Breaking Barriers: What’s Your Major?

I’ve received a few questions on what is the right program to major in while in undergrad if your ultimate goal is law school. The great thing about law school is that you can actually major in anything and still get in (assuming you meet all the other criteria, obvi). When I was in school we had a ton of different degrees in my class–from dance, to biology, to a former gynecologist. Of course, there were a ton of poli sci degrees and finance as well. I majored in sociology, but if were to do it again I think I’d consider maybe a double-major in journalism or some other degree that’s more “ready to use” after graduation. But regardless, you can really major in anything you wish, which I know causes concern for pre-law students because they want to go into school ready and prepared.  Many schools offer pre-law programs, which can be helpful, but don’t feel like you MUST participate in that in order to get into law school because you really don’t.

My number one tip for students trying to determine what to major in, is to select something that will maintain your interest because your main goal in college (aside from graduating) is earning a high GPA. Always remember that your GPA is part of the two main numbers you need to strengthen in your law school application (LSAT being the other).

It’s my theory that if you pick something that strikes your interest and ignites a passion, you will want to give it your time and focus. Like, I really am interested in reading social theory, which would probably bore someone else, but that interest and passion kept me driven to do my work. If I had opted for another major, like say Econ, just because I thought that was the “right” major for law school, I would have been bored and dis-attached and likely wouldn’t have wanted to put in the effort in something that felt like a chore.

However, while you can absolutely major in anything before law school, you have to make sure that what your choice also shows potential schools that you are a 1) hard worker, 2) analytical, and 3) a complex thinker. I’m not about to throw shade, but I’m sure you can think of some degrees that don’t necessarily develop all three of these skills. So don’t go the easy way just because you can maintain a high GPA with a simple program. Rather pick something that requires effort that will allow you to show your potential law school that you are the type of student they want in their school.

Majoring in English, Economy, Philosophy–anything that requires a heavy reading load or basically anything in STEM will put you in better footing as you prepare your application process.  But it’s a delicate balance because while a Philosophy major may get you a little closer to law school, it’s a little harder to use in the “real world” so you need to be strategic as well because um, higher education is expensive and you don’t want to drown in debt from undergrad only to end up with a degree you can’t use without getting into further debt.  I know this is kind of circular advice, but the truth is that our education system is flawed af so unfortunately debt and loans is a constant we have to always consider.

Finally, when you choose your major you can think beyond law school. I don’t think my sociology degree was an incredible advantage when I applied to law school. Yet, I often use what I learned in social theory courses in my day to day practice. I’m able to discuss gender and race theory in my arguments when I advocate for clients and it has been to their benefit. So even if it didn’t help me get into law school, my degree has made me a better lawyer all-around. Ultimately, you should choose carefully, strategically, and always with the goal of making yourself a better advocate.