I'm thinking of going into law school after getting my undergrad degree. I keep hearing about there being some majors that aren't the best choice if you're planning on law school. Can anyone provide some insights on this?
First, it's important to clarify that there isn't really a "worst" major for future law students per se. Law schools generally accept applicants from all academic disciplines. They value diversity of thought in their student bodies, and that includes academic diversity. There isn't an undergrad major that will prevent you from being accepted to law school. Nonetheless, there are a few considerations to bear in mind when choosing a major as a pre-law student.
The prevailing belief among law school admissions consultants is that a rigorous, analytical degree program can potentially help with law school preparation. So, majors involving critical reading, complex analysis, and clear writing skills can be quite useful. These include majors like Philosophy, History, English, Economics, or Political Science. Some majors may not provide these skills as intensively. Majors that involve less reading, writing, and critical thinking, such as some Business degrees or very narrow, technical degrees, might be viewed as less preparatory for law school. However, it truly depends on the way you shape your academic narrative. If you're a Business major who has demonstrated academic rigor and analytical capability through upper-level courses, internships, or extracurricular activities, you could make just as compelling a case for your readiness for law school.
Moreover, the major you choose should reflect your authentic interests. If you're genuinely interested in a subject you'll likely perform better academically, which can boost your GPA — a crucial factor in law school admissions. Importantly, your undergraduate degree can provide a fallback option and could help shape your law career. For example, if you're interested in environmental law, an undergrad major in Environmental Science + Policy may work to your advantage.
In conclusion, there isn't a "worst" major that inhibits you from attending law school. What matters is choosing a major that helps develop critical skills, reflects your interests, and supports your career goals. Then it's about applying these skills effectively to do well in your courses and on the LSAT exam, the two most important components of your law school application.
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