Choosing a college major is one of the first big decisions for aspiring lawyers. But here’s the good news: there is no required “pre-law” major. That’s right—law schools accept students from nearly every academic background.
However, your major does matter when it comes to developing the skills and knowledge that will set you up for success in law school and beyond.
If you’re wondering what to study, this guide will break it all down—the best pre-law majors, emerging trends, GPA vs. LSAT importance, key skills to develop, and even insights from Reddit and industry discussions. Let’s dive in.
Do Law Schools Care About Your Major?
Law school admissions are heavily weighted toward two things:
- Your GPA (stronger grades boost your chances)
- Your LSAT score (a high LSAT can outweigh a lower GPA)
That means the best major is one where you can excel academically while also developing the critical thinking and writing skills needed for law school.
However, your major still sends a signal about your abilities. Some majors tend to score higher on the LSAT and align better with legal studies.
Best College Majors for Aspiring Lawyers
While you can apply to law school from any major, some fields offer a stronger foundation in legal reasoning, writing, and analysis. Based on data from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), these are the most popular and effective pre-law majors:
1. Political Science
- Most common major for law school applicants
- Focuses on government, law, and public policy
- Median LSAT Score: 156
- Median GPA: 3.56
Good for: Students who enjoy legal theory, government, and advocacy.
2. Philosophy
- Develops analytical reasoning and logic skills
- One of the highest LSAT-scoring majors
- Median LSAT Score: 157+
- Median GPA: 3.59
Good for: Deep thinkers, debaters, and those who enjoy logical puzzles.
3. History
- Explores legal systems, precedents, and case law
- Strengthens research and critical analysis skills
- Median LSAT Score: 156
- Median GPA: 3.55
Good for: Students who love historical context, legal evolution, and writing.
4. English
- Sharpens reading, writing, and argumentation skills
- Helps with legal writing and case briefs
- Median LSAT Score: 155
- Median GPA: 3.50
Good for: Students who enjoy writing, editing, and persuasive argumentation.
5. Economics
- Best for students interested in corporate or tax law
- Combines quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Highest LSAT median score: 160
- Median GPA: 3.62
Good for: Those who enjoy finance, logical problem-solving, and business law.
Emerging Trends: Are STEM Majors the Next Big Thing?
In recent years, law schools have started actively seeking applicants from STEM fields, especially for specialties like patent law, cybersecurity, and intellectual property.
Why? STEM majors:
- Develop analytical and logical thinking (key for LSAT)
- Stand out in a pool of social science applicants
- Can specialize in high-demand legal fields
Top STEM Majors for Law School:
- Engineering (Computer, Electrical, Bioengineering) – Great for patent law
- Mathematics & Physics – Highest LSAT scores across all majors
- Biology & Chemistry – Ideal for healthcare and environmental law
If you have a STEM background, you may be in higher demand for niche areas of law with fewer specialists.
What Matters More: GPA or LSAT?
Let’s be real—your major means nothing if your GPA tanks.
Law school admissions formula:
- Strong GPA + Strong LSAT = Competitive application
- Average GPA + High LSAT = Still solid (LSAT is weighted more)
- Low GPA + Low LSAT = Tough admissions road
Strategy Tip: Pick a major where you can maintain a high GPA, then focus on LSAT prep to maximize your score.
What Skills Should You Develop?
Regardless of your major, aspiring lawyers should focus on building these skills:
- Critical Thinking & Logic – Take philosophy or logic courses
- Writing & Communication – Join debate teams, write for your school newspaper
- Research & Analysis – Work on long-form essays, learn legal citation styles
- Time Management – Law school is intense; build good habits now
- Public Speaking & Persuasion – Get comfortable speaking and defending arguments
Reddit Insights: What Do Law Students and Lawyers Say?
We scanned hundreds of Reddit threads where law students and lawyers share their experiences. Here’s what they said:
- “Major in something you actually like. You’ll get better grades.”
- “Philosophy and math majors crush the LSAT because of logical reasoning.”
- “STEM majors stand out. Law schools want diversity in applicants.”
- “Double majoring doesn’t help much. Focus on GPA + LSAT instead.”
- “History was a great major because I got used to reading dense material.”
Takeaway: Pick a major you love, focus on GPA, and build the right skills.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Pre-Law Majors
Is “Pre-Law” a Good Major?
No. Law schools don’t prefer it because it’s often too general. Go for a major that strengthens skills like reading, writing, and logic.
What’s the Easiest Major for Law School?
There’s no “easy” major, but English, Political Science, and History tend to have less math-heavy coursework, making them more manageable for some students.
Do Law Schools Care if I Double Major?
Not really. It won’t give you a big advantage—focus on GPA and LSAT prep instead.
What if I Major in Business?
Business is fine, especially if you’re aiming for corporate law. But some business programs don’t emphasize writing and critical thinking as much as Political Science or English.
Can I Get Into Law School with a Low GPA?
Yes, if you score high on the LSAT (170+ scores can offset a lower GPA). Otherwise, consider post-grad programs to boost your academic record.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Do Now?
- Choose a major that fits your skills and interests
- Prioritize GPA and LSAT performance
- Develop strong writing, logic, and public speaking skills
- Gain experience through debate clubs, writing projects, or internships
At the end of the day, law school is about how well you think, argue, and analyze. No matter your major, build those skills and you’ll be ready to dominate. Want more expert career insights? Check out CourseCorrect for tailored course recommendations to sharpen your skills and ace law school admissions.
