Undergrad Major Forum

[jci007]

Hello,

I am currently an Undergraduate Freshman at University at Buffalo. I am trying to decide whether or not to stick with my economics major, switch to political science, or do both Political Science and Economics. My reason for potentially switching to Political Science is that it would give me a better shot at a higher GPA compared to Economics. However, I recognize that doing both could set me apart major wise.

What are your suggestions?

Thank you in advance

[TragicBronson]

Higher GPA trumps any consideration of what you majored in. So if you really think that switching to poli sci will help, do it. The double major won't add anything, I wouldn't bother.

[jci007]

Thank you for the advice. I just didn't know if the double major would set me apart necessarily.

[zot1]

Switch to engineering.

[Dcc617]

Econ major is objectively better than poli sci. For life. You have no idea if you're still going to want to go to law school in a few years, so pick a major you like and that has some ability to help get you a job. It's way too early to start orienting your whole college career towards law school.

[poptart123]

Higher GPA is objectively better. I've always found studying subjects that I enjoy, regardless of perceived difficulty, gives me a better GPA probably because I am more engaged and like the topics.

Also I imagine there aren't a lot of jobs running around for 4 year econ or polisci majors so that aspect might not matter too much.

[White Dwarf]

From UB, neither of those majors is likely to lead to anything in and of themselves. Having some background in econ is useful for law school, but there's no need to major in it. Writing and critical reading are by far the two most important skills to develop, and political science should help you more in that regard.

Academic standards at SUNY schools are pretty lousy. You should be able to pull a 3.9+ in either of those if you make a reasonable effort (ie. more than what 85% of your classmates will give).

[oshberg28]

Higher GPA trumps any consideration of what you majored in. So if you really think that switching to poli sci will help, do it. The double major won't add anything, I wouldn't bother.

Higher GPA trumps, yes - but this is awful advice to give to a freshman. Major in what you are interested in and what you can use in a job. Polisci is a mostly useless degree. What happens if you change your mind about law school, or if you don't do as well and your GPA isn't that great? Now you're stuck with a mostly useless degree that will do little to secure you a job (or won't help you in getting into law school if your GPA isn't great). Don't worry about law school now - just do well in school.

[AlabamaLawyer1988]

Kid....I'm here to tell you that your undergraduate major has about as much bearing on whether you are admitted as what you ate for breakfast on July 5th 1999. You ever heard that song, "All about dat bass?" When it comes to law school admissions, its ALL about dat LSAT score. 4.0 in Chemical Engineering + 159 LSAT = REJECT. 2.0 in interracial porn and sorostitutes + 175 = AUTO ADMIT

[srtabrawer]

Switch to engineering.

Best advice ITT.

Between econ and poli sci, do econ - it's a no brainer. Poli sci grads don't get jobs.

Regardless, you shouldn't make your decisions in undergrad with the sole goal of going to law school. You should explore your non-law options first.

[zot1]

To seem impressive during your high school reunion.

[poptart123]

has about as much bearing on whether you are admitted as what you ate for breakfast on July 5th 1999.

Which, in OP's case, if he is a traditional student, was probably baby food and breast milk. OP, the advice in here is solid. Study what you love/what will get you a job/what will get you a high GPA. If you can combine all 3 of those, more power to you.