8 answers
Henry
Student
Shelby Township, MI
1
Question
Asked
654 views
What type of classes should I be trying to take in my junior/senior year of high school to focus on my career (see below)?
Hi! I'm currently looking to go into law school to obtain a J.D. and also a bachelor's degree in business administration or business management. What classes should I be focusing on in order to (1) achieve my goals and (2) improve my chances of enrolling into a high-level law school?
8 answers
LaTonia Davis
13
Answers
Updated
LaTonia’s Answer
Hello,
Concentrate on courses related to English, Writing, and Political Science. These subjects will equip you with the necessary skills for succeeding in Law School. Additionally, any course that involves research would be beneficial, as it will enhance your ability to investigate different laws. Criminal Justice courses are also recommended, as they provide a solid grounding in laws and legal principles.
Best wishes as you pursue your Law career. Once you've found your footing, it's important to focus on those areas of law that truly captivate your interest!
Concentrate on courses related to English, Writing, and Political Science. These subjects will equip you with the necessary skills for succeeding in Law School. Additionally, any course that involves research would be beneficial, as it will enhance your ability to investigate different laws. Criminal Justice courses are also recommended, as they provide a solid grounding in laws and legal principles.
Best wishes as you pursue your Law career. Once you've found your footing, it's important to focus on those areas of law that truly captivate your interest!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Henry
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3773
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Henry!
Recommended Classes for Achieving Career Goals
In your junior and senior years of high school, it’s essential to focus on classes that will help you achieve your goals of entering law school and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration or business management. These classes should not only prepare you for the rigors of college but also provide you with a strong foundation in the subjects you’ll need for your future career.
Here are some recommended classes for your junior and senior years:
Advanced Placement (AP) English: AP English classes will help improve your writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills. These abilities will be crucial in law school and your future career as a business professional.
AP Government and Politics: This class will provide you with a solid understanding of the American political system, which is essential for anyone pursuing a career in law. It will also help you develop important research and analytical skills.
AP Economics: AP Economics classes, particularly Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, will give you a strong foundation in the principles of economics. This knowledge will be valuable in both law school and your business career.
AP Calculus: AP Calculus classes will help you develop strong mathematical skills, which are important for success in both law school and business-related fields.
AP Psychology: AP Psychology will introduce you to the principles of human behavior and thought processes, which can be useful in understanding people’s motivations and decision-making in law and business.
AP Computer Science: AP Computer Science classes will provide you with a basic understanding of computer programming and software development, which can be beneficial in both law and business-related fields.
AP Foreign Language: Learning a foreign language, such as Spanish, French, or Chinese, can be helpful in both law and business, as it can open up opportunities for international business and legal collaboration.
Dual-enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP) Business classes: Taking dual-enrollment or AP business classes, such as Accounting, Finance, or Marketing, can provide you with a strong foundation in business principles and practices, which will be useful in your future career.
By focusing on these recommended classes, you’ll be well-prepared to achieve your goals of entering a high-level law school and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration or business management.
Authoritative Reference Titles
“The Princeton Review” - This authoritative source provides valuable information on college admissions, test preparation, and career resources. It offers a comprehensive guide on choosing the right classes for your future career goals.
“U.S. News & World Report” - This reputable source provides rankings and information on the best law schools and colleges in the United States. It can help you understand the competitive landscape and requirements for admission to top-tier institutions.
“The American Bar Association” - As the leading authority on legal education, the ABA offers resources and guidance on preparing for law school and a career in law. It can provide insight into the specific classes and extracurricular activities that will best prepare you for your future career.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.
Recommended Classes for Achieving Career Goals
In your junior and senior years of high school, it’s essential to focus on classes that will help you achieve your goals of entering law school and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration or business management. These classes should not only prepare you for the rigors of college but also provide you with a strong foundation in the subjects you’ll need for your future career.
Here are some recommended classes for your junior and senior years:
Advanced Placement (AP) English: AP English classes will help improve your writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills. These abilities will be crucial in law school and your future career as a business professional.
AP Government and Politics: This class will provide you with a solid understanding of the American political system, which is essential for anyone pursuing a career in law. It will also help you develop important research and analytical skills.
AP Economics: AP Economics classes, particularly Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, will give you a strong foundation in the principles of economics. This knowledge will be valuable in both law school and your business career.
AP Calculus: AP Calculus classes will help you develop strong mathematical skills, which are important for success in both law school and business-related fields.
AP Psychology: AP Psychology will introduce you to the principles of human behavior and thought processes, which can be useful in understanding people’s motivations and decision-making in law and business.
AP Computer Science: AP Computer Science classes will provide you with a basic understanding of computer programming and software development, which can be beneficial in both law and business-related fields.
AP Foreign Language: Learning a foreign language, such as Spanish, French, or Chinese, can be helpful in both law and business, as it can open up opportunities for international business and legal collaboration.
Dual-enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP) Business classes: Taking dual-enrollment or AP business classes, such as Accounting, Finance, or Marketing, can provide you with a strong foundation in business principles and practices, which will be useful in your future career.
By focusing on these recommended classes, you’ll be well-prepared to achieve your goals of entering a high-level law school and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration or business management.
Authoritative Reference Titles
“The Princeton Review” - This authoritative source provides valuable information on college admissions, test preparation, and career resources. It offers a comprehensive guide on choosing the right classes for your future career goals.
“U.S. News & World Report” - This reputable source provides rankings and information on the best law schools and colleges in the United States. It can help you understand the competitive landscape and requirements for admission to top-tier institutions.
“The American Bar Association” - As the leading authority on legal education, the ABA offers resources and guidance on preparing for law school and a career in law. It can provide insight into the specific classes and extracurricular activities that will best prepare you for your future career.
Don't forget to read my autobiography, paying attention to the foods that provide all the essential nutrients for effective studying. You might discover that you can accomplish twice as much academic work in half the time. Your performance in exams and assignments could also improve, especially if your diet has significantly improved. Replenishing missing nutrients can do wonders.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.
Thank you so much for your assistance! I'm definitely going to check out some of these sources you provided to get a better picture of what I should and should not do. God bless you!
Henry
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
113
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
Henry,
I was a broker on the floor of the New York stock exchange prior to going to law school and getting my MBA. I can definitely relate to your career choice.
First not a lot of attorneys are good business people. To have both skills is a big plus. That being said I will give you my opinion of what you should do in high school and college through the LSAT and into law school.
In high school I would join debate I would try to take classes in logic or philosophy. I would work on some extra curricular activities such as possible social service as that is looked upon well by schools nowadays. You will have to graduate college prior to going to law school. I would advise you to study for the SATs very hard and get the best grades you can in high school to get into the best college you can. Take a class and use a study book or two to prepare for the SAT. I was blessed and had almost a perfect SAT score with straight A's captain of the debate team president of my class and went to Stanford. I studied international affairs and economics. I was magna cumulata.
From there I got a job on Wall Street at 20 and became a full blown broker on the floor of the New York stock exchange at 21. I was making 360,000 a year plus bonus and hated it. I quit and went to law school.
I went to Columbia for law school, and law school was the first place I ever got to see in my life. There are 26 subjects law to study and I only really cared about taxation corporations, real estate, and estates and trusts.
In college the most important business thing you are going to learn is accounting. Take it and do well at it. If you really like it and do well simply get a CPA out of college. Additionally take logic classes, philosophy and try to join debate. Debate will give you strong skills at not only public speech but also the ability to research information and find what you need which is crucial in the practice of law. Also try to have some fun the world goes by pretty quick it's not all about money. Towards the end of college enroll in at least one LSAT prep class. The LSAT I found to be a very strange test. It is not knowledge-based what it tests is your logic and ability to follow concepts as well as your organizational skills. Even if you just have decent grades a very high LSAT will override your grades.
My advice on studying is very simple. When you read a homework assignment highlight the pages of the pertinent information as you go through the material. Afterwards make an outline from the highlighted passages, so you never have to go back to the book again. This study technique may sound ridiculous but the fact is when you write something three times you learn it. The idea is you make the first outline after reading the material, time for your first test make another outline of all the material you've covered so far. Put this in your own language do not just copy the words learn what they are saying. For each subsequent test make another outline. For the final make another outline and from there make flashcards study the flashcards. This made me a top student. I would heavily advise you to do the same thing in law school.
As I said earlier law school has 26 subjects. Law school is designed to teach you how to pass the bar not how to be a lawyer. In law school the school should have a legal clinic you can work at and start as soon as you can. That is what will make you a good attorney. Litigators make the most money. Obviously I was litigator. You can also try for internships at law schools if you have the bandwidth to do so while in school.
After law school you will take a class to prepare you for the bar. Again your outlines and flashcards can be of immense help. Try to teach yourself never to over study and give your brain a break prior to the actual tests. Learn to believe in yourself try not to second guess and get as good at taking tests as you can you have a lot of them in front of you.
When you get out of law school you have one of a few choices. Either join a firm or start a firm with people you've got in law school with. I started a firm with my best friend from law School and we started doing corporate litigation real estate, land use, construction defect and working with clients on tax planning and investment vehicles. I had a very bad racing accident three weeks before the bar exam had bleeding in my head did not know right from left and had to wait 6 months to take the bar. I became a real estate developer building neighborhoods and houses. My law partner was included in this business. We grew our law business out of our reputations as some of the best developers in Portland Oregon. I moved the first wetland in the state of Oregon for residential subdivision, I permitted a mine in a federally protected area on the shores of the Columbia River and also permitted the first bar is loading facility on the Columbia River for 20 years. I was a partial owner of the mine as well as my business partner.
I wish you the best of luck
I was a broker on the floor of the New York stock exchange prior to going to law school and getting my MBA. I can definitely relate to your career choice.
First not a lot of attorneys are good business people. To have both skills is a big plus. That being said I will give you my opinion of what you should do in high school and college through the LSAT and into law school.
In high school I would join debate I would try to take classes in logic or philosophy. I would work on some extra curricular activities such as possible social service as that is looked upon well by schools nowadays. You will have to graduate college prior to going to law school. I would advise you to study for the SATs very hard and get the best grades you can in high school to get into the best college you can. Take a class and use a study book or two to prepare for the SAT. I was blessed and had almost a perfect SAT score with straight A's captain of the debate team president of my class and went to Stanford. I studied international affairs and economics. I was magna cumulata.
From there I got a job on Wall Street at 20 and became a full blown broker on the floor of the New York stock exchange at 21. I was making 360,000 a year plus bonus and hated it. I quit and went to law school.
I went to Columbia for law school, and law school was the first place I ever got to see in my life. There are 26 subjects law to study and I only really cared about taxation corporations, real estate, and estates and trusts.
In college the most important business thing you are going to learn is accounting. Take it and do well at it. If you really like it and do well simply get a CPA out of college. Additionally take logic classes, philosophy and try to join debate. Debate will give you strong skills at not only public speech but also the ability to research information and find what you need which is crucial in the practice of law. Also try to have some fun the world goes by pretty quick it's not all about money. Towards the end of college enroll in at least one LSAT prep class. The LSAT I found to be a very strange test. It is not knowledge-based what it tests is your logic and ability to follow concepts as well as your organizational skills. Even if you just have decent grades a very high LSAT will override your grades.
My advice on studying is very simple. When you read a homework assignment highlight the pages of the pertinent information as you go through the material. Afterwards make an outline from the highlighted passages, so you never have to go back to the book again. This study technique may sound ridiculous but the fact is when you write something three times you learn it. The idea is you make the first outline after reading the material, time for your first test make another outline of all the material you've covered so far. Put this in your own language do not just copy the words learn what they are saying. For each subsequent test make another outline. For the final make another outline and from there make flashcards study the flashcards. This made me a top student. I would heavily advise you to do the same thing in law school.
As I said earlier law school has 26 subjects. Law school is designed to teach you how to pass the bar not how to be a lawyer. In law school the school should have a legal clinic you can work at and start as soon as you can. That is what will make you a good attorney. Litigators make the most money. Obviously I was litigator. You can also try for internships at law schools if you have the bandwidth to do so while in school.
After law school you will take a class to prepare you for the bar. Again your outlines and flashcards can be of immense help. Try to teach yourself never to over study and give your brain a break prior to the actual tests. Learn to believe in yourself try not to second guess and get as good at taking tests as you can you have a lot of them in front of you.
When you get out of law school you have one of a few choices. Either join a firm or start a firm with people you've got in law school with. I started a firm with my best friend from law School and we started doing corporate litigation real estate, land use, construction defect and working with clients on tax planning and investment vehicles. I had a very bad racing accident three weeks before the bar exam had bleeding in my head did not know right from left and had to wait 6 months to take the bar. I became a real estate developer building neighborhoods and houses. My law partner was included in this business. We grew our law business out of our reputations as some of the best developers in Portland Oregon. I moved the first wetland in the state of Oregon for residential subdivision, I permitted a mine in a federally protected area on the shores of the Columbia River and also permitted the first bar is loading facility on the Columbia River for 20 years. I was a partial owner of the mine as well as my business partner.
I wish you the best of luck
Wow! You've clearly had a successful career and I wish you all the best. Thank you so much for your help and sharing your story. Good to see that I am thinking somewhat correctly about the avenue to take to achieve my goals. Thanks again!
Henry
Mitchell Barker
Retired attorney
18
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
Mitchell’s Answer
Take classes that require lots of writing, including English, journalism and the like. Debate and Newspaper would be excellent extracurricular activities that would help shape your mind and skills. Government and grammar classes are recommended as well. Good luck to you.
Thank you so much!
Henry
Lucie Glass
Claim Regional Vice President
1
Answer
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Lucie’s Answer
Take classes in high school that will give you experience in writing and critical thinking. Communication, both written and verbal, are critical in law school. I would try to take AP classes, if you can, as that will help you prepare for college level classes. I also recommend taking History and Government classes. Get involved in extra-curricular activities at your school as well as in your community. Colleges and law schools like to see a well-rounded student that is able to achieve in school while also balancing that with activities outside of school. Good luck!
Thank you so much for your advice!
Henry
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Henry, it is terrific that you are thinking so far in advance about preparing for your chosen career. The tips in the article below make sense to me, but let's walk through the timeline.
Law is only a graduate degree, so you must complete a 4-year degree first. So your first goal is to get into a college with an excellent business program. Fortunately, there are many of those. For business, you will need quantitative analysis skills, and for law, you will need critical reading and writing skills. A well-rounded course schedule that challenges you will hone those skills. You should take business and/or law courses if your school offers them, but be aware that many colleges will not allow you to place out of key courses in your major. Get involved in business clubs (such as Junior Achievement) or take of business aspects of other clubs (such as manage finances, run fundraisers, etc.) to gain experience and demonstrate your commitment. There are many aspects to running a business so it would be good to determine which interest you the most.
You will have more opportunities to take business and/or law courses in college. You may also want to take government and/or history courses to continue practicing your analytical and writing skills and put the law in context. Look for opportunities to intern either in law firms or law departments of corporations to understand which environment and work you like better. This could be either during the year or during the summer. Your college career center should be able to help with that.
In case you decide not to major in business as an undergraduate, know that there are quite a few joint MBA/JD programs (see link below). While these programs are longer than just law school, it would give you time to study something like computer or environmental science that may be related to the type of business you want to manage.
Good luck!
Read these tips - https://jdadvising.com/how-to-prepare-for-law-school-as-a-high-school-student/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20taking%20classes,be%20successful%20in%20law%20school.
Read about joint MBA & JD programs - https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/law-admissions-lowdown/articles/how-why-to-apply-for-j-d-mba-programs
Law is only a graduate degree, so you must complete a 4-year degree first. So your first goal is to get into a college with an excellent business program. Fortunately, there are many of those. For business, you will need quantitative analysis skills, and for law, you will need critical reading and writing skills. A well-rounded course schedule that challenges you will hone those skills. You should take business and/or law courses if your school offers them, but be aware that many colleges will not allow you to place out of key courses in your major. Get involved in business clubs (such as Junior Achievement) or take of business aspects of other clubs (such as manage finances, run fundraisers, etc.) to gain experience and demonstrate your commitment. There are many aspects to running a business so it would be good to determine which interest you the most.
You will have more opportunities to take business and/or law courses in college. You may also want to take government and/or history courses to continue practicing your analytical and writing skills and put the law in context. Look for opportunities to intern either in law firms or law departments of corporations to understand which environment and work you like better. This could be either during the year or during the summer. Your college career center should be able to help with that.
In case you decide not to major in business as an undergraduate, know that there are quite a few joint MBA/JD programs (see link below). While these programs are longer than just law school, it would give you time to study something like computer or environmental science that may be related to the type of business you want to manage.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for your help! Both of these articles had great tips that I had not thought of that I'm definitely going to pursue!
Henry
I am so glad you found them helpful, Henry. And thank you for your note.
Martha Kramer
Bryston Stafford
Senior Consultant (lawyer) for International Tax Services
3
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Bryston’s Answer
I cannot recommend enough taking courses generally related to Philosophy such as Logic (also called “Formal Logic,” dealing categorical syllogistic reasoning) and Practical Philosophy (AKA “Ethics”). Logic is invaluable not only to scoring well on your LSAT, but more so to your ability to parse laws, regulations, cases, and arguments (both your own as well as others’). Practical Philosophy provides avenues of connecting abstract concepts to their real impact when implemented in real scenarios.
Mueed Shams
1
Answer
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Mueed’s Answer
It's impressive that you're already thinking about your future career while you're still in high school. I have a master's degree in international relations and a Juris Doctor degree from a top-notch law school. However, my main interest lies in the corporate business world. I've had a fulfilling career, working with both government and private entities throughout my professional life.
I'd like to offer some advice on preparing for law school at this stage in your educational journey. You might find it surprising, but law school is quite adaptable when it comes to your undergraduate academic focus. The specific area you decide to focus on in your legal career or after law school largely depends on your personal interests. It's a given that you'll need to prepare for a state bar exam. The general agreement is to aim for the bar exam or license in the state where you intend to practice law. There are exceptions to this rule, but they often come with certain limitations. Considering your interest in business courses for your bachelor's degree, this will not only prepare you for law school but also improve your prospects. I firmly believe that keeping your focus on business administration or management-related classes for your bachelor's degree will be advantageous.
Moreover, as other volunteer advisors have recommended, prioritize courses that enhance critical thinking, communication, and legal studies. Engage in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and analytical skills. Building a strong academic base and showcasing a varied skill set will enhance both your undergraduate experience and your law school applications.
I'd like to offer some advice on preparing for law school at this stage in your educational journey. You might find it surprising, but law school is quite adaptable when it comes to your undergraduate academic focus. The specific area you decide to focus on in your legal career or after law school largely depends on your personal interests. It's a given that you'll need to prepare for a state bar exam. The general agreement is to aim for the bar exam or license in the state where you intend to practice law. There are exceptions to this rule, but they often come with certain limitations. Considering your interest in business courses for your bachelor's degree, this will not only prepare you for law school but also improve your prospects. I firmly believe that keeping your focus on business administration or management-related classes for your bachelor's degree will be advantageous.
Moreover, as other volunteer advisors have recommended, prioritize courses that enhance critical thinking, communication, and legal studies. Engage in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and analytical skills. Building a strong academic base and showcasing a varied skill set will enhance both your undergraduate experience and your law school applications.
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