Best College Majors for Law School?

Hey, I'm a junior in high school currently exploring my options for college majors. I've always been fascinated by law and I'm considering law school after college. Are there any particular majors that are recommended for a pre-law route?

While there's no singular "pre-law" major that's universally considered the best, there are certain areas of study that often align with the skills needed for success in law school. It's important to note that law schools typically do not give preference to any particular major. They're usually more interested in your GPA, LSAT scores, recommendation letters, personal statement and extracurricular activities.

One popular choice is Political Science, which gives exposure to governmental structures and political behavior. English is another solid option because it emphasizes strong writing and critical reading skills, both crucial for law school. History can also be a strong choice, as it develops research skills and understanding of societal trends, often with a heavy writing component.

Closer to the legal field, you might consider Philosophy, which often includes courses in ethics, logic, and critical thinking. There's also Criminal Justice or Criminology, which offer a more specialized perspective. If you're interested in corporate law, a major or minor in Business could help you understand the concepts you'll encounter in law school and beyond.

Some students also pursue majors in the sciences or engineering, which can be particularly useful if you're interested in patent law. These majors may also demonstrate to law schools and future employers that you're capable of rigorous analytical thinking.

Ultimately, you should choose a major that you're genuinely interested in and will excel at. Law schools look at a student's academic performance first and foremost, so maintaining a high GPA is critical. It also helps to choose a major that allows you to develop skills in research, writing, and critical analysis. For instance, classes that require a lot of reading or require you to write research papers will help you develop skills you'll need in law school.