Is a double major beneficial?

<p>Would a second major in a foreign language help an engineer get admitted to law school (assuming a decent gpa and lsat)?</p>

<p>From all the different sources I've researched and the opinions I have gathered: No.</p>

<p>So that minor in German was only good to read Gunter Grass, huh?</p>

<p>perhaps not get admitted to law school, but it may be useful in getting hired and in attaining a larger client base.</p>

<p>Not necessarily, cwhite...just be glad you didn't make it a second major :D</p>

<p>Law Schools certainly care for a broad undergraduate education. However, one does not need a second major or a minor to establish a broad education.</p>

<p>A second major is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for being admitted into a top law school.</p>

<p>Ok, thanks for the input. Just curious. I do understand that a second major is neither necesary nor sufficient for top ls admission. At least it will come in handy for study abroad and co-op with foreign companies. But I have gathered from various threads that engineering majors have a difficult time with law school admissions due to some real or perceived lack of writing/communication ability. True? Or is it just a lower gpa due to technical courses?</p>

<p>Ariesathena is the most qualified person on this board to answer that question.</p>

<p>Aries is on vacations.</p>

<p>You can still demonstrate writing and/communication skills without having a second major or a minor, though.</p>

<p>On the other hand, if you want to second major for the pure joy of learning a second subject in detail, go ahead. In most cases it will not hurt you -not to say in all.</p>

<p>I don't know if I agree with the statement that a double major doesn't help...I'm personally planning on doing a quadruple major (business, legal studies, history, and political science)...and it would greatly surprise me if an admissions officer (or CC'er for that matter) said that a 3.8+ GPA with a quad major isn't impressive...</p>

<p>I think it will help, but the real question is, how much? And the answer seems to be 'not much'. </p>

<p>The fact is, fair or not fair, law schools adcoms are not going to parse your transcript carefully to see what you studied. The most overriding factor that they care about on your transcript is your GPA, and how you managed to get that GPA is only a minor consideration. So don't think that a multiple-major or a difficult major will compensate you for a low GPA, because it almost certainly will not. </p>

<p>Hence, if you can get a multiple-major while maintaining a high GPA, then go for it. But don't think that the multiple-major will, by itself, get you in. There are plenty of people who have done multiple majors, or taken extremely difficult coursework in the hopes that law schools will respect their bravery and tenacity, and in most cases, these people have come away bitterly disappointed by what they found.</p>

<p>well yea, i dont intend the quad major to be the "sole" factor that gets me into law school- but it certainly doesn't hurt, right?</p>

<p>ooo, quick q...i have enough credits where I can graduate in a year or two out of high school if i so choose...it's either that or spending four years at Cal and getting four degrees. But do you think my time could be used more wisely graduating early and working at an Ibanking firm for two years instead of getting extra degrees? </p>

<p>Also, as a former student of Berkeley, do u know of any worthwhile programs that might interest me? I'm also looking for information regarding any Masters programs that Berkeley offers...if I know I can pursue graduate work, then I'd be more inclined to graduate in a year or two and begin graduate study...</p>

<p>anyway, thanks for reading my post sakky....i anxiously await your response</p>

<p>"and it would greatly surprise me if an admissions officer (or CC'er for that matter) said that a 3.8+ GPA with a quad major isn't impressive..."
~slicmlic2001 </p>

<p>I guess you'd be in for a surprise if you talked to one. 4 majors, lol. </p>

<p>Let's see:</p>

<p>-If you are taking longer than four years to do so, you are wasting your time. If you are not taking longer, then there is much overlapping taking place; which will significantly detract from the merit of claiming more than one major. </p>

<p>-If you have a compelling reason for studying more than one subject...why not self-design a major? Or, simply take supplementary courses in those fields? You can do the same without claiming more than one major.</p>

<p>-If your interest is Law, why waste time unnecessarily?</p>

<p>Moreover, as Sakky said, if one's GPA is affected by the foolish thinking that a double+ major will help into being accepted to LS, then more is lost than won by such pursuit.</p>

<p>Personally, if your academic record is up to par, I'd pursue graduate work or work after graduating in a year or two. Unless there is a compelling reason for you to stay --why do it?</p>

<p>I-banking sounds fun, IMO.</p>

<p>well most graduate schools don't like accepting students who graduate in a year or two...that would be my main concern</p>

<p>i've talked to numerous college counselors, and they've all said that you need the four years of undergraduate study to not only academically prepare yourself for graduate work, but also be involved in enough extra-curriculars to make you stand apart. i personally think that this sounds pretty logical, because what does someone who graduated college in a year have to offer?</p>

<p>Hmmm....</p>

<p>Political Science, or History, Major from Berkeley. 3.75+ GPA, 165+ LSAT and 2 years of I-banking experience and a, somewhat, successful background in it...That I'd have a hard time turning down. </p>

<p>Nevertheless, the floor is open for the older and wiser.:D</p>

<p>Is a quadruple major not risky? Unless the curriculum is nigh coextensive, how will you be able to graduate in four years?</p>

<p>cough cough...I said older and wiser.</p>

<p>JK:D</p>

<p>ive never even heard of a quadruple major. I don't think its possible in 4 years outside of the University of Phoenix.</p>