[DRAFT] Your KU Orientation is Here!

What Can I Expect at Orientation?

Orientation check-in will be on the fourth floor of the Kansas Union. Most of your orientation activities in the morning will be in the Kansas Union, but some students will meet with an academic advisor elsewhere on campus. Optional campus tours and open houses also occur across the KU Lawrence campus.

You’ll begin the day with an introduction to orientation programs and your transition to KU. We call this your Orientation Welcome. You will learn more about what to expect today, how KU is here to support you, and kick off with an introduction to the Jayhawk experience. Later on, you'll have a student-to-student session where you’ll meet other future Jayhawks in your major or with similar academic interests. These sessions often form the basis for future friendships.

What most future pre-law Jayhawks have questions about is advising and enrolling in classes. You’ll also attend a one-on-one appointment with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll discuss your future plans, consider possible majors or Exploratory Pathways, and enroll in your first semester.

Things to Consider as a Pre-Law Student for Your First Semester

Jayhawk Pre-Law Advising has worked with thousands of KU students and has successfully coached students to law schools across the country. We've found that freshman pre-law students who do these are often the most successful. Keep these in mind as you talk with your family, friends, and guests at orientation and with your advisor!

  Taking "Just" KU Core 34 Courses Is Okay

The "pre-law" courses listed below are just suggestions of what we have found fun, interesting, or helpful for pre-law students. Some, all, or none of the below courses might fit with your plans, and that is okay! Your priority should be the classes you need to graduate.

In fact, a common first-semester schedule often includes two to three KU Core 34 courses, a course related to your major, and courses that either keep you on track for graduation or let you explore your interests. Your academic advisor at orientation can help you balance your interests with what's needed for graduation.

Again, you will need a bachelor's degree to apply to law school. There is no required major for law school, so you get to choose from hundreds of undergraduate programs. You should pursue a degree in something you enjoy and can academically succeed in! This means, at orientation, your most important classes this upcoming semester are the ones needed for graduation. 

  Your College GPA Matters

Your GPA is an important part of your future law school application. It is not recommended to overload your semester schedule, so taking 18 credit hours might not be the best first semester schedule while getting used to college life. College is different from high school! In general, a law school will be more impressed with great grades in, say, 12 credit hours than okay grades in 15 or more credit hours. This means we don't recommend taking an unnecessarily heavy course load in your first semester of college to try and rush through college.

Aim for a 3.7 GPA or higher, including any transfer courses, to be more competitive for most law schools.

  Think Carefully About Graduating Early

It is more important to do well in your college classes than to rush and graduate early. Every bachelor's degree at KU is a minimum of 120 credit hours, so this usually means taking around 15 credit hours every fall and spring semester is a good goal. This keeps you on track to graduate in four years. Of course, if you take summer classes or plan to transfer in college credit, this number might change. Ask your advisor if you're unsure.

Taking your time can also help you develop connections with faculty for letters of recommendation, pursue internships that let you gain stand-out experience, or grow as a well-rounded person! At the end of the day, the law schools and law firms want good professionals with the skills to lead, write, and think critically. 

Everyone's path to law school is different. Many KU pre-law students will end up taking a gap year or decide to apply to law school later on. Successful KU graduates often use this time to gain experience, clarify their professional goals after law school, study for the LSAT or GRE more, and save money for law school.

  Explore Your Major Early On

It is common to change majors in college, so explore far and wide. Go to office hours and make a connection with your college professors. This can help make sure you're in the right place!

Eventually, you'll also need letters of recommendation for law school. That freshman year professor could lead to you declaring a minor, taking more elective courses with them, or them becoming a mentor for you. In any case, relationships matter!

  If You're Unsure, Ask Questions!

During your orientation advising appointment, ask your advisor questions! They are there to help you. Be sure to speak up if you are unsure about a specific course or how to explore an interest. Your advisor should share their contact information with you, but you can also take a business card from them to stay in touch.

You may think of questions after meeting with them, and that is okay! Stay curious, and you can also contact Jayhawk Pre-Law Advising at prelaw@ku.edu with other questions.

What About Pre-Law Classes?

At KU, there’s no single path to law school, and that’s a good thing! Pre-law students at the University of Kansas come from almost every major across campus. Your "pre-law classes" are the KU Core 34 and the courses needed for your major. 

Law schools care more about how well you do in your KU courses than what you study. They're interested in students who are strong writers, great problem-solvers, like to read, and can take in a lot of information and make sense of it. That's why Jayhawk Pre-Law Advising recommends you look at a major that helps you build strong communication, research, writing, and problem-solving skills. These are also skills that future jobs often look for, so it's a great combination!

We'll share a secret! There's no such thing as "the perfect" pre-law major because any KU major can lead you to law. So, pick a good one that you're excited about and that challenges you to grow! 

If you're still deciding or are on our Exploratory Pathways, that is okay! Your academic advisor at orientation can help you explore your options and choose a path that fits your goals. Remember, they are there to help you, so speak up and be honest about what excites you.

To round out your class schedule, consider adding courses that fulfill KU Core 34 requirements or introduce law-related topics. Some popular options include: