Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school? Forum

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bows_and_toes

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Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by bows_and_toes » Tue Jul 13, 2010 12:15 pm

What are some specific classes that are beneficial in preparing someone for the LSAT/Law school? Ive seen general suggestions of English/Poli sci/Philosophy but I'm curious as to what classes specifically are good. For example, right now I'm taking Logic I (in the philosophy department). Anyone know of any other classes that really help one develop the skill set used in law school or with sections of the LSAT?

LoyolaLaw2012

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Re: Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by LoyolaLaw2012 » Tue Jul 13, 2010 12:19 pm

I found African Literature to be very beneficial. The reading forces you to reflect on what the author is trying to express, while providing good practice reading complicated text.

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holydonkey

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Re: Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by holydonkey » Tue Jul 13, 2010 12:22 pm

Here's a thread on LSAT scores by undergrad major - http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... =6&t=84465

I would imagine those subjects near the top of list would help and those at the bottom of the list wouldn't. So, whatever you do, don't take any prelaw or criminal justice courses.

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cinefile 17

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Re: Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by cinefile 17 » Tue Jul 13, 2010 12:33 pm

holydonkey wrote:Here's a thread on LSAT scores by undergrad major - http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... =6&t=84465

I would imagine those subjects near the top of list would help and those at the bottom of the list wouldn't. So, whatever you do, don't take any prelaw or criminal justice courses.

Your logic is flawed b.c. it assumes causation when only correlation can be determined. It is not proven that classes in those majors will help you prepare for the LSAT better. It is just as likely that people who chose those majors already have superb logic skills to begin with (therefore would have performed better on the LSAT anyway) or are use to having to study more for their classes (which causes them to naturally prepare harder for the LSAT). There are many different ways that the correlations in the chart shown can be explained.

To answer OPs question- I think you're best taking diverse classes. Take some classes that teach you good analytical reasoning (many quantitative classes) and also a lot of classes where you're forced to make arguments and read a lot (philosophy can be good for this).

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holydonkey

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Re: Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by holydonkey » Tue Jul 13, 2010 12:36 pm

cinefile 17 wrote:
holydonkey wrote:Here's a thread on LSAT scores by undergrad major - http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... =6&t=84465

I would imagine those subjects near the top of list would help and those at the bottom of the list wouldn't. So, whatever you do, don't take any prelaw or criminal justice courses.
Your logic is flawed b.c. it assumes causation when only correlation can be determined. It is not proven that classes in those majors will help you prepare for the LSAT better. It is just as likely that people who chose those majors already have superb logic skills to begin with (therefore would have performed better on the LSAT anyway) or are use to having to study more for their classes (which causes them to naturally prepare harder for the LSAT). There are many different ways that the correlations in the chart shown can be explained.
You sound fun.

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LoyolaLaw2012

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Re: Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by LoyolaLaw2012 » Tue Jul 13, 2010 12:38 pm

holydonkey wrote:
cinefile 17 wrote:
holydonkey wrote:Here's a thread on LSAT scores by undergrad major - http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... =6&t=84465

I would imagine those subjects near the top of list would help and those at the bottom of the list wouldn't. So, whatever you do, don't take any prelaw or criminal justice courses.
Your logic is flawed b.c. it assumes causation when only correlation can be determined. It is not proven that classes in those majors will help you prepare for the LSAT better. It is just as likely that people who chose those majors already have superb logic skills to begin with (therefore would have performed better on the LSAT anyway) or are use to having to study more for their classes (which causes them to naturally prepare harder for the LSAT). There are many different ways that the correlations in the chart shown can be explained.
You sound fun.
Yes, god forbid you give your opinion when asked. Some people need to loosen up.

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clintonius

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Re: Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by clintonius » Tue Jul 13, 2010 12:49 pm

I thought my logic class was pretty helpful for the LSAT. Can't speak to law school (yet).

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homestyle28

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Re: Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by homestyle28 » Tue Jul 13, 2010 12:58 pm

Personally I'd recommend any courses in the major areas of analytic philosophy: metaphysics, ethics, epistemology or language. You read challenging, argument based stuff which helps a ton on the reading. I have an MA in phil and felt that I didn't need to spend any time studying the LR or reading sections of the LSAT.

Eric475

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Re: Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by Eric475 » Tue Jul 13, 2010 1:06 pm

I'm a philosophy major and in prepping so far for the LSAT i feel that the reading comp and especially the LR sections are basically exactly what is taught during philosophy courses (basically informal logic).

Logic games are still kicking my ass though can't get them under control

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DaveBear07

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Re: Best under grad classes to prepare for LSAT/Law school?

Post by DaveBear07 » Tue Jul 13, 2010 1:50 pm

I think the most beneficial classes I took were 4 semesters of ancient Greek. My critical reading skills improved tremendously, as well as my understanding of langauge. I also really learned how to learn.

I've taken two semesters of Constitutional Law that I've also really enjoyed. I'll have to come back and let everyone know just how beneficial I found them to be... in a year when I start Law School.

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