Our Best Advice for Entering Freshmen Who Have Law or Med in their Futures

Every spring, thousands of students graduate from high school (congratulations!) and begin thinking about college. They're choosing majors, decorating dorm rooms, and trying to imagine what the next four years will look like.

For students who are considering law school or medical school someday, there's one question we hear all the time:

"When should I start preparing?" (Or, how can I help best support my prelaw or premed student?)

The answer may surprise you:

Right now.

Before you panic: this is not because you need to have your entire future mapped out, or know exactly what specialty you'll pursue or what type of law you'll practice. However, the habits, relationships, and opportunities you build during your undergraduate years can make the path to graduate school significantly smoother.

At GradMissions, we work with students at every stage of the journey, from incoming college freshmen to non-traditional applicants returning to school years later. If there's one thing we've learned, it's that the students who start with intentionality often experience far less stress when application season arrives.

You Don't Need a Perfect Plan

One of the biggest misconceptions about pre-law and pre-med students is that they must know exactly what they want to do from day one.

That's simply not true.

You don't need to know whether you want to be a prosecutor, a pediatrician, an orthopedic surgeon, or an environmental lawyer. Most students refine those goals throughout college.

What you do need is a framework for success.

Think of your undergraduate years as building a foundation. The stronger that foundation is, the more options you'll have later.

Protect Your GPA From Day One

We see this scenario every year:

A student decides during junior year that they want to apply to law school or medical school. Suddenly they realize their GPA matters (a lot!).

Unfortunately, by then, repairing several years of academic performance can be difficult.

Our advice is simple:

Assume your GPA will matter.

Whether you ultimately pursue graduate school, professional school, or another career path entirely, strong academic performance creates opportunities.

You don't have to be perfect. You do need to be intentional.

Attend class. Build good study habits early. Ask for help when you need it. The students who develop strong academic systems during freshman year often avoid the scramble later.

Build Your Resume Before You Need It

Many students don't think about their resume until they're applying for a summer internship or looking for a job.

By then, they're trying to figure out how to fill a mostly blank page.

Instead, start building experiences from the moment you arrive on campus.

This might include:

• Student organizations

• Volunteer opportunities

• Leadership roles

• Campus employment

• Community engagement

• Research experiences

• Professional organizations

Every experience doesn't need to be directly connected to medicine or law.

Admissions committees want to see growth, commitment, initiative, and impact. Those qualities can develop in many different environments.

Learn How to Build Relationships With Professors

If there is one piece of advice we consistently give undergraduate students, it's this:

Go to office hours.

For many students, this feels uncomfortable at first. But office hours aren't just for students who are struggling.

They're opportunities to:

• Ask questions

• Deepen your understanding of course material

• Seek mentorship

• Learn about research opportunities

• Build meaningful professional relationships

And eventually?

Those professors become your recommendation letter writers.

Strong letters of recommendation rarely come from professors who only know your name from a roster. They come from professors who have seen your growth, curiosity, work ethic, and commitment over time.

Professionalism Still Matters

This may sound old-fashioned, but professionalism remains one of the most overlooked skills among today's students.

Introduce yourself confidently.

Make eye contact.

Ask thoughtful questions.

Follow up with gratitude.

Send thank-you notes when appropriate.

Maintain relationships over time.

These simple habits can open doors to opportunities that never appear on a job board.

Many of the most valuable experiences available to students (research positions, internships, mentorships, and leadership opportunities) often come through relationships.

Future Lawyers: Classes Worth Prioritizing

If law school is on your radar, consider seeking out courses that strengthen your reading, writing, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking skills.

Particularly valuable areas include:

• Philosophy

• Statistics

• Writing-intensive courses

• Reading-intensive courses

• Law-related electives

One surprising recommendation?

Statistics.

The LSAT is fundamentally a test of reasoning and logic. Students who have experience thinking analytically and evaluating information often find themselves better prepared for the skills the exam requires.

And whenever your university offers a course with "law" in the title, take a closer look. Those classes can provide valuable exposure to legal concepts while helping you determine whether the field is truly a good fit.

Future Physicians: Build a Strong Science Foundation

For future medical students, your science coursework matters enormously.

Focus on mastering foundational courses, particularly:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Organic Chemistry

• Biochemistry

• Mathematics

• Statistics

Statistics deserves special mention here as well.

Research continues to play a major role in medical school admissions, and students who are comfortable working with data often find themselves better positioned for research opportunities.

Equally important is developing strong relationships with your science faculty. These professors often become key mentors, research supervisors, and recommendation writers throughout your journey.

A Word for Parents

Parents, you've invested so much in your child already. While letting them spread their wings, also support them in building:

• Strong academic habits

• Professional communication skills

• Healthy time-management systems

• Confidence in seeking help

• Meaningful relationships with mentors

The admissions process has changed dramatically over the years. Even physicians and attorneys are often surprised by how different today's landscape looks.

That's why early guidance can make such a difference.

A Word for Non-Traditional Students

If you're returning to school, changing careers, balancing a family, or pursuing law or medicine later in life, this applies to you too.

You are not behind.

Many non-traditional applicants bring strengths that younger students are still developing:

• Professional experience

• Maturity

• Perspective

• Resilience

• Time-management skills

The path may look different, but the principles remain the same: build strong relationships, create intentional systems, and seek opportunities that align with your goals.

Bottom Line, the Best Time to Start Is Before You Think You Need To

The students who experience the most confidence during application season are rarely the students who did everything perfectly. They're the students who started early.

Whether you're a new college student, a concerned parent, or a non-traditional applicant considering a return to school, now is an excellent time to begin building the foundation for your future.

We can't wait to work with you! Book a free 20-minute strategy call today (parents and partners always welcome). See you there!