Hey guys, I'm a junior in high school and I've been thinking about becoming a lawyer in the future. Which major should I choose in college to help me on this path? Is there a specific major that's best, or should I just focus on something I'm passionate about? Thanks!
Hey! It's great that you're considering a career in law. The good news is that there isn't a specific major that you need to follow for law school or to become a lawyer. Admissions committees at law schools typically welcome applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds. That being said, there are certain majors that can help develop the skills you'll need in law school and beyond.
Popular majors for aspiring lawyers include Political Science, History, English, Philosophy, or Economics, which can help you develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills which are invaluable for a legal career. It might also be helpful to take classes in subjects like business law or constitutional law to familiarize yourself with legal concepts and language.
However, it's important to select a major that genuinely interests and excites you. Passion for your field of study usually translates into better academic performance, which is something law schools will certainly look at. Moreover, pursuing a unique major can also help your application stand out among the more traditional pre-law applicants.
Ultimately, focus on maintaining a strong GPA and developing essential skills through your academic and extracurricular pursuits. Get involved in activities, such as debate team or mock trial, that can help you showcase your abilities in argumentation and critical analysis. This way, you'll be well-prepared for law school admissions and for a successful career as a lawyer. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.