Students often ask us which classes they should take or what they should major in if they plan to go to law school. The short answer is:
“Take what you enjoy and what you’re good at.”
Why is this?
Because law schools don’t really care what you take in your undergrad as long as you do well. They look primarily at your GPA and LSAT score when determining whether or not to admit you into law school. So taking what you’re good at means you’re more likely to have that higher GPA and get accepted to law school. Also, if you like what you’re taking your more likely to be committed for four years and succeed in your studies.
While, law school admissions officers are heavily focused on your GPA and LSAT, many also take into account you as a person. This involves looking at reference letters, extra-curricular activities and your general good character and involvement in everything from sports teams and charities to your past employment. All of this can be impacted by your educational choices. If you study what you love you’re more likely to standout in class and to participate in extra-curricular activities that employ the skills you are learning. Excelling in class and in these activities thereby earning you respect and a reputation that may help with your future reference letters.
Studying what you love will also make it much easier to write a compelling personal statement when applying to law school.
What you study in undergrad can also impact what area of law you end up practicing in. For example if you study biology or engineering you may choose to practice intellectual property law, or if you study business you may practice corporate or securities law. However, you can always change your mind. I know engineering majors who practice family law and gender studies majors who practice corporate law. Your choice in courses may influence you but it won’t railroad you into any one area of legal practice.
So, as you’ve probably heard before, do what you love and the money, or in this case, the law school, will follow.
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Greg Smith
Greg took the LSAT in 2002 receiving a high score that got him into the law school of his choice. This led him to teach LSAT classes while attending law school at the University of British Columbia and continued teaching while practicing law with top international law firms Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and later Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP, in the area of Securities and Capital Markets. Read more
