Law schools want students who can think analytically, read critically, and write intelligently and correctly. Any course of study that helps develop critical analyses, logical reasoning, written expression, computer skills and oral facility is recommended. Law school admissions committees like to see:

• Applicants who study breadth of subjects and depth of subject matter.Excellent grades in courses that develop critical thinking ability.
• Courses that enhance your ability to communicate accurately and effectively.
• An internship in the legal field that provides practical, firsthand experience with the law.
• Freshman and sophomore grades that are as good as the grades made as a junior and senior (a minimum GPA of 3.0).

While there is no pre-law major at the College of Charleston, our students excel in any of our challenging majors and benefit from the expert guidance and support of our pre-law advisors. In addition, a number of minors are available that relate closely to the study of law – particularly crime, law and society.

Active Learning Opportunities

Every major program offers its own special active learning experiences such as internships, independent studies, study abroad opportunities, research projects, related clubs and organizations and lecture series, etc. Students planning to attend law school will want to supplement those with experiences that specifically connect to the legal profession. Some examples include internships at such sites as:

• City of Charleston Police Department
• Attorneys’ offices and law firms
• Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
• Community Juvenile Arbitration Program
• Family Court
• Department of Juvenile Justice
• Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services
• Public defender’s office
• South Carolina Centers for Equal Justice

Pre-Law Society. This student group sponsors programs and speakers, including on-campus visits by law school admissions counselors and an annual trip to the Law School Fair in Atlanta.

Mock Trial.The College recently hosted the first Charleston Invitational Tournament, and our students placed well at a Philadelphia invitational and at the regional competition at Furman. Two local attorneys serve as the instructors of record.

Model OAS (Organization of American States). Our students have participated in the Model OAS (similar to the Model U.N.) in Washington, D.C., for the last 20 years, serving as representatives of member states in a simulation of the OAS General Assembly.

South Carolina Student Legislature (SCSL). An entirely student run mock legislative experience held at the state capitol. The College of Charleston consistently sends one of the strongest, most successful
delegations in the state and has won numerous awards.

College Republicans and Young Democrats both involve students directly in local, state and national political party activities, including involvement in candidates’ campaigns.

About the Academic Program

The College’s strong core curriculum offers courses in the arts, humanities, mathematics, the natural sciences, and the social sciences, which will help you develop the attributes that law school admissions counselors value, including:

• Excellent analytical and logical thinking skills
• Critical reading skills
• A commitment to high professional and personal ethical standards
• A well-developed sense of responsibility and citizenship
• Self-discipline and time-management skills
• Creative and independent thinking
• Clear and effective written and oral communication skills
• Intellectual curiosity and a life-long love of learning

You can also custom tailor your academic program to suit your interests and goals by way of double majors, minors and specific concentrations. Many College of Charleston students choose to double major and most departments offer special areas of concentration within the major.

The Crime, Law and Society program provides you with the knowledge and experiences necessary to understand the origins of criminal behavior, the consequences of crime for society, and the legal responses societies develop to combat crime. You’ll take courses in political science, sociology, psychology, philosophy and history, as well as interdisciplinary courses on the topic. The program also includes a required internship.

“The pre-law workshops and seminars at the College of Charleston gave me insight into how law schools make admissions decisions. The program is excellent.”

Megan Stephens ’06 (political science)
Cumberland School of Law
Samford University, Birmingham, Ala.