Pursuing a double major can be an enriching academic endeavor that enhances your knowledge, critical thinking skills, and overall employability. But if your long-term goal is to attend law school, you may wonder whether a double major will give you a leg up in the admissions process.

Benefits of a Double Major
There are several potential benefits to completing a double major, including:
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Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: A double major provides you with a broader and deeper understanding of two distinct fields, which can make you a more well-rounded thinker and problem-solver.
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Demonstrated Intellectual Curiosity and Rigor: Law schools value students who have demonstrated a strong academic work ethic and a commitment to intellectual exploration. A double major signals that you are willing to challenge yourself academically and can handle the rigors of law school coursework.
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Increased Job Market Flexibility: A double major can make you more competitive in the job market by providing you with a range of potential career paths. Even if you ultimately decide to practice law, a complementary major can complement your legal education and open up additional opportunities.
Law School Admissions and Double Majors
While a double major can certainly enhance your overall academic profile, it is important to consider how it will affect your law school application specifically. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
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GPA: Law schools place a high value on GPA. If you are pursuing a double major, you need to ensure that you maintain a strong GPA in both of your majors.
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LSAT Score: The LSAT is a standardized test that is used by law schools to assess your analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills. A high LSAT score is essential for admission to a top-tier law school.
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Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation: Your personal statement and letters of recommendation should highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and work experience. If you have a double major, you can use this as an opportunity to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and passion for the law.
Double Major Combinations for Law School
If you are considering pursuing a double major with the goal of attending law school, here are some popular combinations that may be beneficial:
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Political Science and English: This combination provides you with a strong foundation in both the legal system and the communication skills that are essential for legal practice.
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Economics and History: This combination gives you a deep understanding of the economic and historical forces that shape society, which can be valuable for practicing law in a variety of fields.
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Philosophy and Psychology: This combination develops your critical thinking, analytical, and persuasive writing skills, all of which are essential for success in law school and legal practice.
Data on Double Majors and Law School Admissions
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), 29% of law school graduates completed a double major. Of those graduates, the most common double major combination was political science and English.
A study by the University of California, Berkeley Law School found that students who completed a double major had a slightly higher LSAT score and GPA than those who completed a single major. However, the study also found that there was no significant difference in the law school admission rates for students with double majors and those with single majors.
Conclusion
While a double major can provide you with a number of benefits, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether it is the right choice for you. If you are passionate about two different fields of study and are confident that you can maintain a high GPA, then a double major can be a valuable asset for your law school application and beyond. However, if you are not sure whether you can handle the workload of a double major or are concerned about how it will affect your GPA, then it may be better to focus on completing a single major with a strong GPA.
FAQs
- Does a double major help with law school admissions?
- While a double major can enhance your overall academic profile, it is not a guarantee of admission to law school. Law schools will consider your GPA, LSAT score, personal statement, and letters of recommendation when making admissions decisions.
- What are the best double major combinations for law school?
- There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some popular double major combinations for law school include political science and English, economics and history, and philosophy and psychology.
- How does a double major affect my GPA?
- Completing a double major can increase your overall course load, which could potentially affect your GPA. However, if you are able to manage your time effectively and maintain a high GPA in both of your majors, then a double major can actually strengthen your application.
- Is it worth it to pursue a double major if I want to go to law school?
- Whether or not a double major is worth it for you depends on your individual circumstances. If you are passionate about two different fields of study and are confident that you can maintain a high GPA, then a double major can be a valuable asset for your law school application and beyond. However, if you are not sure whether you can handle the workload of a double major or are concerned about how it will affect your GPA, then it may be better to focus on completing a single major with a strong GPA.