6 answers
Aby
Student
Madison, Wisconsin
1
Question
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Should I Major in pre-law and minor in political science if I want to be a immigration lawyer
Should I Major in pre-law and minor in political science if I want to be a immigration lawyer
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6 answers
Johnson Tran
Tutor
101
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Johnson’s Answer
Hi Aby,
If you're interested in immigration law, you don't need to major in "pre-law." Law schools accept students from various backgrounds, and there's no need for a specific pre-law degree.
Political science is a good choice because it helps with research, writing, and policy, which you'll encounter in law school and your career. But it's more important to choose a major you enjoy and can excel in.
Instead of worrying about your major, focus on:
- Improving your writing and communication skills.
- Taking classes that enhance your analytical thinking.
- Getting internships or volunteering at a legal clinic or immigrant services center.
- Building strong relationships with professors for good recommendation letters.
A political science major with a minor in something you like could work well. Remember, law schools care more about your GPA, experiences, and skills than your major.
Good luck! You can do this.
If you're interested in immigration law, you don't need to major in "pre-law." Law schools accept students from various backgrounds, and there's no need for a specific pre-law degree.
Political science is a good choice because it helps with research, writing, and policy, which you'll encounter in law school and your career. But it's more important to choose a major you enjoy and can excel in.
Instead of worrying about your major, focus on:
- Improving your writing and communication skills.
- Taking classes that enhance your analytical thinking.
- Getting internships or volunteering at a legal clinic or immigrant services center.
- Building strong relationships with professors for good recommendation letters.
A political science major with a minor in something you like could work well. Remember, law schools care more about your GPA, experiences, and skills than your major.
Good luck! You can do this.
Thank you for the advice.
Aby
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1117
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Aby,
I agree with what others have said. Law schools welcome students from all kinds of majors. Having a strong background in social sciences, like history, law, business, and political science, can be really helpful. This knowledge will give you a better understanding of the legal system and its processes.
I always suggest taking a Constitutional Law course during your bachelor's degree. Even if your major isn't political science, you can take it as an elective. This will give you a good grasp of how the American legal system functions before you start law school.
I agree with what others have said. Law schools welcome students from all kinds of majors. Having a strong background in social sciences, like history, law, business, and political science, can be really helpful. This knowledge will give you a better understanding of the legal system and its processes.
I always suggest taking a Constitutional Law course during your bachelor's degree. Even if your major isn't political science, you can take it as an elective. This will give you a good grasp of how the American legal system functions before you start law school.
Thank you so much!
Aby
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1874
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Aby,
A lot of students start out wanting to be lawyers, but, along the way, life happens. Plans get derailed, or delayed. It could be family circumstances keeping you from going, or perhaps you don't get accepted. Or, you go, but can't pass the bar exam.
I encourage you to have a "Plan B." Major in whatever you want to be doing with the rest of your life if for some reason you do not become an attorney. Perhaps it is Business. Use your free electives to take courses that will help you in law school. One I particularly recommend is Logic, often found in the Philosophy Department. Sometimes colleges allow you to substitute classes - for example, I was able to take Civil Liberties instead of the customary US Government course. Use those substitutions to your advantage. Try to take Debate, Speech, Moot Court. Hone your writing skills.
Also, work on mastering your study skills, as well as your independent living skills. In law school, time is at a premium.
hope this helps!
Kim
A lot of students start out wanting to be lawyers, but, along the way, life happens. Plans get derailed, or delayed. It could be family circumstances keeping you from going, or perhaps you don't get accepted. Or, you go, but can't pass the bar exam.
I encourage you to have a "Plan B." Major in whatever you want to be doing with the rest of your life if for some reason you do not become an attorney. Perhaps it is Business. Use your free electives to take courses that will help you in law school. One I particularly recommend is Logic, often found in the Philosophy Department. Sometimes colleges allow you to substitute classes - for example, I was able to take Civil Liberties instead of the customary US Government course. Use those substitutions to your advantage. Try to take Debate, Speech, Moot Court. Hone your writing skills.
Also, work on mastering your study skills, as well as your independent living skills. In law school, time is at a premium.
hope this helps!
Kim
Thank you!
Aby
Michael Tan
Retired lawyer
21
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Aby,
The earlier suggestions are great, and I agree with them. Try volunteering, interning, or working part-time at a law firm or a government law office to see how things work. If you can get into immigration law, that's even better. Regardless, consider volunteering at a place that focuses on immigration issues.
Immigration will always be an important topic globally, involving politics, law, and ethics. We need thoughtful and creative people like you in this field.
Best wishes!
Mike
The earlier suggestions are great, and I agree with them. Try volunteering, interning, or working part-time at a law firm or a government law office to see how things work. If you can get into immigration law, that's even better. Regardless, consider volunteering at a place that focuses on immigration issues.
Immigration will always be an important topic globally, involving politics, law, and ethics. We need thoughtful and creative people like you in this field.
Best wishes!
Mike
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Aby
DENNIS A BREEN
Lawyer
286
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS A’s Answer
Aby: I suggest you take the courses you like the best and get good grades. Be true to yourself first. As you go through school you might decide you like something else. At your age I would not lock myself into a career path you may hate later on. Be flexible learn new things have fun. You'll be fine!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Aby
Lisa Balaban
I am currently working as legal counsel for a technology company - I help write and negotiate contracts dealing with the technology we sell to business all over the US and Canada.
2
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Aby,
I started my career in immigration law, and you're getting some fantastic advice. Taking courses related to your goal is a wonderful idea, but it's even more important to work on your writing and comprehension skills. Knowing an extra language can be really useful, and understanding subjects like sociology, psychology, world politics, migration, and history will help you build essential skills. Your internships or volunteer work are also incredibly valuable.
Wishing you the best of luck!
I started my career in immigration law, and you're getting some fantastic advice. Taking courses related to your goal is a wonderful idea, but it's even more important to work on your writing and comprehension skills. Knowing an extra language can be really useful, and understanding subjects like sociology, psychology, world politics, migration, and history will help you build essential skills. Your internships or volunteer work are also incredibly valuable.
Wishing you the best of luck!