I just recently filled out an application for a college & I put down that I want to major in Criminal Justice along with a minor of Political Science. Would this sound like a good way to get into law school? I’d prefer if someone with experience with law law could answer this question, please.
#1 by Odd Job on 11/29/2011 - 1:36 AM
These are fine degrees, but so are any other degrees. It really does not matter what you major in. What does matter is how good your grades are, and how good your basic skills are–reading, writing and critical analysis.
#2 by answerer8462 on 11/29/2011 - 2:22 AM
There is no recommended major to get into law school. It really does not matter, as long as you do well on your LSAT and excel in your major. The best way to be successful in a major is to find a subject you are passionate about and pursue it. Your passion will manifest in your grades and your intellect, all of which will help you become a lawyer.
#3 by Blueprint MS on 11/29/2011 - 2:32 AM
If your goal is to set yourself up to get into the best law school you can, then you want to pick a major in which you’ll receive the highest GPA. Much more than the classes you take, the degree you receive, and the major you pick, your GPA will determine law school admissions decisions. Avoid basketweaving or Simpsons-ology and any other major will be, more or less, equal in the eyes of law schools.
I would recommend finding something in which you have a great interest, as then going to classes will be interesting and you’ll have an easier time focusing. Picking a major you love will afford you the chance to get a great GPA without having to ‘try’, as it will feel more like you’re doing something you want than trying to learn difficult and obscure material.
As a quick aside, most pre-law or legal studies programs (including Criminal Justice) are viewed as something as a joke by those associated with law schools. They’re generally law school lite, only without the great taste of Diet Dr. Pepper (because you kids don’t know what Miller Lite tastes like, right?). Most law professors view the knowledge gained in them (and the writing skills developed) as a detriment to a proper legal education, as you have to unlearn some of the stuff you think you know.