Best college for philosophy major lookinga to enter law school?

College Search & Selection
1

Hello all! I am a junior in high school, and I am interested in majoring in philosophy and minoring in economics and then continuing on to law school. My information-

3.8GPA (unweighted)

AP Courses - Physics I, World History, English/Composition, Human Geography

Planned courses for senior year - Pre-calculus (taking at my local college in the summer), Dual Credit Computer Science, Dual Credit Statistics, AP Calculus, Dual Credit English 221, AP Physics II

SAT - 1870 first try midway through last school year, recently took the new format

Class Rank - 30/371 (I know it sucks, but my class is very smart)

Extra Curricular - National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, member of swim team all 4 years ( team captain for next year)

Also, I speak fluent Spanish (I am hispanic) and have taken French in high school, plan on continuing in college.

I am looking to see what would be the best fit for me considering my major and aspiration to continue on into law. I know that there must be thousands of posts like this, but I really need some help. Also, would it be beneficial to get a Masters and then go to Law School?

2

You can do that combination just about anywhere. If you are considering law school (and no, a master’s degree will not necessary), I would keep undergraduate costs low (law school is expensive) and go someplace not known for grade deflation.

If there is a particular kind of philosophy you especially enjoy, you might look at the faculty and their areas of specialization to see if their foci are compatible with your interests. Philosophy is a big field.

3

Are you male or female?

4

I am male

5

Agree, you can do that at many many colleges. Think about what limitations you have (ex. price), any location preference you have, what size school you like, and anything else you want in your college experience (ex. Greek Life, sports, etc.) Try using the supermatch function on the left (under find a college). No need for a MS in Philosophy for law school but many people (certainly not all) do work (ex. paralegal, Teach for America) or something or a year or two between undergrad and going to the top law schools these days…

6

I certainly thought about ding some work, especially to save for law school. But can’t some colleges help me find work as well, maybe even an internship?

7

Many of the Catholic colleges are known for excellent philosophy departments. Notre Dame and Georgetown are two but are reaches for most. Holy Cross, BC and Fordham are other great considerations

8

The Catholic colleges also have lots of undergrads taking philosophy because it is typically a core requirement. At a Catholic school, you will have lots of choices and lots of company in a field of study that is not too popular these days as a major.

9

Have you considered your future job prospects?

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/07/business/dealbook/court-to-hear-suit-accusing-law-school-of-inflating-job-data.html?_r=0

10

very interesting, something I will need to consider…

11

The law profession is very challenging right now, but it probably won’t be in 7 - 8 years.

All the students jumping in computer science and engineering might find a similarly hostile environment in the future.

If you want to hedge your bets, minor or double major in Accounting. Even now a lawyer with an Accounting background is a popular hire.

12

is University of Texas a good school for Philosophy?

13

http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2015/philosophy#sorting=rank+region=+country=+faculty=+stars=false+search=

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1315771-best-philosophy-undergrad-programs-in-the-us.html

14

I suggest caution when interpreting rankings that appear to ignore colleges that have an undergraduate focus.