There isn't a single "best" degree for law school; instead, law schools value a diverse range of undergraduate majors that demonstrate strong academic rigor and critical skill development. What matters most is choosing a field that genuinely interests you and allows you to cultivate the analytical, writing, and reasoning abilities essential for legal studies.
No Single "Best" Degree
Aspiring lawyers often consider traditional majors such as political science or history, but admissions committees welcome applicants from nearly any academic background. The key is to select a major that encourages intellectual curiosity and helps you build a strong foundation in essential skills. Many academic paths can lead to a successful law school application, provided they challenge you to think critically and express ideas clearly.
Here's a look at the breadth of majors considered valuable:
| Traditional Preparation for Law School | Diverse Undergraduate Fields |
|---|---|
| History | Art |
| English | Music |
| Philosophy | Science |
| Political Science | Mathematics |
| Economics | Computer Science |
| Business |
This wide acceptance of majors underscores that law schools are more interested in what you learned and how you learned it, rather than the specific subject matter itself.
Skills Valued by Law Schools
Regardless of your chosen major, developing specific skills during your undergraduate studies is paramount. Law schools seek candidates who possess:
- Critical Thinking and Analytical Reasoning: The ability to dissect complex problems, identify key issues, and construct logical arguments.
- Strong Writing and Communication: Proficiency in written and oral expression, including clarity, precision, and persuasiveness.
- Research Skills: The capacity to gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources.
- Problem-Solving: An aptitude for identifying solutions and anticipating consequences.
- Reading Comprehension: The ability to understand dense, complex texts and extract relevant information.
Majors that require extensive reading, research, writing, and logical argumentation—such as those listed above—naturally foster these abilities.
The Importance of Your Undergraduate Experience
Beyond your major, your overall undergraduate experience plays a significant role in your law school application. Admissions committees look for evidence of:
- Academic Excellence: A strong GPA in a challenging curriculum is a fundamental indicator of your ability to succeed in law school.
- Intellectual Engagement: Actively participating in discussions, pursuing independent research, or engaging with professors can demonstrate your intellectual curiosity.
- Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in clubs, organizations, or community service can highlight leadership, teamwork, and commitment.
- Work Experience: Part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering can provide valuable professional skills and demonstrate responsibility.
Ultimately, choosing a major that you are passionate about and can excel in will likely lead to a stronger academic record and a more compelling law school application than simply selecting a "pre-law" major you don't enjoy. Focus on developing the foundational skills, maintaining a high GPA, and preparing thoroughly for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
For more detailed guidance on preparing for law school, consider resources from organizations like the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) or the American Bar Association (ABA).
