6 answers
Lily
Student
Eagle River, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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Does it matter what I go to college for as long as I graduate college to get into law school?
I would like to go to college for Respiratory Therapy and then go to law school, does it matter as long as I graduate college to go into Law School eventually?
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6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Lily the American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any specific undergraduate major to students who want to become a lawyer. Instead, the organization suggests that any student planning to become a lawyer select an undergraduate major that interests and challenges them.
Your undergraduate major should offer coursework that develops your research, critical reading and writing skills. It’s best to choose a major that provides a well-rounded education through a variety of courses. Your major should challenge you to learn more about the subjects you enjoy.
While law schools do consider your major, they also look at your undergraduate GPA. A high undergraduate GPA may demonstrate that you take your education seriously and can put in the work needed to complete a juris doctor (JD) and become a successful lawyer. For this reason, you should choose a major in which you will excel at Lily.
I hope this has been helpful Lily
Your undergraduate major should offer coursework that develops your research, critical reading and writing skills. It’s best to choose a major that provides a well-rounded education through a variety of courses. Your major should challenge you to learn more about the subjects you enjoy.
While law schools do consider your major, they also look at your undergraduate GPA. A high undergraduate GPA may demonstrate that you take your education seriously and can put in the work needed to complete a juris doctor (JD) and become a successful lawyer. For this reason, you should choose a major in which you will excel at Lily.
I hope this has been helpful Lily
Thank You Michelle. Your support and mentorship has made a huge impact on me.
Doc Frick
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
There is normally no pre-requisite major, to get into law school.
In my advising career, I have witnessed biology and chemistry majors go on to law school and then legal careers.
It is recommended that you have some knowledge of history, social sciences, and political science, and this can be attained usually through completing general university requirements.
In my advising career, I have witnessed biology and chemistry majors go on to law school and then legal careers.
It is recommended that you have some knowledge of history, social sciences, and political science, and this can be attained usually through completing general university requirements.
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Lily,
You just need a bachelors. It doesn't matter in what. Most students planning to go to law school opt for something that teaches critical thinking, reading, writing and speech like english or political science, but incoming law students have all kinds of degrees. Focus on getting a good GPA and also a high score in the admission test.
Your choice of undergrad degree could be a topic for your personal statement. Medical knowledge could be useful if you plan to work for a pharma company or a hospital or in medical malpractice. It would also allow you to work part-time while you study to finance school.
You find the some general information on the requirements and the application process here:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/law-school-requirements
https://law.onu.edu/news/law-school-admissions-101-typical-law-school-requirements-prerequisites
Please also check with the schools you would consider what their specific requirements are and work with the admissions office.
I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey!
KP
You just need a bachelors. It doesn't matter in what. Most students planning to go to law school opt for something that teaches critical thinking, reading, writing and speech like english or political science, but incoming law students have all kinds of degrees. Focus on getting a good GPA and also a high score in the admission test.
Your choice of undergrad degree could be a topic for your personal statement. Medical knowledge could be useful if you plan to work for a pharma company or a hospital or in medical malpractice. It would also allow you to work part-time while you study to finance school.
You find the some general information on the requirements and the application process here:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/law-school-requirements
https://law.onu.edu/news/law-school-admissions-101-typical-law-school-requirements-prerequisites
Please also check with the schools you would consider what their specific requirements are and work with the admissions office.
I hope this helps. Good luck on your journey!
KP
Jonathan Huang
Attorney
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Hi Lily,
The law school you go to is largely dependent on your undergraduate GPA and LSAT score, with some weight given to things such as your major, the undergraduate school you attend, and extra curricular activities. For the most part, it won't matter that you major in Respiratory Therapy, though you may want to give some thought on what classes might be beneficial for you and law school (e.g., writing) in the long term.
Also, Intellectual Property law has some undergraduate requirements if you ever want to pursue patent prosecution as a career. For patent prosecution, you will need to meet the requirements to be a member of the USPTO patent bar (see https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/patent-and-trademark-practitioners/becoming-patent-practitioner for more info). Note, this only applies to patent prosecution, so if you ever want to be a general IP attorney (litigation or transactional), this won't apply to you.
Hope this helps and good luck!
The law school you go to is largely dependent on your undergraduate GPA and LSAT score, with some weight given to things such as your major, the undergraduate school you attend, and extra curricular activities. For the most part, it won't matter that you major in Respiratory Therapy, though you may want to give some thought on what classes might be beneficial for you and law school (e.g., writing) in the long term.
Also, Intellectual Property law has some undergraduate requirements if you ever want to pursue patent prosecution as a career. For patent prosecution, you will need to meet the requirements to be a member of the USPTO patent bar (see https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/patent-and-trademark-practitioners/becoming-patent-practitioner for more info). Note, this only applies to patent prosecution, so if you ever want to be a general IP attorney (litigation or transactional), this won't apply to you.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Camille Uy
Learning Designer
3
Answers
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Camille’s Answer
Hello Lily! When you're considering grad school or law school, the specific institution where you achieved your undergraduate degree or the exact nature of that degree isn't typically a crucial factor. What they'll focus on is identifying the courses or subjects from your previous study that align with the curriculum of the semester you're planning to enroll in. If there's only a small number of these compatible subjects, it's common that they'll suggest you undertake some bridging courses. These are designed to supplement your existing knowledge and bring it into line with the key subjects in law school. I hope you find this information useful!
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
It does not make or break. Sure if you go to a well-established school you will have better opportunities but as long as you have good grades, leadership, a good exam score and experience, you should be fine.