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Pre-law major suggestions?

I have my heart set on law school after my undergrad. In light of that, can anyone suggest the best college major that would prepare me for law school? I've heard Political Science and Philosophy are strong contenders, but are there other good options?

5 months ago

Choosing a major for pre-law is less about selecting a specific "pre-law" track and more about challenging yourself academically and thriving in a subject that you're passionate about. That being said, there are indeed certain fields which may help you garner some skills useful in law school. As you mentioned, Political Science and Philosophy are often chosen by pre-law students due to their strong focus on critical thinking, but they're far from the only options.

Something like English or History can also be great choices for a pre-law student. These majors solidify your critical reading and writing skills, which are essential for success in law school. English majors practice interpreting complex texts, an ability you'll use frequently when reading court cases and legal briefs. History majors similarly read plenty of primary and secondary texts, and they also learn to understand the context in which laws and legal systems developed.

Economics and Business are other options. These fields could give you a better understanding of the financial aspects of law, which can be valuable especially if you're interested in corporate law or anything related to finance.

Also worth considering is a major in Criminal Justice, especially if you're keen on criminal law. You'll develop an understanding of the legal system, plus an awareness of social issues that often come up in legal cases.

Whatever you choose, consider supplementing your main coursework with classes that hone your writing abilities, since well-developed written communication skills are crucial for success in law. Similarly, courses in logic or argumentation can be valuable, whether they're in philosophy, communication, or another department.

Remember, law schools value diversity in their student bodies, so there's no single "right" major. It's most important to choose a field you're genuinely interested in – your enthusiasm will translate into more robust involvement and hopefully better grades, which law schools will certainly notice.

5 months ago

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