MPP vs. double major in 4 years

Graduate School Law School
1

I’m currently at UVA - just finished my first year - and I am extremely interested in attending law school. I came in to undergrad with 60 dual enrollment credits, so I have a lot of flexibility when planning out my undergrad degree. My question is: would it make more sense (when considering law school admissions, career/salary outcomes, etc) to pursue a double major at UVA in four years (probably in politics and English) or to do a single major (in politics) in three years, and then go on to do the accelerated MPP program at the Batten School at UVA?

Some caveats/further points of inquiry:

  • I had a rough first semester and was in the engineering school for my first semester - I came out with a 2.8 GPA. Once I transferred to arts and sciences for my second semester, I came out with a 3.4, and a 3.1 overall. I am positive that I will have an upward trend on my transcript - I’ve certainly learned from my mistakes - but that first semester will still put a dent in my culmulative GPA. However, I’ve heard that law schools place less of a focus on undergrad GPA if you work for a few years before matriculating. Assuming I do go in to the workforce for a few years before going to law school, wouldn’t it help significantly to have the MPP to get a better job? If that’s true, am I going to have to work before going to law school, because of the low GPA, or do I still have a chance of getting in to a T14 school if I apply right out of undergrad?
  • Batten isn't incredibly well-established as a public policy school. Would it be detrimental to have a master's from UVA as opposed to somewhere that is more well-known?
  • To anyone that has knowledge of the program - do I even have a chance of getting in to the accelerated MPP with that low of a GPA?

I’m also posting this in the grad school forum. Thanks guys.

2

the ONLY two things law schools care about are undergrad* GPA and LSAT score. (well not quite only, but my point is that an Master’s will do nothing for your LS app.)

Double/triple/quadruple majors will do (almost) nothing as well.

For LS, maximize your undergrad GPA, so if you can stay for a 4th undergrad year and earn A’s, you are better off during app cycles.

*undergrad GPA is critical bcos that’s what counts in USNews law school rankings. Grad school GPA is a not a factor.

3

An MPP is an MBA for Democrats, typically leading to jobs in government or nonprofits, but not in rougher/higher-paying careers such as finance. If that’s what you’re looking for in your career, go for it. You may find that an MPP leads to a career that reduces your interest in law school.

You’re exactly right that working a few years before law school will definitely help, both in law school admissions and law firm hiring.

Above all, as bluebayou says, focus on getting up your undergrad GPA.

4

Wait, so only Democrats go into government jobs or non profits?? Not sure why politics has to enter into this when the kid is only asking for advise…