Keith Mack
Law school is a highly competitive academic program with rigorous entrance requirements. While there is no prerequisite major or set of classes, certain undergraduate majors are considered traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics, and business. These majors can help develop the research, writing, and critical thinking skills necessary for law school. However, law schools tend to prefer students with a variety of courses, and admissions committees consider a range of factors beyond an applicant's major, including LSAT scores, GPA, and extracurricular activities.
Characteristics of majoring in law
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites | None; law school does not require that you major in anything specific or take certain classes before applying |
| Important factors for admission | LSAT score, GPA, personal statement, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities |
| Helpful skills | Analytical reasoning, communication, research, critical reading, writing, problem-solving, public speaking, presentation skills |
| Recommended subjects | History, English, philosophy, political science, economics, business, biology |
| Other considerations | Choose a subject you're passionate about and will excel in; consider a variety of courses; an unusual major can be a strength if connected to your career goals |
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What You'll Learn
- There is no required major to get into law school
- Law school admissions consider GPA and LSAT scores
- Majors that can help prepare for law school include history, English, and philosophy
- Extracurricular activities such as internships and debate can help law school applications
- Law school is a rigorous academic program that can lead to a six-figure salary
There is no required major to get into law school
It's a common misconception that you need to major in a particular subject to get into law school. In reality, law schools care much more about your LSAT score and your GPA. In fact, the American Bar Association (ABA) states that they do not recommend any specific major for undergraduates or coursework to prepare for law school.
While some universities may offer pre-law majors and programs, there is no specific undergraduate degree required for law school. Students have been admitted to law school from nearly every academic discipline, according to the ABA. While majoring in English, political science, business, economics, or philosophy may be considered traditional preparation for law school, there isn't a single best major that will guarantee success.
However, that's not to say that your choice of major doesn't matter at all. Law schools want to see that you've taken challenging classes and that you're passionate about your chosen field. They also want to see that you have strong skills in analytical reasoning and communication, both written and oral. So, when choosing your major, look for something that will allow you to develop these skills and that you're genuinely interested in.
Taking a wide variety of courses, including traditional liberal arts classes like social sciences, humanities, physical sciences, and mathematics, can also be beneficial. Participating in activities that foster your public speaking and presentation skills can also enhance your application. Additionally, consider taking courses that will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for law school, such as finding and gathering information from multiple sources, reading long and complex documents, and synthesizing information.
Finally, don't forget that your extracurricular activities and personal statement are also important components of your law school application. Interning at a law office, joining the school debate team, and getting involved in public service and the promotion of justice can all help to strengthen your application.
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Law school admissions consider GPA and LSAT scores
Law schools are highly competitive and selective, and while there is no prerequisite major for admission, certain skills and academic criteria must be met. Law schools consider a candidate's entire academic transcript and take a holistic approach to evaluating applicants. However, LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA are the key determining factors in law school admissions.
GPA
The undergraduate GPA plays a significant role in the law school admissions process. Admissions officers tend to care more about the grades achieved at the institution where the applicant received their undergraduate degree. They consider the difficulty of the courses and the overall academic performance, not just the cumulative GPA. Law schools also evaluate GPAs in the context of the specific institution, considering the grade distribution and the school's reputation.
LSAT Scores
The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a crucial standardised test for law school admissions. A good LSAT score is generally considered to be above 160, with the most competitive schools requiring scores of 170 and above. The LSAT assesses reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning, all of which are essential skills for law students.
Other Considerations
While GPA and LSAT scores are the most important quantitative factors, law schools also consider other aspects of an applicant's profile. Letters of recommendation, personal statements, extracurricular activities, internships, and relevant experiences can all enhance an application. Additionally, strong analytical reasoning and communication skills, both written and oral, are highly valued by admissions committees.
In conclusion, while law school admissions are highly dependent on GPA and LSAT scores, it is important to remember that a holistic evaluation is conducted, and a well-rounded application with a diverse set of skills and experiences can increase an applicant's chances of admission.
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Majors that can help prepare for law school include history, English, and philosophy
While there is no prerequisite undergraduate major for getting into law school, certain majors can help prepare you for the rigors of law school. Law school admissions teams look for candidates with strong analytical reasoning and communication skills, both written and oral. Majors that can help prepare you for law school include:
History
History is considered a traditional pre-law major. It provides future law students with context for legislation and an understanding of how important legal systems and precedents were created. History majors conduct research, write papers, and learn to comprehend difficult texts—all skills that are useful in law school.
English
Although the relationship between being a lawyer and English may not be obvious, the law requires a heavy emphasis on reading and writing. English programs emphasize reading, writing, and critical thinking, which serve as a robust foundation for the many challenges of law school. English majors develop proficiency in research and learn to craft persuasive arguments and defend positions in writing.
Philosophy
Philosophy is another traditional pre-law major. It encourages students to flex their logic and reasoning muscles, which are important skills for lawyers who must support their interpretation of events or material by citing evidence. Philosophy majors develop the ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and precision, a skill that proves invaluable when constructing legal arguments and engaging in persuasive communication.
In addition to these majors, other popular pre-law options include political science, economics, sociology, international relations, and communications. Ultimately, the best major for law school is the one that you are most passionate about and can excel in.
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Extracurricular activities such as internships and debate can help law school applications
Law school is one of the most competitive academic programs to get into. While good grades and test scores are important, extracurricular activities such as internships and debate can strengthen your application and reveal your character, skills, and interests.
Internships, whether in a legal office or another field, can provide great material for a personal statement. They demonstrate your ability to handle relevant responsibilities like time management, problem-solving, and client service. They also show your commitment to the legal field and can help you develop relationships with supervisors who can later write recommendation letters. These letters can emphasise strengths that may not be apparent in the classroom, such as your work ethic and ability to take direction.
Participating in debate or other group activities can also showcase your ability to work with others, take direction, and support teammates—all important qualities for lawyers. It is important to show that you can take on challenging supporting roles and work with colleagues and counterparts to get things done. Law schools may be wary of applicants who only participate in activities if they are in charge, so it is beneficial to demonstrate your ability to be a team player.
In addition to internships and debate, other extracurricular activities can also strengthen your application. For example, jobs or volunteer activities can demonstrate similar skills and experiences as internships. Overall, extracurricular activities can help law school applicants showcase their character and skills, making them an important component of the application process.
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Law school is a rigorous academic program that can lead to a six-figure salary
Law school is a challenging academic programme to get into, and it is also rigorous once you are enrolled. However, it can be well worth the effort, as it can lead to a six-figure salary.
While there is no prerequisite major for law school, certain skills are required to be successful in the field. Lawyers need to be skilled at finding and gathering information from multiple sources, reading long, complex documents, and synthesising information. They also need strong analytical reasoning and communication skills, both written and oral.
To prepare for these requirements, students can take a variety of courses, including traditional liberal arts classes like social sciences, humanities, physical sciences, and mathematics. Activities that foster public speaking and presentation skills can also be beneficial. Some of the most popular pre-law majors include political science, history, English, philosophy, and economics. These majors can provide a strong foundation for law school by developing critical reading, writing, and thinking skills, as well as offering context for legislation and an understanding of how legal systems work.
Pursuing a major that one is passionate about is also recommended, as it can lead to higher engagement and better grades. Malak Tahaili, a law student at the University of Detroit Mercy, initially majored in biology because she wanted to go to dental school. However, she later decided to pursue a legal education and combined her biology degree with her law studies to specialise in patent law.
The law school a student attends can also impact their future salary. Graduates from higher-ranked law schools tend to earn higher salaries, and some schools have a history of placing graduates in corporate law firms that offer high starting salaries. For example, among the 130 ranked law schools that reported data, the median private sector salary for 2022 graduates ranged from $52,000 to $215,000, with nine schools reporting salaries above $202,000. However, it is important to note that starting salaries in the public sector are typically much lower, which can make it challenging to pay off student loans.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to major in pre-law to get into law school. In fact, pre-law is not a major. You can major in absolutely anything and apply to law school. However, certain courses of study do prepare you better than others.
There are no prerequisite courses you must take to be considered for law school. However, you may choose to major in subjects that are considered to be traditional preparation for law school, such as history, English, philosophy, political science, economics or business. These majors can help prepare you for the LSAT.
Aside from your major, you can take classes on law and legal history to prepare for law school. You can also join clubs such as debate, newspaper, and writing clubs to help cultivate important skills for law school. Additionally, seeking out internships with law firms, courts, and legal organizations can help you gain experience in the field.
