Academic and pre-professional organizations give students access to fundamental information about pursuing a specific career, and serve as an opportunity to interact with other students who share similar interests. These organizations are also a great resource for students to meet faculty and professionals who provide guidance about entering and succeeding in their field.

Below is just a sample of the many academic and pre-professional student organizations on the Washington University campus:

Mock Trial Team
After watching a Washington U. Mock Trial competition, most observers will say they just watched an exciting live version of “Law & Order.” Our competitive Mock Trial team is a fantastic opportunity for students who love to perform and speak, whether they are considering law school or not. Members portray attorneys and witnesses on both the prosecution and defense for either criminal or civil imaginary cases.  The team travels across the country for competitions and consistently does well, winning both team and individual awards and making Mock Trial one of Wash. U.’s most successful competitive organizations.

The Pre-Medical Society and Pre-Law Society
The Pre-Med and Pre-Law Societies provide students considering either Medical School or Law School with valuable inside information about applying, as well as networking opportunities with professionals in either field. Both organizations help students meet and interact with others who have similar interests and offer opportunities for community service. Members can learn about the MCAT and LSAT, take practice tests, and discover study tips and information about medical and law schools.

EnCouncil
EnCouncil is the student governing body for the School of Engineering at Washington University. Members of EnCouncil practice leadership skills by working alongside administrators to organize both social and academic programming for engineering students. EnCouncil provides students with access to the engineering job market along with community service projects, charity fundraisers, and holds forums to address issues important to students and their specific community. EnCouncil organizes annual events including Vertigo, a techno themed dance party for all WU students, and EnWeek, a weeklong celebration of engineering with demonstrations, competitions, speakers, and a scavenger hunt. EnCouncil also sponsors Cheap Lunch, which provides a three dollar lunch to the WU community every Wednesday. 

Phi Beta Kappa
The Washington University Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was established in 1914. Each spring the chapter elects new undergraduate members from among students pursuing degrees in the College of Arts & Sciences. The chapter co-sponsors the annual Phi Beta Kappa/Sigma Xi Lecture. Past speakers include Alan Lightman (physicist and author of Einstein’s Dreams), botanist Peter Raven, author Susan Sontag, and paleontologist Jack Horner.