<p>I will be a sophomore at Southern Illinois Carbondale in the fall. I am starting to plan ahead and get my priorities straight. I am almost 100 percent positive that I want to go to law school. I am not quite sure what type of law I want to practice though (I assume I dont need to know that until later on). But I would possibly like to one day become and asst. DA or maybe even a DA. I want to know what my chances are of getting into a good law school? I am studying agricultural communications with a minor in equine science (horse science) and currently have a 3.0 gpa (I plan to raise my gpa to at least a 3.5 over the next 3 years). I am considering double majoring in journalism, would that help my chances of being accepted to a good law school? If I decide not to double in ag. com. and journalism then I will double minor in equine science and English or possibly philosophy (I have heard that philosophy helps with the LSAT but it would be odd to minor in that it has nothing to do with my major.) NOTE: The only reason I decided to have a minor in equine science was because I have ridden my entire life and tested out of all but one of the classes required for the minor, it would be silly not to do it. So, out of my options what is recommended? I do not want to major in something like pre-law or political science and end up limiting myself if for some reason law school does not work out.
I am extremely involved on campus and in the Carbondale community. I am in a sorority and on the executive board for my sorority; I am also on the executive board of the schools Greek Council. I am also a collegiate member of Future Farmers of America and compete with the schools equestrian team. Next year I plan to run for a senate position in the student government. I also volunteer in a wide range of place in the community and do about 40 hours of community service a year.
This summer I am an intern for a government agency from June to August full time. Next summer I plan to apply to the White House for an internship or go to work on staff with a senator. Then the summer after my junior year I would like to intern in a law firm or private practice. I also will be studying abroad for a semester in Ireland, Italy, or Sweden (I have not decided yet).
Basically what I want to know is if I will be able to get into a good law school? I dont expect to get into anywhere like Harvard or Stanford but I want to get into a reputable school such as Indiana University, University of Texas Austin, William and Mary, Baylor, University of Colorado Bolder, or University of Kentucky. You get the idea, I want to have the ability for a wide range of schools.<br>
Also, if I dont study anything law related as and undergrad will that hurt me when I first start law school? Will philosophy, pre-law, or poli science undergrads have a leg up and leave me lost in a black hole? I want to go prepared.
Any advice will help at this point.</p>
<p>Make an appointment to talk with the pre-law advisor at your school. They will be able to help you understand what it requires to get into a “good” law school. Currently, your grades are perilously low to have any chance of getting into U of I Law, just to name one good school in your region; so, you’re going to have to pick up your academic game . . . a lot. I am not familiar with Ag Commerce(?) as a major, so I can’t comment on your questions about that, but again, a pre-law advisor could tell you how law schools would view this and if a second major would be of benefit.</p>
<p>Secondly, make contact with someone who works in a DA’s office. That would make for some good conversation as you learn more about what the field involves.</p>
<p>Enjoy the rest of your time in college. It sounds like you’ve got some great things going on.</p>
<p>Thank you for your advice! Agricultural Communications, is a communications major with a specialization in agriculture. Basically I take 40 hours - or so - of agriculture the rest is just communications. </p>
<p>I will for sure be in contact with my schools pre - law department.<br>
Thank you!</p>
<p>Your LSAT score is going to be key. Until then, there really is no way of knowing what schools you will be competitive for, etc. A 3.5 and a 3.0 is a big difference, so work hard and keep those grades up! GPA/LSAT combo is the main factor in law school admissions.</p>
<p>As for some of your other questions:
Double major won’t hurt/help your application, your GPA will be much more important.
There really is no correlation between undergrad major and law school performance, do what you enjoy and can excel at.</p>
<p>GPA/LSAT.</p>
<p>Unless you’re a minority.</p>
<p>I didn’t think about it but I am Native American and am a enrolled member of the tribe!</p>