Major Choice for T14 Schools

<p>I know that I want to go to law school after graduating from four year undergrad. I'm attending my state school for financial reasons. It's a good school, but not nationally known. I'm planning on double-majoring in criminal justice and political science. I know that law schools cringe at criminal justice majors, but I want something to fall back on if law school fell through. Do you think that the schools will be more forgiving of the CJ major if they see a political science with it?
I know that GPA and the LSAT are the determining factors. With a high GPA and LSAT, would I still be able to get accepted by T14 schools? My dream law school would be Columbia, but I'd be content getting into any of them.</p>

<p>How is majoring in either criminal justice or political science going to give you something to fall back on?</p>

<p>While GPA/LSAT pretty much rule all, majoring in criminal justice won’t help at all-and how is it a “fall back”? If you’re thinking of law enforcement, there are many other majors(e.g. the FBI-and DHS-love accounting majors) which offer a better “fall back” than criminal justice.</p>

<p>Quick note: Yes I am thinking law enforcement, particularly FBI. I plan on applying with the JD (and critical languages) whilst hopefully working at a firm since the application process is so long. (I am also plenty happy being an attorney if FBI didn’t work out, so law school does actually have purpose.) I’m not doing the accounting CPA track because that area does not interest me. The only reason I would do CJ is for GPA reasons and my school makes it am easy double major with political science. Should I just ditch the criminal justice and keep political science?</p>

<p>To be an FBI special agent, in addition to a four year degree, you must have three years of professional work experience(fbi.gov). If being a SA is your goal, I’d recommend taking some time to plan out how to get the necessary degree and the required work experience.</p>

<p>Doesn’t the FBI have veterans preference? With wars winding down that market may be tougher than expected. </p>

<p>As for major, if you plan to double you should do something that interests you and something that will employ you. It doesn’t particularly matter which majors you choose, but that should keep you happy both in the present and the future. Law schools won’t care, but should you decide against law school you’ll have some options.</p>

<p>Why not major in a foreign language? It is different enought to stand out for law schools, and might be helpful with the FBI.</p>