Pre-Law Preparation at UH-Downtown
Preparation for law school is difficult because, unlike pre-med, there is no prescribed course of study or set of required courses. As the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) states,
Admissions committees are usually impressed by applicants who can convincingly demonstrate that they’ve challenged their thinking and reasoning skills in diverse courses of undergraduate study....Because a lawyer’s work involves most aspects of our complex society, a broad liberal arts curriculum is the preferred preparation for law school." (Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools, 1991 Ed., p. 6.)
Similarly, a 1982 Task Force Report to the Conference of Chief Justices called for an undergraduate course of study that fosters a broad understanding of U.S. political institutions and values, an appreciation of the history of Western culture and ideas, insight into human behavior, and experience in the analysis and critical examination of ideas.
Regardless of the undergraduate major, the two major keys to admission to law school are a high Undergraduate Grade Point Average and an above average performance on the compulsory Law School Admissions Test. While admissions requirements differ, most law schools expect a minimum of a "B" average (3.25 UGPA) and at least a median score on the LSAT. The grade level is much easier to obtain because the LSAT is not a knowledge-based exam. It is more akin to an IQ test. Most students need to spend considerable time and effort preparing for the exam. While commercial LSAT preparation courses may provide some help, for many students considerably more preparation is required.
Because there is no prescribed course of study, the American Bar Association advises prospective prelaw student to "consult closely with the prelaw advisor at the undergraduate institution." At the University of Houston-Downtown, Professor Ursula Spilger (BMAS) serves as the primary prelaw advisors. Professor Spilger is an attorney and teaches business law. He sponsors the Prelaw Society.