Wellness Hub

Wellness Tips for Pre-Law Students

Create a “Stress Backup Plan” Before You Need It

Pick a calming 10-minute routine now (making tea, putting your phone in another room, stretching, etc.) When panic hits before a test or deadline, follow the plan instead of spiraling.

Use a 3 Item To Do List

When your schedule is packed and overwhelming, pick just three tasks: one academic, one personal, one social. Anything else you get done is a bonus! It keeps you grounded and avoids burnout while still being productive.

Learn To Say “I’m at capacity” Without Guilt

Law students (and pre-law students) often overcommit out of ambition. Practice setting boundaries by saying: “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity this week.” You’re not falling short, you’re managing your energy like a professional.

Make Office Hours a Habit, Not a Last Resort

Office hours aren’t just for when you’re lost. Use them to clarify material early, build relationships, and reduce test anxiety later. It’s proactive academic wellness and can build a great relationship with a professor.

Don’t Let the LSAT Be Your Personality

Prep for it, yes, but don’t let it become your whole life. You’re more than a score. Keep up hobbies, friendships, and interests that have nothing to do with law.

Try the “Whiteboard Method” for Mental Overwhelm

When your brain feels full, pretend you're explaining your problem out loud while writing it on a whiteboard. It helps externalize stress and find next steps. This works for both academic and emotional overload.

Want to Talk?

If you’re struggling or just want to connect, the WPLSA is a community

Reach out to our Director of Wellness Emerson, we’re here to support each other

Use a Folder Called “For Future Me”

Every time you find a useful article, opportunity, or scholarship, save it in a folder. This helps you to stop obsessing about the future while still preparing.

Attend Non Academic Events

Go to a movie, student art show, dog therapy, or a random GW event you wouldn’t normally attend. A life too centered around law is a fast track to burnout. GW Engage post free and fun events all the time for students!

https://gwu.campuslabs.com/engage

What’s Normal in Pre-Law?

Imposter Syndrome

Feeling like everyone else knows what they’re doing and you don’t? Most of us have thought the same thing. Whether it's listening to other people talk about their Hillternships or how they're maintaining a 4.0, it can be hard to feel like you belong here. But you do! You worked hard to get to where you are, so take your seat at the table!!!

Comparison Burnout

It’s easy to think you're falling behind when someone else has already taken the LSAT, landed an internship, or started a prep course. Your pace is not their pace. Law isn't a race. Haha that rhymed.

Doubt About Law School

Even if you’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, it’s normal to wonder: “Is this still the right path?” Questioning your goals doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re thoughtful.

Perfectionism Pressure

Pre-law culture often rewards being “on top of everything,” but chasing 100% in every area leads to exhaustion. You’re allowed to do well without doing everything perfectly.

Guilt for Taking Breaks

Rest is productive. You don’t need to earn basic self care, you need it to sustain the work you care about! Go to bed early, drink enough water (Celsius does not count), and go on a walk.

Asking for Help

See the following section for resources. Do not be afraid to reach out! Your pre-law journey does not need to be solo.