<p>Hello! I've spent the past few days searching through threads of what people consider to be the best majors for students attending U of C that also have a clear intention of attending law school, but so far I've come across two main, contrasting viewpoints: 1) major in whatever you'd like because law schools are leaning more towards admitting students with diverse interests, rather than the solid ol' English/Poli Sci track. 2) "OMG totes philosophy" because of the benefits of critical thinking and introspection that it offers.</p>
<p>Great.</p>
<p>The issue with me, is that I plan on going into a specific type of law: International law, geared towards human rights violations. So I initially thought that a major in International Studies with a minor in human rights and another in political science would put me on the right track. Would it be better to switch the Poli Sci minor out for one in philosophy? As far as the whole "critical thinking benefit", isn't that the purpose of the Core? (I ask this because I have a stronger interest in Poli Sci than philosophy, but I'd take up the latter in a heartbeat if it'll solidify my chances at getting into a solid Law program.) </p>
<p>Please, please, please save me the "GPA and LSAT matters the most" talk. I'm well aware of the weight of those two factors but the ordeal concerning the proper major is one I'm not too sure of. Thanks! (happy almost New Years Eve!)</p>
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<li><p>Major in whatever you’d like because law schools lean more towards admitting students with diverse interests. And, even more than that, they don’t care what you majored in. Really. International Relations is fine (and very, very common), but so would be Biology or Antarctic Studies.</p></li>
<li><p>GPA and LSAT matter more than your major. A lot more. So major in something you can do really well in.</p></li>
<li><p>You know what really doesn’t matter? Minors. They really, really don’t matter.</p></li>
<li><p>What does matter? Learning things, getting engaged, having demonstrable achievements in the field you chose. Take the courses and the major that make you the most interesting, energized, intellectually engaged person you know. Make yourself a good, interesting person, and that will stand you in good stead in the law school admission process.</p></li>
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<li><p>Even though International Relations may seem common, it fits me perfectly. So knowing that I can apply to law school and not be penalized for it is relieving.</p></li>
<li><p>As said before, IR fits me really well and I’m great with languages, so I believe a 3.5 is definitely in reach. As far as LSATs, I know the range to shoot for but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.</p></li>
<li><p>Never heard that minors don’t matter, but I was drawn to UChicago because of the human rights minor (5 schools in the US offer anything remotely related to HR) it’s my passion, so whether or not it counts to law schools doesn’t matter to me. Not letting that minor go!</p></li>
<li><p>I’m not one of those students whose only aim through college to get to a good graduate school. I come from a very close-minded, one-dimensional town and school district, so I love the opportunity the Core provides for me to expand my knowledge base and style of thought. I’m definitely going to have fun here and take part in array of opportunities offered, but I just won’t allow myself to lose sight of the specific goals I’ve set for myself.</p></li>
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<p>Major in whatever interests you academically. If that’s International Studies (we don’t have IR), so be it. I wouldn’t worry about whether one major or another will give you better critical thinking skills; what you get out of your course of study depends more on the specific paths you choose within each major or subject, and of course how deeply you commit yourself. I also wouldn’t worry about minors. They don’t matter–anywhere (we don’t have a poli sci minor, either, by the way). </p>
<p>And don’t forget to “allow” yourself to lose sight of your specific goals if you find better ones. It’s certainly within the realm of possibility. ;)</p>
<p>The LLSO courses look really, really fabulous. Definitely right up my alley. But I didn’t know it was so selective, yeesh. Dunbar, do you know where I can find the link to something that gives an idea of what the LLSO committee is looking for in an applicant? I know a high first year GPA is most likely one or the requirements.</p>
<p>Also, is it feasible to major in LLSO (if I can get accepted in the program) along with International Studies? Or is the former too demanding to be done with anything else?</p>
<p>(Sorry for the questions; I’m just an eager beaver)</p>
<p>I think there are a fair amount of people in LLSO who double major. More importantly, international studies is probably the most flexible major of all. You take a two-quarter intro sequence and then it’s basically up to you to find courses that might be relevant (there are a lot of them). In fact, the biggest issue with double majoring in IS is probably deciding whether it’s even worth pursuing it as an official second major. </p>
<p>I’m sure first year GPA matters in the LLSO application somewhat, but from what I’ve heard the decision process is pretty holistic. I might be able to help a little more over PM if you’re interested.</p>
<p>That LLSO sounds very fascinating, but it seems like it offers too broad of a perspective for someone like me who wants to go to grad school to earn a PhD (in political philosophy). Does that sound right?</p>
<p>Wow IS seemed like a stricter major because I know that there’s a study abroad requirement. But if it’s as flexible as you say, then I see no reason why I shouldn’t tack it on as a double. </p>
<p>I’ll PM you for more info on LLSO requirements.</p>
<p>HevyDevy, your question was probably geared towards Dunbar but just by looking at the courses in the major, I don’t think it’s too broad for your parameters, but I know little about LLSO than what is on the website.</p>
<p>It was directed at anybody who would answer. It just seems like the LLSO’s field of study focuses on more applied fields as opposed to the theory, which is what I am interested in.</p>
<p>To me, it seems like a field that focuses greatly on analyzation. I can definitely see how it can help someone who wants to concentrate in philosophy because there’s a few courses that really hone in on the works of Kant and Rawls, two great Moral/Political philosophers.</p>