While there is no single major or minor here at Manhattan College that is a prerequisite for applying to law school, students who do well in the application process have strong analytic and problem solving skills, critical reading skills, writing skills, communication skills, research skills, task management skills and a dedication to public service and promotion of justice, according to the American Bar Association.
Students are also encouraged to join and actively participate in the The Manhattan College Law Society.
Pre-Law Advising
We have two pre-law advisors. Please email them directly to schedule an advising appointment. It is important to work with the pre-law advisors throughout the undergraduate process in order to be prepared for the law school application process.
- Dr. Jonathan Keller,Assistant Professor of Political Science: Miguel Hall 512, 718-862-8426, jonathan.keller@manhattan.edu
- Br. Daniel Gardner, Assistant Director, Center for Graduate and Fellowship Advisement: Thomas Hall 3.50, 718-862-7399,
dgardner01@manhattan.edu
Pre-Law Timeline
Freshman Year
September Begin building a solid GPA and necessary skills
Attend the Pre-Law Welcome Reception
Attend the Applying to Law School Information Session
January Begin researching law schools
Make an appointment with your pre-law advisor
Sophomore Year
September Continue building a solid GPA and necessary skills
Attend Law School Open Houses
Develop connections with lawyers for internships
October Attend the NY Law Forum
Junior Year
September Attend Law School Open Houses
October Attend the NY Law Forum
February Register for the June or July LSAT
January-June Prepare for the LSAT. (Register for a test prep class. Kaplan, Princeton Review, Powerscore, Exam Krackers and others all provide excellent preparation for the LSAT.) YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE GRADE THAT YOU WANT WITHOUT HELP.
July You will receive your LSAT score. Re-register for the next LSAT if necessary.
August-September Research various law schools and their strong programs. Visit as many as you can. Attend law school admission's events. Meet representatives. Make contacts with alumni.
Register with the CAS Depository.
Senior Year
September Request letters of recommendation- two letters from your upper level professors and an additional letter from an employer or lawyer whom you have shadowed.
September-October Begin the first draft of your personal statement. Review the research that you have already done to determine what information your desired law schools want in their personal statements.
October Attend the NY Law Forum
September-November Repeat the LSAT if necessary.
September-October Begin your law school applications.
October-November Submit your applications.
January File for financial aid and scholarship opportunities with the law schools.
LSAT Preparation
The Center for Graduate Advisement encourages all pre-law students to begin preparing for the LSAT as early as September of their junior year. The O’Malley Library offers free LSAT practice tests here. Interested students are encouraged to speak with an advisor about LSAT preparation programs.
Pre-Law Mailing List
Submit the following form to be added to the mailing list for current Manhattan College students and alumni ONLY to receive information about upcoming events, workshops and more. Current Manhattan College students should sign up with their Manhattan College email address.
Sign Up for Mailing List