Coming into college as a Pre-Law student, I was incredibly apprehensive about what I would major in. Law schools truly open their admissions to individuals with a wide range of specializations, including those majoring in biology, the arts, foreign languages, and business, who make up a large portion of applicants. I knew that, coming into this decision, I had the gift of flexibility–I could genuinely choose to follow any one of my passions and still be able to work in the legal workforce after graduation. However, I also knew that law school may not be the end-all, be-all for me, and that it was important to pick interests that were practical and
applicable to my future profession.
Eventually, after many trips to the Athena website to add or remove a major, I settled on majoring in Political Science and Economics and minoring in French. Originally, I felt that obtaining a degree in Political Science would blend in with other Pre-Law students rather than set me apart, as I wish to do. However, I’ve come to realize that these political science classes are the ones I look forward to most; they give me a taste of the legal world before entering it and are highly applicable to my desire to eventually work in or around the federal government. Even more, I can supplement these classes with an understanding of the economy around me–an
excellent education for someone interested in how the government functions.
Furthermore, my French minor has opened doors for me that will further diversify my education. This summer, I am attending SPIA’s UGA à Paris program, where I will learn about the political, social, cultural, and economic attributes of Western Europe. My French studies were the driving factor behind my decision to pursue this program, as I wanted to gain experience in French communication in a city that relied on it. Because I chose a minor that I was truly interested in, I can pursue experiences such as this program that will holistically strengthen my education.
With all this being said, I believe that it is important to choose a course of study based on what you are looking for out of college, not one that has been forced on you by other people’s
opinions. For me, that meant solidifying my education with subjects I knew would captivate me but also prepare me for the future. Find a balance of things that are interesting and practical, skills that you want to have, but also that you may need in the future. College is truly your chance to pursue things that fuel your passions, and if you believe that these passions are going to supplement your law school experience or career, I wholeheartedly believe you should follow them.
Written by:
Ella Chapman
B.A. Political Science, B.A. Economics, Minor in French
Class of 2028
