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Weird Question
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:35 pm
by pigoso
Hi everyone,
I'm thinking of applying to law school, however, I was just wondering, would having a science background be disadvantageous? I know that there is no recommended major for law school, but would having a life science degree be bad because it makes it look like I was rejected from med school and that's why I'm applying to law instead? Or am I just worrying too much
Thanks.
Re: Weird Question
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:36 pm
by acr
No.
Having a low GPA makes you look bad.
Re: Weird Question
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:38 pm
by jnwa
Science background helps if anything.
Re: Weird Question
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 12:12 am
by Rigo
What they said. You're overthinking it. Just get the highest GPA possible.
Re: Weird Question
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 12:30 am
by chooy
Why is this a weird question
No there's no disadvantage
Re: Weird Question
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:49 am
by Mikey
Not a weird question, but law schools don't care much about your major honestly. Your GPA and LSAT are what they mainly care about, so major in whatever you want as long as your GPA doesn't suffer.
Re: Weird Question
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 12:31 pm
by Blueprint Mithun
pigoso wrote:Hi everyone,
I'm thinking of applying to law school, however, I was just wondering, would having a science background be disadvantageous? I know that there is no recommended major for law school, but would having a life science degree be bad because it makes it look like I was rejected from med school and that's why I'm applying to law instead? Or am I just worrying too much
Thanks.
It definitely isn't considered disadvantageous. Law schools don't really care what you majored in, and they aren't going to let any assumptions about what path you might have taken factor into your admissions. Your personal statement is where you get to explain why you want to go to law school - as long as you make a convincing, well-written case, you'll be fine.
Your grades are what matter. They'll receive your full undergraduate transcript(s), so if you took some challenging classes, then that's also a plus. However, it's not like they're expecting or placing any value on law-related coursework, unless that factors into what you said on your personal statement. What they're looking for is your performance as a student, which they'll use to gauge your potential as a law student.
The reason why there are so many humanities majors in law school? Well, a lot of students on the poli sci./history/philosophy track plan on doing law in the first place. Law requires strong reading/writing skills as well, so there's another correlation. But critical thinking and the ability to absorb and understand technical language are also big pluses, which a science background will help with as much, if not more, than any humanities background.