Engineering to Law School Forum

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lawschooler38

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Engineering to Law School

Post by lawschooler38 » Tue Sep 23, 2014 1:32 pm

I am currently a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in English. I have always considered law school, but am leaning more and more seriously in that direction. Can anyone tell me what law schools think about applicants with an Engineering degree?
For example, I hear a lot of people discussing how important GPA is, will schools be more relaxed about GPA for those with a more difficult major? (My GPA is currently 3.9, but I don't envision it staying that high) Any advice or tips would be helpful.

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BillPackets

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Re: Engineering to Law School

Post by BillPackets » Tue Sep 23, 2014 1:39 pm

y dont u become an engineer i hear the labor market for engineers is pretty good

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rion91

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Re: Engineering to Law School

Post by rion91 » Tue Sep 23, 2014 1:39 pm

GPA is half of the equation. Keep it as high as you cna. You'll get some leeway but don't depend on it. But really GPA is everything so if you're decided on law school just enroll in the easiest classes while keeping your engineering major.

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pancakes3

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Re: Engineering to Law School

Post by pancakes3 » Tue Sep 23, 2014 1:40 pm

For all practical purposes, they won't have leniency on your major. The only benefit your science major offers is that you're eligible for patent law. Also, don't think that you're too unique in having a technical background. There is a good chunk of people in LS with STEM backgrounds because they don't want to pursue a PhD in their hard science, go to med school, or be an engineer.

hurldes

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Re: Engineering to Law School

Post by hurldes » Tue Sep 23, 2014 2:00 pm

I agree with the above posters. No lenience for harder majors. But stick with engineering because you'll have a much easier time getting a job after law school with an engineering degree (even if it is mechanical rather than electrical). As far as post LS marketability goes, electrical/computer engineering is the best... then I'm not sure what comes next. Mechanical? Chemical?

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Attax

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Re: Engineering to Law School

Post by Attax » Tue Sep 23, 2014 2:10 pm

This is merely anecdotal, but I think the other posters are wrong. I came from STEM and in discussions with adcomms had them consider my STEM background and look at my GPA and all mentioned how it wasn't a big deal having a lower GPA since I was from STEM. In general though, keeping it high would be better. I think any benefits are marginal at best.

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