Focus on Majors: Not a Major - Pre-Law
If you’re thinking about becoming a lawyer, you might assume there’s a specific “pre-law” major you’re supposed to choose. But here’s something most students don’t realize until later: there’s no such thing as a pre-law major. In fact, law schools welcome students from nearly every academic background—from political science to physics. What matters most isn’t what you major in, but whether you’ve developed core skills such as critical thinking, persuasive writing, strong reading comprehension, and logical reasoning.
That said, you can begin preparing for a legal career while you’re still in high school. You can get a taste of what studying subjects like economics, philosophy, or political science feels like before you commit to a major later on. Joining your school's mock trial or debate team is a great way to develop research and persuasive public speaking skills.
When selecting a college major, choose a field you genuinely enjoy and in which you are confident you will excel academically. Law school is academically rigorous, and getting good grades in college matters more than the specific subject you study. For example, if you're intrigued by finance law, a major in economics could be a great fit. If you’re more interested in the psychological aspects of the courtroom, such as jury behavior or bias, then psychology might make more sense. Or maybe you're drawn to reading, writing, and culture. English majors do extremely well in law school, too, thanks to their writing and analytical training.
Some of the most commonly chosen pre-law majors include political science, history, philosophy, economics, English, and psychology. But that doesn’t mean you can’t major in biology, computer science, the arts, or even sport management and still end up thriving in law school. For example, students interested in intellectual property or environmental law might benefit from a science or tech background.
When researching colleges, ask about the availability of dedicated pre-law advisors, LSAT preparation resources, mock trial or debate teams, and opportunities for legal internships or externships. Find out if the school tracks law school acceptance rates for their graduates and whether they offer workshops on law school applications, personal statement writing, and interview preparation. When it’s time to choose a college, don’t panic about picking the “right” school; instead, focus on where you will find academic, social, and emotional success. There are many paths to law school and a legal career. For perspective, check out Harvard Law School's list of diverse feeder schools.
Just like undergraduate institutions, law schools vary in admission rates and costs. If law school is indeed your trajectory, remember that high LSAT scores, undergraduate grades/rigor, and letters of recommendation are essential. A strong application will also include a compelling personal statement along with a resume that includes internships and volunteer activities related to the field of law.
If you’re looking for something more affordable or closer to home, some large public universities have excellent pre-law support. The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor Comprehensive Pre-Law Advising (LSA) provides extensive pre-law advising services to students. The University of Maryland has a Law and Society Minor that complements a student's major, focusing on the relationship between law and various societal factors, and Binghamton University has a Pre-Law Concentration. While not a formal major, the pre-law concentration is an educational goal that allows students to tailor their coursework towards law school preparation.
Students who prefer small classes and close mentorship might want to consider liberal arts colleges. Amherst College, The University of Rochester, Pomona College, and Dickinson College consistently send graduates to law schools. Claremont McKenna College even offers a government major with a legal studies sequence, Occidental College has a unique “Lawyering for Social Justice” program, and Gettysburg College has the Eisenhower Institute.
Other colleges that offer excellent outcomes for future law students include: Fordham University’s Pre-Law Institute, which has a summer program providing an introduction to foundational U.S. law subjects, legal writing, and research skills; American University in Washington, DC which has a well-established path into public policy and law; The University of Richmond, which features a PPEL track (Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law); and Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, which is especially good for students interested in entertainment or immigration law.
No matter where you go to college or what major you choose, the goal is to build key skills and explore the field of law in ways that feel meaningful to you. That might include joining the debate team, volunteering with a legal aid organization, or interning at a courthouse. Along the way, you’ll want to develop strong relationships with professors, particularly in writing-intensive or analytical classes, since their recommendation letters will carry serious weight when you apply to law school.
Thinking about law now gives you a head start, but there’s no need to lock anything in yet. Focus on building strong academic habits, asking good questions, and staying curious. Law will still be there if you decide to pursue it, and you’ll be all the more ready when the time comes.
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