Ever since I was in elementary school, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I loved talking, yelling, debating, and basically expression my opinion and sticking to what I think is correct. I hope I can one day attend law school after undergrad, but for now, whenever I tell people this, the first question they always ask is, “So why are you majoring in computer science?”
“Uhhh,” a nervous Vidya begins, but then realizes this is a mock trial. “What should I be majoring in?” Never answer the question right away.
“Pre-law.”
“There’s a major called pre-law? Do you mean only political science or history majors can get into law school?”
“No, but it definitely is easier.”
For the longest time, I was worried if computer science was the best major for me. I’ve only been at it for a year, but I’ve learned the possibilities of computer science are endless, especially living in Silicon Valley. Even if I later decide law school isn’t the right choice for me, there are numerous tech opportunities in the Bay Area.
In my summer before my senior year of college, just as I was getting ready to apply to colleges and choose majors, I attended a lecture by an Intellectual Property lawyer, John Storella. Storella explained how he majored in biology and after his undergrad, worked in the biology research field.
When he was in his late twenties, he attended law school even though most of his peers advised him to pursue a medical degree or a PhD in biology. He did not major in “pre-law” yet now works as a patent lawyer for biotech companies. Storella’s knowledge of law and biology has helped him establish himself as a successful lawyer, as well as including his passion for the sciences.
At that time, I was leaning towards majoring in computer science, so why not follow Storella’s path? I dug more into this and according to LSAC, the organization that administers the LSAT, the five most common majors of students entering law school were political science, history, English, psychology, and criminal justice, all of which are considered pre-law majors. However, the five majors with the highest law school acceptance rates were physics, philosophy, biology, chemistry, and government service, which are arts and science majors. So what does this prove?
You can literally major in anything you want and still attend law school. As long as you have the determination, the grades, and the scores, you will be successful. Not every lawyer majored in political science or history. There is a good amount who majored in the sciences, including computer science. It is best to major in something you are passionate about and if you are still doubtful, you can always minor in a pre-law field.
This is similar to writing for Odyssey. When I first applied, I was worried that only English majors or minors would be chosen, but ultimately, it is the passion and drive, not your major, that sets you apart.
I have only finished one year of college and obviously, do not have much experience. I just don’t think it’s fair that most people expect computer science majors to only work in the industry right away. Or the myth that all law students majored in the humanities or business majors.
So the next time someone asks me why I am majoring in computer science if I dream of going to law school, I’ll tell them the truth: my parents made me I want to explore my options and see how I can intertwine my passion for computer science and law together.
