Hi all,
I would like some advice considering the pros and cons of going to law school and what undergrad majors to take.
A few majors I am interested in:
- Political Science
- Psychology
- International Relations
- Economics
- Philosophy
I compiled this list after researching and reading forums, but I would like a more specific answer on the best major out of this list. I am particularly interested in psychology and am considering doing international relations as well. The problem is, I’m not certain whether I should double major or minor in one of the subjects, or if it is even worth it to pursue both.
In addition, I would like a “safe-proof” major where if I decide against law school while in college, I can still pursue the same major and be successful after graduating.
Thank you!
Major in anything for a law degree. Get good grades. get about 172 on the LSAT. (yes you can start practicing now)
There are no “safe” majors. Maybe engineering is the “safest” major, or accounting or a healt-related field, or stats but liberal arts majors teach you to think and how to write. And research. Thinking is important, maybe the most important thing, but that by itself will rarely get you a job. Writing can get you anywhere, as can the thinking, if done properly. You will need to figure out the job-skills part on your own with your thinking skills. If you really want to look for “safe” or lucrative majors go to payscale.com . That site compiles employment by major and earnings.
http://www.payscale.com/college-roi/major
Your best bet for getting a guaranteed job and/or going into law school, beyond the advice in the first line of this post, is to attend a maritime academy school, such as SUNY Maritime or Maine Maritime. SUNY esp. has one of the best returns on investments, guaranteed jobs, guaranteed transferable skills, and if you do well, then with a 172 LSAT you could def go to a top law school.
http://www.payscale.com/college-roi
Or attend an engineering program that’s ABET accredited and relatively easy to get into, such as SDSM&T. Again grads from those programs are almost guaranteed a job and tuition is cheap and that plus a 172 on the LSAT and you’re good to go for a top law school.
best wishes.
Practically speaking, whatever allows you to get the best grades possible while giving you time to study for the LSAT. You are nothing but a number when it comes to law school admissions.
Ideally, study whatever you enjoy learning the most, and then kill the LSAT.
In terms of “safe-proof” major, you need to define what “success” means to you.
You can get into law school with literally any major. I majored in English and had classmates in law school who had undergrad majors in a wide variety of fields, including theater, political science (very common), engineering and business administration. So, any of the majors you have identified will work. As far as getting into law school, the key is to get a high grade point average and LSAT score. No matter what you major in, though, make sure to take some courses that will develop your analytical ability, critical thinking skills, writing skills, and, if you want to be a litigator, public speaking skills. Those will serve you well in getting through law school and also in your legal career. Good luck!