Pre-Law Studies and Advising
Students who plan to pursue a law degree after graduation should contact their academic advisor and the pre-law advisor. The pre-law advisor will help with selecting courses, researching law schools, applying to law schools, and preparing for the LSATs.
In general, to be a successful law school candidate, a student must achieve good grades in challenging courses, develop excellent writing skills, demonstrate analytical ability, and be involved in one’s community, especially in leadership positions. Required LSAT scores vary by school.
Marymount University has a direct entry affiliation agreement with Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law. This enables qualified third-year Marymount students in designated majors to be admitted to the first year of law school during their senior year at Marymount. Students in these designated majors (communication, criminal justice, politics, and psychology) who are interested in direct entry to the Columbus School of Law after their junior year at Marymount should discuss the 3+3 partnership with their major advisor as soon as they become interested. The advisor will guide students through the selection of Marymount courses and refer them to the Office of Admissions of the Columbus School of Law as potential applicants. Qualified students may receive credit from both Marymount and Catholic University for a maximum of 29 credits taken at the Columbus School of Law. For students to be eligible to apply to the Columbus School of Law through this program, they must meet the following criteria:
- complete at least three years of coursework;
- earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75 by the end of the third (junior) year;
- Achieve an LSAT score of 161 or higher;
- remain in good academic and disciplinary standing;
- meet all of the fitness, character, and other criteria for admission required by the Office of Admission of the Columbus School of Law; and
- Obtain a letter of confirmation from the Marymount Office of the University Registrar.
Qualified graduating seniors who have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75 by the end of the fourth (senior) year may also apply for direct entry but will not receive Marymount credit for Columbus School of Law courses.
For additional information, refer to the following sections of the catalog: communication, criminal justice, political science and international relations, and psychology.