Are you thinking about law school? You’re not alone – many Bucknellians explore law as a way to make a difference, think critically, and advocate for justice. But here’s the good news: There’s no single path to law school. Instead, admissions committees look for students who have challenged themselves academically, developed core analytical and communication skills, and shown engagement beyond the classroom.
Below are some of the key skills law schools value, and ways you can start building them right here at Bucknell.
Key Skills Law Schools Value
According to the American Bar Association, successful law students and lawyers share a few foundational skills:
- Problem-solving
- Critical reading
- Writing and editing
- Oral communication and listening
- Research
- Organization and management
- Public service and promotion of justice
- Relationship-building and collaboration
- Exposure to the practice of law
Your coursework should offer opportunities for critical analysis, logical reasoning, and clear expression – skills that prepare you for the rigors of law school. But the classroom is only one piece of the puzzle.
Building These Skills at Bucknell
You can strengthen these skills through a wide variety of majors, jobs, and extracurricular activities. Law schools don’t require a specific major or activity. What matters is how you use your experiences to grow.
Here are just a few examples of ways Bucknell students develop law-relevant skills:
- Write for The Bucknellian – Hone writing, editing, and research skills.
- Work for the Writing Center – Strengthen analytical thinking and communication while helping peers refine their writing.
- Join a theater or dance showcase – Build confidence and poise in oral communication and presentation.
- Perform with We Brake for Nobody improv comedy club – Practice quick thinking, storytelling, and collaboration.
- Get involved in Bucknell Student Government – Learn advocacy, leadership, and organizational management.
- Join Mock Trial or the Pre-Law Society – Gain exposure to legal reasoning, teamwork, and argumentation.
- Apply for the Undergraduate Executive Internship Program – Develop professionalism, research, and management skills through hands-on administrative experience.
Each of these activities promotes essential abilities that will serve you well in law school and beyond.
Academic Preparation
While law schools will absolutely consider your GPA, it’s just as important to choose courses that genuinely interest you. You’ll perform your best in classes that challenge you intellectually and align with your passions.
Bucknell’s curriculum offers plenty of opportunities to strengthen the reasoning, analytical, and writing skills that future law students need.
Tips for Bucknell Students Interested in Law
If you’re considering law school, Bucknell offers resources to help you explore and prepare at every stage:
- Meet with Pre-Law Advisor Molly Gorby – Schedule an appointment for personalized advising and planning.
- Take UNIV 135: Exploring Pre-Law (.25 credit) – For early-career students interested in learning what a legal career entails.
- Take UNIV 136: Pursuing Pre-Law (.25 credit) – For upper-level students preparing for the law school application process.
- Join the Law Career Community – Connect with peers who share your interests, regardless of major, and learn about law-related career resources and professional opportunities.
- Attend Pre-Law Office Hours – Thursdays from 12:30–2 p.m. in Academic West 113. Drop by for career advice, resume help, or internship guidance.
The Takeaway
There’s no one formula for getting into law school – and that’s the beauty of it! Whether you’re writing for The Bucknellian, performing on stage, or advocating through student government, you’re building the very skills that future lawyers rely on every day.
So, explore boldly, stay curious, and use your Bucknell experience to develop the critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities that make great lawyers.
Interested in pursuing law?
Visit the Center for Career Advancement or email Molly Gorby at meg044@bucknell.edu to learn more about pre-law opportunities and advising.
