How to Prepare for Law School in the Philippines (2025)

Thinking of studying law in the Philippines? Whether you’re fresh from college or shifting careers, entering law school is a serious commitment. The good news? You don’t need to be an expert in statutes or Latin maxims before Day One. You just need to be strategic, curious, and prepared!

This guide will walk you through the essentials of how to prepare for law school in the Philippines, including requirements, study tips, tools, and what to expect—perfect for any incoming freshman.

Requirements for Law School in the Philippines

Before diving into codals or downloading law school apps, it’s important to first ensure that you meet the minimum entry requirements for law school in the Philippines. While specifics vary per institution, the list below covers the most commonly required documents and qualifications.

What You Need to Apply:

1. Bachelor’s Degree from a CHED-Recognized Institution
   Any undergraduate program can qualify as a pre-law course, as long as it's approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Common pre-law degrees include Political Science, Legal Management, Philosophy, and Accountancy. You can find the list of accredited schools on the CHED official website.

2. Transcript of Records (TOR)
   Your TOR should include your final General Weighted Average (GWA). Some law schools require a minimum GWA (e.g., 2.5 or 85%) for eligibility or scholarships. Make sure the document is officially sealed and authenticated if needed.

3. PhilSAT (Philippine Law School Admission Test)
   While the PhilSAT was temporarily suspended, some schools still refer to it as a preferred (though not mandatory) credential. Keep an eye on updates from the Legal Education Board (LEB) via their official site to check if the PhilSAT requirement is reinstated or fully waived in the coming academic year.

4. Recommendation Letters
   Most law schools ask for 1 to 2 recommendation letters—usually from former professors, deans, or professional supervisors. These attest to your academic capabilities, character, and readiness for the rigors of legal education. A strong letter can set your application apart.

5. Personal Statement or Essay
   Some schools require a written statement detailing your reasons for pursuing law, your goals, and what makes you a good fit for the institution. Use this to show your motivation and writing ability—a skill you'll use constantly in law school.

6. Valid Government-Issued ID
   Prepare photocopies and digital scans of your IDs (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License, UMID). These are typically submitted during application and entrance testing.

7. Entrance Exam or Interview
   Many top law schools like UP, Ateneo, San Beda, and UST administer their own admission exams and panel interviews. These assess your logic, comprehension, and ability to handle stress—key indicators of law school potential.

For additional guidance on choosing where to apply, check out our updated guide: Top Law Schools in the Philippines (2025)

What to Expect in Law School (and How It’s Different)

Law school isn’t just “college, but harder”—it’s an entirely different academic and mental environment. From the moment you step into your first class, you’ll notice a shift in expectations, discipline, and daily routine. The volume of work is intense, but it’s the mental toll that surprises most students.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Daily readings of codals, commentaries, and case law are non-negotiable. Some assignments can easily run 50–100 pages a night. You won’t be spoon-fed content, so self-discipline is critical.

• Socratic recitations happen in nearly every class. Professors won’t just ask what the case says—they’ll challenge your reasoning, test your understanding of exceptions, and ask for legal basis on the spot. It’s high-pressure, and forgetting a key doctrine or mix-up in facts can mean getting cold-called again next meeting.

• Midterms and final exams are often essay-based and require application—not memorization. You’ll be expected to spot issues, cite rules, argue both sides, and propose a legal conclusion—all within a time limit.

• Legal research and writing demand precision and clarity. You’ll write case briefs, memos, pleadings, and later, full-length papers. Every comma matters when you’re interpreting statutes.

• Zero tolerance for cramming. Unlike college, you can’t survive by pulling an all-nighter before the exam. The cumulative nature of law school means every lesson builds on the previous one—missing a week can derail your whole semester.

Mental Readiness Is Just As Important

More than just study habits, mental preparedness is key to surviving and thriving in law school. Impostor syndrome is common, especially in the first year. Many students feel like they’re constantly behind or not cut out for the pressure. That’s normal—but you have to push through.

Expect sleepless nights, moments of self-doubt, and even burnout. But also expect personal growth. Law school forces you to think differently, write clearly, and argue logically. Building emotional resilience is just as important as reviewing codal provisions. It helps to form study groups, take short breaks when needed, and seek support when things feel overwhelming.

What Habits Should I Start Before Law School?

Law school isn’t just about memorizing laws—it’s about learning how to think like a lawyer. Building the right habits early on can make your first year more manageable and set the tone for your legal journey. Below are study habits that can help you succeed, even before your first day.

1. Develop Legal Reading Habits Early

Start familiarizing yourself with the codals—the bare text of laws—by reading them slowly and repeatedly. You can also explore our Free Case Digest Collection for summarized Philippine jurisprudence.Codals can be dry at first, but repeated exposure helps you spot patterns and understand how legal provisions are structured. Supplement your reading with commentaries and case digests to help contextualize the law.

Try this: Explore Digest.PH’s Free Case Digest Library to see how real cases are summarized. It’s a great way to connect theory with practice.

2. Embrace Digital Tools for Law Students

Don’t rely solely on printed textbooks. The digital landscape now offers tools that can dramatically improve comprehension and save you time. For instance, Digest.AI can define legal terms, summarize doctrines, and explain complex cases in plain language—perfect for pre-law students looking to build legal familiarity.

Bonus: Visit the Supreme Court Decision Database to browse full-text decisions and understand how jurisprudence shapes Philippine law.

3. Practice Active Note-Taking, Not Just Highlighting

Many first-year students fall into the trap of passively highlighting entire pages without actually retaining information. Instead, aim for active note-taking—summarize what you read in your own words, create mind maps for legal concepts, or list the elements of a crime or contract in bullet points. These techniques improve recall and deepen understanding.

Need help? Check out our article on Effective Note-Taking Strategies for Law Students.

4. Focus on Understanding, Not Memorizing

A senior law professor once said, “Memorization is a student’s defense when they don’t understand the law.” That stuck. While memorizing codal provisions is sometimes necessary, your goal should always be to understand how and why the law applies in a given situation. Application—not rote learning—is what sets top law students apart, especially during oral recitations and Bar exams.

Tip: Test your understanding by applying a legal rule to real-life situations or sample cases. Can you explain it simply? If not, revisit your materials.

Tools and Materials for Incoming Law Students

For me, these are your non-negotiables:

• Codals;

• Commentaries (Sundiang, De Leon, Riano, etc.—research which ones are the most helpful for your classes and professors);

• Case digests or summary notebooks; and

• A laptop, or any gadget you could use to attend online classes.

FAQs: Law School Prep in the Philippines

How do I prepare for law school in the Philippines?

Start by reviewing your goals, choosing the right law school, and building good reading and time management habits. Use tried-and-tested online tools like Digest.AI and case digest libraries to familiarize yourself with legal language and logic.

What are the requirements to enter law school?

You need a bachelor's degree, TOR, valid ID, and school-specific forms. Some schools require a PhilSAT or entrance exam.

Is law school hard in the Philippines?

 Yes—but it’s doable with strong discipline, support systems, and smart study habits.

Do I need to read codals before classes start?

 No, but it helps to get familiar with how laws are structured. Focus on understanding, not memorizing.

Key Takeaways

• Law school requires mental, emotional, and financial preparation.

• You need a CHED-recognized bachelor’s degree and school-specific documents to apply.

• Develop habits in reading, outlining, and legal logic even before classes start.

• Use legal tools like Digest.AI and case digest libraries to study smarter, not harder.

• Law school is challenging, but success is possible with strategy and consistency.

Conclusion: Start Smart, Stay Grounded

Preparing for law school in the Philippines isn’t about being perfect from Day One—it’s about showing up prepared, staying consistent, and knowing how to adjust. Law school will test your patience, discipline, and grit. But if you lay the groundwork now, you’ll enter with confidence, not fear.

Don’t overthink—start with what you can do today: read, plan, and build the right mindset.

Further Reading from Digest.PH