<p>I will be starting my first year of college next fall and plan to be going into Law. I have asked so many people for advice that I have things contradicting things other people are telling me. I applied to Rutgers U (where I want to go) with a major in Pre-Law or Political Science (I can change it). Some people tell me Law Schools absolutely HATE Pre-Law majors, meanwhile other people are saying that it is perfectly OK to do it. So is it fine to do a Pre-Law major? My dream I plan to work towards is to attend NYU Law for Law School (specifically for their International Law Program), so I want to actually know what I want to do rather than figuring it out and stressing about it while I am in college (obviously it won't be 100% fixed). I was then researching into International Law so I was thinking about either majoring in International Studies, Philosophy, Environmental Law or Political Science to replace Pre-Law. So basically, what majors will not only look good when I apply to Law School, but also prepare me for my time when I am there? And lastly, will attending Rutgers for undergrad negatively affect my chances of getting into NYU Law? I know I need a high GPA & LSAT score regardless but Rutgers is not that of a top-tier school as NYU. Thanks in advance! :)) </p>
<p>You can essentially major in anything that you want; major in what interests you with a back up should you change your mind about law and need to get a job after graduation. Do not major in pre-law, but take advantage of the pre-law advising.</p>
<p>Even Rutgers state</p>
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<p>Check out the thread, “Everything you should know about law school admissions.” which is found at:<a href=“Everything you wanted to know about law school admission. - Law School - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/law-school/1707061-everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-law-school-admission.html</a></p>
<p>You should major in something you like and can do well in. Law schools do not care where you went to undergrad, but they do care about your GPA. You should also, as sybbie pointed out, double major or minor in something that provides you skills, in case law school does not work out. For law school you want a 3.6 or better.</p>
<p>More importantly, you should get some interning experience as soon as possible. Going to law school for “international law” is a big red flag. It’s a concept that pulls in many prospective law students but almost certainly does not exist in a form anywhere close to their imagining. You need first-hand experience with what the practice of law is actually like. Your local DA/PD/Legal Aid is usually looking for interns. Your “pre-law adviser” may also have connections at local private firms where you can intern.</p>
<p>I don’t think Rutgers even offers a Pre-law major. Here are the list of majors in Arts & Sciences:
<a href=“http://sasundergrad.rutgers.edu/index.php/academics/requirements/list-of-majors-and-minors”>Error Page;
<p>Rutgers is a well-regarded university, and going to Rutgers will in no way hurt your odds at being admitted to a top law school. </p>
<p>@sacchi That’s weird it’s not there. I applied 3 weeks ago & they gave me the option of putting Pre-Law as one of my second interest. I put Political Science as my first interest, and PreLaw as my second at SAS. For SEBS, I put PreLaw Science Interests as my first. <a href=“Office of the Chancellor-Provost | Rutgers-New Brunswick”>https://undergraduate.rutgers.edu/for-students/student-resources/pre-law-advising</a> It’s weird that they don’t have it under that list you posted, but thank you all for your help! </p>
<p>Indicating an area of interest with your application is not the same as selecting a major. Selecting an interest in pre-law probably just means that they will put you on the list for pre-law advising, and subscribe you to a pre-law email list, etc. But that is fine, since that is exactly what you should want. Majoring in “pre-law” is a bad idea, and selective colleges don’t even offer a “pre-law” major, because it is such a bad idea.</p>
<p>You mention the following as possible majors of interest: International Studies, Philosophy, Environmental Law or Political Science. I really doubt that Rutgers offers an Environmental Law undergrad major, so forget that one.</p>
<p>Any of International Studies, Philosophy, and Political Science would be fine as pre-law majors, although none will give you any advantage in law school admissions. A key difference between International Studies and Poli Sci is typically a significant foreign language requirement, so consider if that is something that you want to do. </p>
<p>Given that you haven’t even started college yet, there is no need to decide yet. Try to take intro classes your first year in all of these subjects, and see what you like. </p>
<p>@sacchi Got it! Thank you again. 
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