<p>I'm a freshman at Texas A&M, and have a 3.4 GPR after 15 graded A&M hours. (24 overall after AP credits). I'm an undeclared major. My 2 questions are:</p>
<p>-What's the "best" pre law major? Im really good at poli sci, and have heard its a great pre law track. However, I sort of feel like I need to major in finance to keep my options open, and to have a marketable degree in case i decide against being a lawyer. Poli Sci would be more fun and better on my GPA though</p>
<p>-What sort of GPA do I need to get into the Texas/Baylor/SMU law schools? Is 3.4 on track, or do i need to step it up? (I know LSAT is more important, but still)</p>
<p>Should I take a practice LSAT next week just to get a feel for the test and law school, or would it be foolish to even take a pratice one without getting a little background in the subjects its testing first?</p>
<p>There is no "best" pre-law major. Poli sci is fine, finance is also fine.</p>
<p>A 3.4 isn't going to keep you out of any of those schools (even though they're nothing alike in terms of selectivity) but obviously you should be trying to get your GPA as high as possible. </p>
<p>There's no reason to take a practice LSAT now. You're not going to take the actual exam for another three years. It doesn't really test any "subjects" you're going to cover at any point, so that's not the problem. You just don't need to concern yourself with it at all right now. It won't give you any idea what law school is like, either.</p>
<p>Vyse - Though you are starting to think about the potential of law school quite early, it's always nice to think through your options career-wise any time. Via this post I wanted to pass on to you a terrific website on combinations of GPA/LSAT scores that law schools (including Baylor, SMU, and Texas) have used in the 2005 class to admit students. It's run by the Law School Admissions Council. Go to <a href="http://officialguide.lsac.org%5B/url%5D">http://officialguide.lsac.org</a> and then click the LSAC Search Option and you're on your way.</p>
<p>A couple other observations from your post, you have an excellent idea to have an alternative (such as a finance major) if you cool to the idea of law school. </p>
<p>Your GPA is good at 3.40, but try to get it above 3.5+ because your law school admissions chances will improve at law schools. (The LSAC website will confirm this when you look at various LSAT score and GPA combinations with Texas, SMU, Baylor, etc.)</p>
<p>By the time you get ready to graduate, the admissions requirements at selective law schools may even be more stringent than they are now given the demographic bulge represented by your class and other upcoming classes.</p>
<p>Skip taking any practice LSATs for now, enjoy being a freshman! There will be plenty of time later.</p>
<p>Thanks Lonestar. You're the one who's really knowledgeable about Texas Tech, right? How's their law school. Texas and SMU seem like my most attractive options-Texas because of its rapport with the big firms, and SMU because I could live in Dallas, but I still need to hear about all of the big 4.</p>
<p>Vyse - I will answer your Tech Law School question in a moment, but I first wanted to reiterate that your thinking is very sound to have an alternative major (such as finance) that you are very interested in. Have a plan B career-wise is always wise and you have done that. Now even delaying my reply a bit more, from what I have read in numerous posts, if you are thinking law school, be sure to take courses that require you to write and read critically as being a lawyer in some ways is about mastering the meaning and context of words (in a contract, in a statute, etc.) Political science, English, philosophy, and other courses requiring written products are good.</p>
<p>Here is something else I have done with/for my son who was undecided on a career (before deciding that law is the way to go for him). Speak to people in the field about what it is like (bankers in finance for example). What attracted them to that work. What are the pros and cons? People are flattered to have a student ask about their vocation and will be very receptive. During the Christmas break, my son will be speaking to several types of lawyers in solo practice, in government, and working in business. I want him to know the goods and bads of whatever career he is considering so he can make an informed choice. </p>
<p>Now to finally answer your question, I have just done some middling research on law schools (including Texas Tech's) to be a sounding board for my son who is interested in law school. In terms of selectivity based on the LSAC website (which you can confirm for yourself), Tech's Law School is a notch under Baylor, SMU, and University of Houston which are a big notch below the University of Texas (165+ LSAT's and well above 3.5 GPA's). Tech's Law School has a regional reputation (more specifically Texas), but if one wants to practice law in Texas (especially west Texas) it's a good deal (much lower tuition than Baylor or SMU). The University of Houston Law School is also an excellent bet (better reputation than Tech with a strong alumni base in the Houston law firms) with a lower tuition as a state supported school.</p>