They will complete the required forms for any law school that asks for certification.
Where can I research law schools?
Start with official websites, ABA 509 reports, LSAC tools (like the UGPA/LSAT calculator), and reputable rankings. Avoid anonymous forums or social media sources as your primary guidance.