Hi, I've been toying with the idea of law school after graduation, but I'm kinda stuck on what major in college would be best for this. Any lawyers out there who can share what you majored in and whether it was helpful when you went to law school?
As someone who continuously engages with students aspiring for a legal career, it's important to remember that there's no specific undergraduate degree you're required to earn to go to law school. Law schools accept students from a wide range of majors. However, there are a few majors that may complement the critical thinking and analytical skills needed in law school.
Political science, English, History, Economics or Philosophy are often popular choices. Political science, for instance, may provide insights into law and government, while English and History could improve your reading, writing and research skills, which are crucial for law school. Economics can lay a strong foundation for those interested in corporate law, while the rigorous argumentation and logic in Philosophy can lend strength to legal reasoning.
But if those are not your interests, fear not. Many have also found success in law school coming from majors as varied as computer science, business, or even the sciences. The key is to choose something you are genuinely interested in and can excel in, as a high GPA and strong analytical and communication skills are fundamentally important for law school applications, rather than the specific major you choose.
It might also be helpful to take a few pre-law courses if your college offers them, to give you a taste of the kind of material and thinking you'll encounter in law school. Good luck on your journey!
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