There is no single best major for law school; law schools generally admit students from every field and look for strong grades, sharp reading and writing, and a solid LSAT score. Most pre-law students plan for the LSAT in the year or so before they apply, and many now work for a year or more first. The best preparation is a demanding course load, real writing and meaningful experience.
Is there a best major for law school?
No. Pre-law is usually an advising track, not a major. Law schools generally say they do not require any particular field, and successful applicants come from the humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering and business. What matters more is that the major builds the skills law school uses.
- Close reading of dense, complex material.
- Writing clear, well-organized arguments, with feedback from professors.
- Analysis: weighing evidence, spotting assumptions and reasoning through problems.
- Speaking and defending a position.
Choose a major you can do well in, since grades carry real weight. Political science, history, philosophy, English and economics are common choices, but they are not required. See what you can do with a political science degree, a philosophy degree and our guide to choosing a major.
A rough four-year plan
First and second year
- Meet your college’s pre-law advisor and learn what resources the college offers.
- Take classes that require heavy reading and writing, and get to know a few professors well. See talking to professors in office hours.
- Protect your GPA. A strong record from the start is easier than repairing one. See raising your college GPA.
- Join one or two activities you can grow in, such as debate, student government, a publication or service work.
Third year
- Take a practice LSAT to see where you stand.
- Look for an internship or job in a legal or policy setting to test your interest. See college internships.
- Ask the professors who know your work well whether they would write letters later.
- Decide whether you want to apply straight through or work first.
Fourth year and beyond
- If applying straight through, aim to have your test done and your application ready early in the fall.
- Draft and revise your personal statement with feedback from your advisor and the writing center.
- If working first, choose a job that builds skills and gives you something to say about why you want law.
When to plan for the LSAT
The LSAT tests reading comprehension and reasoning, and it is offered several times a year. Many students take it the summer before senior year or during senior year if applying straight through; others take it while working. Plan a study period of several months, and leave room to retake it if needed. Many law schools review applications on a rolling basis, so submitting earlier in the cycle is generally an advantage. Check test dates and policies directly, and confirm which tests each law school accepts.
Experiences that help a pre-law student
- Work experience of any kind that shows responsibility and maturity. Many applicants work for a year or more before applying.
- Legal or policy exposure, such as an internship, a job at a firm or a government or nonprofit role, to confirm law is the right fit.
- Writing-heavy work such as research papers, a thesis or student journalism.
- Leadership and service where you took on real responsibility, not just membership.
- Conversations with lawyers about what the work is actually like day to day.
Before committing, read how to become a lawyer for the full path past college, and what the first year at a law firm is like for a sense of the job. Law school is a large financial commitment, so talk with financial aid offices and check studentaid.gov before borrowing. If you are weighing graduate school more broadly, see should I go to grad school.
Where a mentor helps
Pre-law success comes from steady work over several years: strong grades, a well-timed LSAT plan, writing that improves and experiences chosen on purpose. A mentor helps a student turn that into a weekly plan, stay accountable to a study schedule and think through whether to apply straight through or work first. Mentors are not pre-law advisors, admissions counselors or attorneys; they help students act on that advice. Learn more about mentoring for college students or browse career paths.
Related
- Pre-med in college: a year-by-year roadmap
- A gap year before professional school
- Double major vs minor
- College success guides
- First Year of Graduate School: How to Find Your Footing
- Parents of First-Generation College Students: How to Help
Common questions
What is the best major for pre-law?
There is no required or best major. Choose one you will do well in that builds reading, writing and reasoning skills, since grades and the LSAT carry real weight.
When should I take the LSAT?
Many students take it the summer before senior year or during senior year if applying straight through; others take it while working. Leave time for a possible retake.
Should I work before law school?
Many applicants do, and work experience can strengthen an application and confirm interest in law. Talk it through with your pre-law advisor.
Do I need a legal internship to get into law school?
It is not required, but legal or policy experience helps you confirm law is the right fit and gives you something specific to write about.
Get started
Want a mentor to keep a pre-law plan on schedule? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.