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Pre-law degrees: which should I choose?

I'm interested in going to law school after completing my undergrad. What kind of degrees or majors should I be considering to best prepare me for law school and a successful career?

11 months ago

There isn't one specific major or degree that is considered the "best" for pre-law students, as law schools accept applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds. It is essential to choose a major that you're genuinely interested in and where you can excel academically.

That said, here are a few popular majors often pursued by pre-law students. For a list of the strongest options, based on percentage of students admitted and average LSAT score, check out this article: https://blog.collegevine.com/10-best-undergraduate-majors-for-law-school

Here are some popular choices among students:

1. Political Science: This major helps you gain an understanding of political systems, policy-making processes, and key legal concepts, which can be beneficial for law school.

2. History: This major can help you develop strong research and analytical skills, as well as a solid understanding of historical context, which will come in handy when studying legal cases.

3. English/Literature: Pursuing an English or literature major can hone your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, all of which are critical for success in law school.

4. Philosophy: Philosophy majors often excel in logic and argumentation, which are essential skills for law school and a legal career.

5. Economics: If you're interested in business or corporate law, an economics major could provide you with a strong understanding of economic theories and principles.

6. Criminal Justice/Criminology: These majors can give you a foundation in crime and the criminal justice system, which can be beneficial if you're interested in criminal law.

Regardless of your major, you should focus on developing your reading and writing skills, as well as critical thinking and analytical abilities, which are vital for success in law school and the legal profession. Additionally, taking courses in constitutional law, legal history, or ethics might give you a better understanding of the legal field.

The most important thing is to choose a major that you're passionate about and where you can achieve a strong GPA, as law schools will look closely at your academic performance.

11 months ago

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