5 answers
Nataleigh
Student
Madison, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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Is a Criminal Justice class in highschool better for my Criminal Lawyer career or a SGA club ?
I need to know which one will look better on my college resume AND help me with my career.
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1772
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
There are a variety of factors that go into college admissions decisions. Colleges today are looking for students whose strengths and experiences will be an asset to their school. Good grades, a challenging high school curriculum, extracurriculars, strong essay and recommendation letters are a few key factors admissions officers assess.
• ESSAY
• RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
• STRONG ACADEMICS — When you can show that your able to manage a academic schedule successfully, it shows that you possess skills that will translate into other areas of your life, including college academics. Good grades demonstrate intelligence, but they also shows that your a student that is organized, possesses time management skills and is motivated to do well. Additionally, Advanced Placement, honors or college level courses show the admissions committee that you are ready for college work.
• EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES —
Participating in extracurricular activities allows you to expand your interests, try new things and excel outside of the classroom. These can include school-sponsored and community activities like clubs, sports, the arts and other interests such as community service, student government or political activist groups. Pursuing extracurricular activities allows students to shine in areas outside the classroom and show their diversity, leadership, interests and passions. If these activities happen to align with your desired college major, your participation will demonstrate your interest and experience to college admissions teams.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
When applying to college Nataleigh, admissions officers look for examples of leadership within your extracurricular activities, such as holding a leadership position in a club, leading or taking initiative to organize events, demonstrating your ability to motivate and guide others towards a goal. Your participation in the Student Government Association Club will carry more weight than taking a Criminal Justice class in High School. Save the Criminal Justice class for college as it's a good major for students preparing for law school because it helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills. It can also help you understand people and their cultures.
Hope this was helpful Nataleigh
• ESSAY
• RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
• STRONG ACADEMICS — When you can show that your able to manage a academic schedule successfully, it shows that you possess skills that will translate into other areas of your life, including college academics. Good grades demonstrate intelligence, but they also shows that your a student that is organized, possesses time management skills and is motivated to do well. Additionally, Advanced Placement, honors or college level courses show the admissions committee that you are ready for college work.
• EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES —
Participating in extracurricular activities allows you to expand your interests, try new things and excel outside of the classroom. These can include school-sponsored and community activities like clubs, sports, the arts and other interests such as community service, student government or political activist groups. Pursuing extracurricular activities allows students to shine in areas outside the classroom and show their diversity, leadership, interests and passions. If these activities happen to align with your desired college major, your participation will demonstrate your interest and experience to college admissions teams.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
When applying to college Nataleigh, admissions officers look for examples of leadership within your extracurricular activities, such as holding a leadership position in a club, leading or taking initiative to organize events, demonstrating your ability to motivate and guide others towards a goal. Your participation in the Student Government Association Club will carry more weight than taking a Criminal Justice class in High School. Save the Criminal Justice class for college as it's a good major for students preparing for law school because it helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills. It can also help you understand people and their cultures.
Hope this was helpful Nataleigh
Thank You Dr. H. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they have the heart.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Nataleigh,
Think of it this way, criminal justice class is like learning the rules of a game and while SGA (Student Government Association) is practicing leadership and persuasion, which every great lawyer needs. The good about criminal Justice class is that it gives you legal knowledge, looks relevant on applications and helps you confirm your career interests. However, it might be more theoritical based and less interactive Meanwhile SGA builds that public speaking and networking skills essential for a lawyer but it is less direct legal exposure. Well, most lawyers consider taking both but if you do choose, criminal justice looks better for law school while SGA makes you a strong, well rounded candidate. Law is about knowing the rules and convincing people to follow your argument. I can suggest to analyze options weighing the pros and cons planning ahead. No matter which path you take your ambition and drive set you apart. So, keep pushing forward, stay curious and trust theat every experience you gain will shape you into an incredible lawyer.
I can suggest that if you can, try shadowing a lawyer or interning at a law office—it’ll give you real-world experience that neither a class nor a club can fully provide. Also, work on your writing and debate skills. lawyers live and breathe arguments (the professional kind, not just winning against siblings).😁 Keep your grades up, stay involved, and remember—confidence and persistence will take you far in the legal world! And remember high school is like your courtroom Nataleighh, just without the judge and jury....hopefully🤓. You can start by honding your skills as mastering public speaking, you can join debate club or practice arguing (constructively) with friends and family, confidence is key in law. Work on sharpening your writing skills because lawyers write , essays, research papers even persuasive texts to your parents all count as practice so just start practicing. You can startt volunteering and getting involved just like Michelle has adviced as well (Mock Trial, volunteering at a legal aid organization) this can boost your resume as well. Make sure to learn to stay organized because law is all about details so get used to juggling deadlines and keeping notes.
You can also start networking, talking to teachers, counselors, and even local attorneys, connection matters! 😎
Also legal documents aren't fun but getting used to analyzing information will give you an adge so you can practice to read critically. Now most importantly remember to believe in yourself. The best lawyers are the ones who never stop learning and never give up no matter what.
The courtroom is waiting for you Nataleigh, You got this better than anyone does, All the best! 😉
Think of it this way, criminal justice class is like learning the rules of a game and while SGA (Student Government Association) is practicing leadership and persuasion, which every great lawyer needs. The good about criminal Justice class is that it gives you legal knowledge, looks relevant on applications and helps you confirm your career interests. However, it might be more theoritical based and less interactive Meanwhile SGA builds that public speaking and networking skills essential for a lawyer but it is less direct legal exposure. Well, most lawyers consider taking both but if you do choose, criminal justice looks better for law school while SGA makes you a strong, well rounded candidate. Law is about knowing the rules and convincing people to follow your argument. I can suggest to analyze options weighing the pros and cons planning ahead. No matter which path you take your ambition and drive set you apart. So, keep pushing forward, stay curious and trust theat every experience you gain will shape you into an incredible lawyer.
I can suggest that if you can, try shadowing a lawyer or interning at a law office—it’ll give you real-world experience that neither a class nor a club can fully provide. Also, work on your writing and debate skills. lawyers live and breathe arguments (the professional kind, not just winning against siblings).😁 Keep your grades up, stay involved, and remember—confidence and persistence will take you far in the legal world! And remember high school is like your courtroom Nataleighh, just without the judge and jury....hopefully🤓. You can start by honding your skills as mastering public speaking, you can join debate club or practice arguing (constructively) with friends and family, confidence is key in law. Work on sharpening your writing skills because lawyers write , essays, research papers even persuasive texts to your parents all count as practice so just start practicing. You can startt volunteering and getting involved just like Michelle has adviced as well (Mock Trial, volunteering at a legal aid organization) this can boost your resume as well. Make sure to learn to stay organized because law is all about details so get used to juggling deadlines and keeping notes.
You can also start networking, talking to teachers, counselors, and even local attorneys, connection matters! 😎
Also legal documents aren't fun but getting used to analyzing information will give you an adge so you can practice to read critically. Now most importantly remember to believe in yourself. The best lawyers are the ones who never stop learning and never give up no matter what.
The courtroom is waiting for you Nataleigh, You got this better than anyone does, All the best! 😉
Michelle M.
Actress
2238
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nataleigh !
Assuming that you attend Madison County High School, that high school does not offer a Criminal Justice class. It is very, very rare to find a high school that would offer that class. You will not learn how to become an Attorney until you go to Law School. You will first need to go to undergraduate school for your Bachelors Degree which should focus on pre-Law or government or political science. It is not until Law School that you will be trained how to represent clients in a court of law. In high school, all you can really do is sharpen your skills that are needed to be a good lawyer later on.
Since you intend to become an attorney, you should see if your high school has a debate team or does Simulated Trials/Mock Trials. Always remember - high school is not Law School. In High School, you can certainly sharpen your skills for University where you'll go for your Bachelors Degree before Law School. So understand that it is a process and high school is an opportunity to sharpen your basic skills for college.
In college, you will need to major in either Government, Political Science or if your particular University offers it, Pre-Law. Public Speaking and writing are essential. You'll want to enter Law School with sharp analytical, written, verbal and presentational skills. You can take a criminal justice course as an elective at the University. Be careful to take each phase of education in it's progressive phases and don't try to skip any steps.
The purpose of Law School will be to prepare you to be an Attorney that can represent clients. While in Law School, you will find out what you need to do to specialize in criminal law. They will go over that with you then and the focus is on Law, not criminal justice.
Keep in mind that you should not take classes or join clubs based on how it would look on a resume. Your Law School will be only interested in your transcripts and experience from your Bachelors Degree. It's never too soon to do volunteer work (only if you're interested and not to think it's a notch in your belt), do as much public speaking in high school and college, take a couple of psychology classes - in college you can take abnormal psychology which will tie in with working with criminal law later on. Focus on the skills and you will be on the right track.
I hope this sheds some light about the purpose of high school, college and Law School and I wish you all the best !
Assuming that you attend Madison County High School, that high school does not offer a Criminal Justice class. It is very, very rare to find a high school that would offer that class. You will not learn how to become an Attorney until you go to Law School. You will first need to go to undergraduate school for your Bachelors Degree which should focus on pre-Law or government or political science. It is not until Law School that you will be trained how to represent clients in a court of law. In high school, all you can really do is sharpen your skills that are needed to be a good lawyer later on.
Since you intend to become an attorney, you should see if your high school has a debate team or does Simulated Trials/Mock Trials. Always remember - high school is not Law School. In High School, you can certainly sharpen your skills for University where you'll go for your Bachelors Degree before Law School. So understand that it is a process and high school is an opportunity to sharpen your basic skills for college.
In college, you will need to major in either Government, Political Science or if your particular University offers it, Pre-Law. Public Speaking and writing are essential. You'll want to enter Law School with sharp analytical, written, verbal and presentational skills. You can take a criminal justice course as an elective at the University. Be careful to take each phase of education in it's progressive phases and don't try to skip any steps.
The purpose of Law School will be to prepare you to be an Attorney that can represent clients. While in Law School, you will find out what you need to do to specialize in criminal law. They will go over that with you then and the focus is on Law, not criminal justice.
Keep in mind that you should not take classes or join clubs based on how it would look on a resume. Your Law School will be only interested in your transcripts and experience from your Bachelors Degree. It's never too soon to do volunteer work (only if you're interested and not to think it's a notch in your belt), do as much public speaking in high school and college, take a couple of psychology classes - in college you can take abnormal psychology which will tie in with working with criminal law later on. Focus on the skills and you will be on the right track.
I hope this sheds some light about the purpose of high school, college and Law School and I wish you all the best !
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1770
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Nataleigh,
By the time you get to law school, they will be looking at what you did in college, and, not so much as to what you did in high school. So, let's just say that the purpose of high school is to prepare you for college; and the purpose of college is to prepare you for law school or a professional career.
My vote is for SGA. It will teach you to interact with others to accomplish a mission, do some networking, and some speaking. Take one CRJ course in college. You can really major in anything you want. My advice is to major in something you would want to do if somehow law school plans fall through. Or, major in something that would benefit you in the type of law you want to practice. Surprisingly, there is a wide range, even in CRJ. For example, if your client was involved in a DWI accident, you might find yourself trying to prove the accident would have happened anyway, even if he wasn't intoxicated. What was the weather? the lighting? the condition of the car? Age of the road surface? Stopping distances and reaction times . Or, perhaps you might be trying to prove that he wasn't intoxicated at the time of the accident, because of what time and how much he drank and how the body processes alcohol.
So, what can you do while in HS to prepare for college? you want to be able to hit the ground running in college. Be willing to join some clubs, and do well in your classes. So yes, to SGA. Yes to speech and debate. Learn great organizational skills, note taking, record keeping. Learn how to use a computer for everything from spreadsheets to powerpoint presentations, and an organized way to store files. Get comfortable with public speaking. Learn about yourself! Healthy eating, sleeping, exercise, and hydration go a long way towards a healthy brain. Learn when your body/brain does and does not function well. You don't want to schedule college classes for 8 am if your brain doesn't wake up until 10:30. Learn to be self-disciplined enough to finish assignments before the last minute. These are things that will help you to succeed in college.
Finally,. learn to have fun along the way. Don't get so laser focused on schooling that you aren't taking time to laugh and play!
Kim
By the time you get to law school, they will be looking at what you did in college, and, not so much as to what you did in high school. So, let's just say that the purpose of high school is to prepare you for college; and the purpose of college is to prepare you for law school or a professional career.
My vote is for SGA. It will teach you to interact with others to accomplish a mission, do some networking, and some speaking. Take one CRJ course in college. You can really major in anything you want. My advice is to major in something you would want to do if somehow law school plans fall through. Or, major in something that would benefit you in the type of law you want to practice. Surprisingly, there is a wide range, even in CRJ. For example, if your client was involved in a DWI accident, you might find yourself trying to prove the accident would have happened anyway, even if he wasn't intoxicated. What was the weather? the lighting? the condition of the car? Age of the road surface? Stopping distances and reaction times . Or, perhaps you might be trying to prove that he wasn't intoxicated at the time of the accident, because of what time and how much he drank and how the body processes alcohol.
So, what can you do while in HS to prepare for college? you want to be able to hit the ground running in college. Be willing to join some clubs, and do well in your classes. So yes, to SGA. Yes to speech and debate. Learn great organizational skills, note taking, record keeping. Learn how to use a computer for everything from spreadsheets to powerpoint presentations, and an organized way to store files. Get comfortable with public speaking. Learn about yourself! Healthy eating, sleeping, exercise, and hydration go a long way towards a healthy brain. Learn when your body/brain does and does not function well. You don't want to schedule college classes for 8 am if your brain doesn't wake up until 10:30. Learn to be self-disciplined enough to finish assignments before the last minute. These are things that will help you to succeed in college.
Finally,. learn to have fun along the way. Don't get so laser focused on schooling that you aren't taking time to laugh and play!
Kim
Bright Komor
Nurse
261
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
The choice between a Criminal Justice class and an SGA club depends on the desired benefits. The Criminal Justice class offers direct relevance, foundational knowledge, college impression, leadership and communication skills, and extracurricular strength. It aligns with academic interests and signals seriousness to colleges. For a criminal lawyer career, the Criminal Justice class is the stronger choice, as it aligns with career interests and signals a commitment to law. If possible, consider pursuing both classes, as the class provides subject matter expertise and the SGA experience adds leadership and real-world skills. In summary, the Criminal Justice class is likely the better choice for a criminal lawyer career and a college resume that reflects academic interests.