If you major in pre law or have a pre law concentration, the best classes to take are those that make you write, think critically, and understand how logical arguments are crafted. These classes include English, political science, philosophy, and economic classes. It is important to perform well in these courses as your grade point average (GPA) will matter when applying to law school.
Table of Contents
Writing Classes
A lawyer must have excellent writing skills, and the best place to start developing those skills is at the undergraduate level. College level English classes are some of the best classes to take. In addition, history and political science classes will also challenge you to become a better writer. Your writing skills should encompass persuading the reader, mastering the ability to anticipate and respond to opposing arguments, and writing for clarity.
In addition, making philosophically sound arguments are important.
Philosophy Classes
Philosophy classes allow you to craft logically sound arguments. This is important because lawyers are advocates and will need to write in a logical manner. In addition, philosophy will force you to question every perspective and find logical fallacies. This is a skill that will be important as a lawyer, whether you are participating in trials or negotiating contracts.
Economic Classes
Economics classes are important because they teach about human behavior. In economics, the behavior of individuals will have an impact on the market and cost of goods. In law, the behavior of others is often directly influenced by laws and regulations. Economics will force you to develop analytical skills that will help you in law school and as a lawyer.
Important Skills to Develop for Law School
Developing inductive, deductive, and analogical reasoning skills will increase your success in law school, according to the article “Law Students’ Undergraduate Major: Implications for Law School Academic Support Programs (ASPs),” by Mark Graham and Bryan Adamson. Whether you go to law school or not, these skills will benefit you after you complete your undergraduate degree and enter the job market.
