Does majoring in hard science/engineering help? Forum

[cesium]

I assume a disproportionate number of applicants majored in political sci, philosophy, English, history, and economics. All else being equal (LSAT, GPA, softs, etc.), does an applicant who majored in a hard science (such as physics) or engineering (such as aerospace), but who otherwise has a clear interest in law (either through activities or work experience) have an advantage in admissions, perhaps by adding diversity to the class?

For which schools does this help/hurt the most?

[tiltedwindmill]

I have heard that Stanford and Berkley have a slight preference for STEM majors, however, if you have a 3.3 in EE and someone else has a 3.8 in communications, the latter will beat out the former (all things being equal) every-time.

Schools care about GPA and LSAT for USNWR rankings, and they do not get to put a * next to STEM majors.

[TigerDude]

sorry, but the consensus is it is a very minor advantage.

[Nova]

Does majoring in hard science/engineering help?

not really

[FXD]

Having the science background only really helps you in getting hired, not in getting admitted. The Game of Numbers always prevails.

[Lightworks]

Course difficulty is really only a factor for borderline candidates. A 3.6 in Chemistry beats a 3.6 in Mass Comm., but don't expect it to help much