Page 1 of 1
Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:27 pm
by Mr.Binks
Hi all,
I am currently in a dilemma of choosing whether to pursue a double major in Economics and Philosophy or major in Economics and minor in Philosophy. At the moment, I already have my Philosophy minor completed, and need 15 more credit hours for my Economics major. I need 13 more Philosophy credit hours to make it a major. Additionally, I need 9 more credit hours of free electives in order to graduate, meaning I could use those for Philosophy.
All that being said, I have two questions: 1.) If I am applying to one of the more prestigious schools, will a double major look much better than a minor? and 2.) Will law school admissions consider the classes I take my senior year (i.e., will it matter if I take challenging classes my senior year as opposed to some challenging classes mixed with blow off classes like racquet ball or something)?
Thanks a lot everyone!

Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:29 pm
by bk1
Whichever gets you the highest GPA possible.
Seriously, schools aren't going to care one way or the other. Go major in underwater basketweaving and get a 4.0 if possible.
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:31 pm
by yngblkgifted
I briefly skimmed this because I already have the answer: No.
Law schools don't care AT ALL about majors, minors, double majors, etc. High GPA and High LSAT my friend. Good Luck!
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:32 pm
by AC1984
I don't think a double major vs single major really matters at all. Much more important to maximize GPA and softs while an undergrad
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:34 pm
by dpk711
Doesn't matter.
GPA matters.
LSAT matters more.
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:36 pm
by Mr.Binks
Thanks guys! However, I have a follow-up question: When they look at my GPA, will they look just at my cumulative GPA, or will it be only my major's GPA (i.e., only my Economics GPA)? I ask, because my Philosophy GPA blows my Economics GPA out of the water, despite it being my minor.
Thanks again!
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:37 pm
by dpk711
Mr.Binks wrote:Thanks guys! However, I have a follow-up question: When they look at my GPA, will they look just at my cumulative GPA, or will it be only my major's GPA (i.e., only my Economics GPA)? I ask, because my Philosophy GPA blows my Economics GPA out of the water, despite it being my minor.
Thanks again!
They will look primarily at your LSDAS GPA.
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 3:08 pm
by yngblkgifted
Take control of what you can. Instead of worrying about past grades you can't change, study for the LSAT!
Edit: Take some easy classes before you apply to schools to boost your GPA. But leave, I REPEAT, leave some easy classes for your last semester. Senioritis is a bitch, and you don't want to take difficult classes when she is around. I'm taking 12 easy credits with no classes on Thursday or Friday, and this is the hardest semester to finish by FAR because IDGAF anymore.
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:02 pm
by bk1
dpk711 wrote:Mr.Binks wrote:Thanks guys! However, I have a follow-up question: When they look at my GPA, will they look just at my cumulative GPA, or will it be only my major's GPA (i.e., only my Economics GPA)? I ask, because my Philosophy GPA blows my Economics GPA out of the water, despite it being my minor.
Thanks again!
They will look primarily at your LSDAS GPA.
And to be clear, the LSDAS GPA is made up of all college courses taken prior to receiving your first bachelor's (so yes, this includes community college courses taken in high school, but not a single class taken after you've gotten that first degree).
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:07 pm
by duckmoney
GPA being equal, I would think the double major, preferably in a respected discipline, would be better. They would look very favorably on a 3.9 double major in economics and history and would take that person over someone with a 3.9 in criminology and a bunch of rec sports courses of the transcript. That said, they would still take the 3.9 crim major over a 3.6 engineering major any day of the week.
Also, try to write a thesis in whatever major you do pursue. It's a nice soft to have that's attainable for most everyone who wants it. A lot of people do this, but if you don't it makes you look bad in comparison.
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:14 pm
by clone22
gpa is gpa is gpa. Take the easiest courses you possibly can to get your gpa up and still meet your major/minor requirements.
Re: Double major vs one major and a minor?
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 3:06 pm
by Mr.Binks
Sounds great! Thanks everyone. Racquetball and personal hygiene, here I come!
