Preparation for the Study of Law

Majors and Minors

Law schools do not prefer any major course of study over another! In fact, because law schools seek broad diversity in their classes, having an unusual major can be to your advantage. DO NOT choose a major because of how you think law schools will react to it! In general, your major per se is a relatively minor factor in the law school admissions process. Choose a major that you thoroughly enjoy, one in which you can excel, and one that will give you an alternate career or graduate study opportunity should you change your mind about law school.

It is important to follow an academic interest in which you enjoy being immersed for hours at a time (e.g., reading and studying). Expect to make up your mind and then change it at least once. Don't be surprised if finding a major takes a long time, since experience (taking courses, experiencing multiple professors), reflection, soliciting advice, and increasing maturity are crucial elements of this process that cannot be rushed.

Note: having a double major, or multiple minors, can be impressive to some extent, especially if the areas involve skills that contrast with one another. However, they will not compensate for a lower grade point average or for a lower LSAT score. Choose a second major and/or minors because they suit your interests and your intellectual path, and again, not because of how you think law schools will react to them.

For detailed information on particular majors and law school admissions, read the HPPLC publications: Selecting a Major for Law School, and Law School Admissions-Questions & Answers for Freshmen and Sophomores.