What High School Seniors Should Know Now

Each fall, a few of the seniors I work with mention that they are interested in law school. That is a good thing to know early. While law school is still several years away, the choices students make in college shape how ready they will be to apply, and the admission landscape has shifted in ways families may not expect.

A path, not a major

There is no pre-law major to declare. Law schools admit students from every field, including STEM, the humanities, business, and the arts. What they look for is strong grades, strong writing, a solid LSAT or GRE score, and experiences that show who the student is and why they want to study law. The best major is one a student enjoys and can do well in.

It also helps to know that the path is often longer than four years. Most law students now work for at least a year or two after college, and going straight from college to law school is less common, especially at the most selective schools.

What is changing

• The LSAT is back in person. Since August 2026, the test is given at testing centers, with remote testing limited to approved accommodations or significant distance from a center.
• College credit earned during high school will no longer count. Starting with the 2027-2028 application cycle, dual enrollment and similar college credit earned in high school will be omitted from the GPA reported to law schools. For today’s seniors, the law school GPA will reflect college grades only, starting with the first semester.
• College grades are high across the board. With many applicants presenting very strong numbers, experience, recommendations, and writing play a larger role in setting a student apart.
• Work experience is increasingly valued. Top schools in particular like to see time in the workforce, and many applicants now take a year or more before applying.
• Interest is strong. Applications have reached record highs in recent cycles and are up again this fall, so competition remains significant.

Worth reflecting on now

Law schools want applicants who know themselves. Questions such as “Why do I want to study law?” and “What do I hope to do with a law degree?” will indeed matter, and students who begin reflecting early tend to make more purposeful choices along the way.

For now, the most useful steps are practical: look for colleges with strong pre-law advising, writing support, and internship access. Continue building skills in reading, writing, and analysis. Plan to start college strong.

I have put together a short cheat sheet for seniors considering law school. If you would like a copy, or would like to talk through how a student’s college list supports a future in law, please reach out at achievecoach.com.