Redeemer University College

1. The content of your undergraduate degree generally does not matter, unless you want to practice in the areas of intellectual property (IP), patents, trademarks or technology law. If you are interested in any of these specific areas, you should ensure that you have a background in the natural sciences since many boutique IP law firms and IP/trademark/technology departments in general service firms give preference to candidates with degrees in engineering or the sciences. Study what you are interested in during your undergraduate years. You will not likely have another opportunity simply to follow your interests for a long time. There is no specific undergraduate degree that will prepare you for the study of law. Law school is largely about training you to think in a particular manner, which no undergraduate program of study replicates.|
   
   
2. The skills you do need to get into law school include logical and analytical reasoning. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is comprised of four multiple choice sections on reading comprehension, logical reasoning (two sections) and analytical reasoning, in addition to a short writing component. You must master logical and analytical reasoning to do well on the LSAT. Play logic games--lots of them.
   
   
3. I generally do not recommend LSAT training courses. They are expensive (often costing upwards of $500) and are not necessarily beneficial. These courses teach students a particular way of approaching LSAT questions. If the approach taught does not work for you, you will gain very little from the course. My preferred method is purchasing a few LSAT prep books and learning different approaches to the questions. When you find an approach that works for you, just practice LSAT tests over and over using that approach.
   
   
4. Grades matter. This includes your first-year marks. Some people may advise you that your first year doesn't matter because everyone knows that you are adjusting to school. This is not entirely true. When you apply for law school, you will generally have completed only three full years of university. Since most people apply in their fourth and final year of undergraduate studies, their GPA will therefore be calculated on the basis of their previously completed years. Consequently, your first year will constitute one third of your GPA. You cannot afford to disregard one-third of your academic record. Because admission to law schools is so competitive, you should consider preparing for a career in another field as well.
   
   
5. Different law schools use different methods of evaluating candidates. Some schools weight your LSAT score and your GPA evenly--i.e., 50 percent each of the total number of "points" awarded in the evaluation process. Other schools treat the LSAT as though it were your average mark in one year of university. The LSAT score is then factored in with your other academic results to determine a notional GPA for the purposes of evaluation. Still other schools give significant consideration to your extra-curricular activities. Each school is different, and there is no single "winning formula".
   
   
6. No matter what your degree is in, develop your writing skills. You must be able to write well in order to do well in law school.
   
   
7. Law is not a career for the faint-hearted. It is a very difficult calling. Talk to a lawyer you know before you go to law school. Find out what the expectations and challenges are.
   
   
8. Finally, remember that God knows where he wants you to serve him. Rest assured that his plan will be accomplished despite your own strengths and weaknesses.
   

Future students interested in the Pre-Law program should contact Recruitment (recruitment@redeemer.ca).

• Pre-Dental
• Pre-Engineering
• Pre-Law
• Pre-Medicine
• Pre-Nursing
• Pre-Seminary