<p>I will be finishing my political science major in less than three years and is considering spending more time in school (probably the full four years) by investing in a double in economics. My original plan is to apply to law school after graduation with a single political science major. It is a known fact that a double major is not favored or frowned upon by law schools; however, I am seriously contemplating a double in political science and economics because:</p>
<p>(1) an economics major can be a fallback if I do not receive a qualifying LSAT score that could get me into GOOD law school (then going into business may become a better prospect)
(2) the math practiced in the pre-reqs math courses for an economics major will be more applicable to an alternative path in taking the GMAT (GMAT tests mathematical concepts that will be fresh, and refreshed in my head)
(3) if I do decide to go into business then business sschool LATER on, the double major will make my ride a lot smoother</p>
<p>However, there is a tradeoff if I do a double major. The math courses required may bring my GPA down (I struggle with math). My GPA may be a low 3.5 (with a double poli sci + econ) instead of 3.8 (sticking just a single poli sci major). Thus, my chances of getting into a top law school may be hindered simply because my GPA may not be high enough then, disregarding how low or high my LSAT score is.</p>
<p>What do you think I should do?</p>
<p>Which is more risky? Sticking with a single poli sci major or taking a double in econ?</p>
<p>I think you've made it pretty clear what the advantages/disadvantages are. My suggestion would be to take some LSAT practice tests and get a feel for where you stand there.</p>
<p>Whichever path you choose, I think you can easily write an addendum to your application that explains why you chose the path you chose.</p>
<p>One last note, a 3.5 GPA/170 LSAT is competitive at all law schools, sans the top 5.</p>
<p>crimsonpham - Your reasoning is sound to have an alternate plan if you choose not to pursue a law career. My son (who is a college junior) went through a similar thought process as yours - A's in political science and humanities; interested in law school; but wanting a fallback plan (a business degree for him with an economics major for you) if law school did not work out. </p>
<p>However, this plan A - law school/plan B - business presents the dilemma you discussed in your post (my son is also not as strong in math versus his verbal/writing skills) where law school admissions is very numbers driven with high GPA/high LSAT's. There is a wonderful tool to see chances of admission at various law schools based on GPA/LSAT combinations on the Law School Admissions Council website at <a href="http://officialguide.lsac.org%5B/url%5D">http://officialguide.lsac.org</a> Then click on LSAC data search and follow the directions. </p>
<p>A preface first, if you know in your soul (which doesn't quite seem the case per your post) that being a lawyer is what you want which means a "good law school" to start, go hard and strong for the higher GPA in the 3.75 plus range, if possible. As you will see yourself on the LSAC website, having the 3.75 plus GPA will allow for a bit lower LSAT (160 or so) with you still having a decent shot at admission depending on the school. </p>
<p>If you are not quite convinced law school is it, I would definitely not be in a hurry to decide between a single major in political science versus a double major in poly sci/econ. Take your time to discover whether a law career may be the way to go for you over the next weeks/months (thus also continuing to build upon your 3.8 GPA). Do some career testing at your college/university's career office and see if law or business type careers seem to be your preference. Look at the threads in the CC forum on not only what law school is like, but what a legal career (with often tremendous hours and work/personal life balance decisions). Talk to practicing lawyers (and businessmen) and then decide.</p>
<p>If you decide law school is it, I would then continue pursuing the poly sci major (with perhaps a minor in economics?) so you can achieve the highest GPA possible which ups your chances for admission to various "good law schools". However, you can decide which of the good law schools may be your long term goal via the LSAC website and maybe a 3.5 ish GPA with a very good LSAT would do the trick. Then the double major of poly sci/econ would be more doable.</p>
<p>My final advice, there's no rush to decide.</p>
<p>I juggled an econ/poli sci double major for my first 4 semesters, and decided (perhaps too late) that the harm econ was taking on my gpa (its a department known for tough grading, and even though I was consistantly one of the top scorers, it was affecting my cummulative gpa more than I coudl ignore) was NOT worth the extra option. Granted, I'm now in the position of 3.6 instead of perhaps 3.8 had I just done poli sci in the first place, but for me, it was worth it to be really sure of the decision.</p>
<p>I'm firmly a Humanities student - the majority of my classes are languages, religion, etc. I'm here at college to learn.</p>
<p>But at the same time, I've been taking economics courses. This past semester I got a C+ in my macroecon course, after getting an okay B+ in microecon last semester. But the thing is my macro course was one of 6 classes I was taking this semester - most students alternate between taking 4 and 5 classes.</p>
<p>I'm also taking 6 classes next semester, and if I decide to start another language, for fun, my junior and senior years will all be 6 classes per semester.</p>
<p>Obviously this hurts the GPA. If I didn't have econ this semester I'd have over a 3.8 semester GPA, but with it I have a 3.6. My overall is about 3.54 after 3 semesters, and I'm working my hardest for it to be 3.6 by law school admissions time.</p>
<p>Will top law schools (Columbia, NYU and Penn specifically) take into account the fact that I take a lot more classes than most students (I should graduate with about 46-48 classes when you need 34 to graduate), and have completed the requirements for 2 majors and 2 minors in 4 years?</p>