Do philosophy classes help with LSAT?

Asked by: Royal Leuschke  |  Last update: September 8, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (61 votes)

Metcalf's research demonstrates that obtaining a philosophy degree enhances the skills needed on not only the LSAT but the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as well.

Does philosophy help with LSAT?

Philosophy and math majors tend to top the LSAT score lists, probably because their majors require practice in logical thinking, which is one of the sections on the LSAT. It is likely that those who are good at logical thinking are more likely to choose majors like philosophy and math.

Does philosophy help with law?

Yes, philosophy is often one of the best undergraduate programs for prospective law students. A great deal of philosophy focuses on argumentation and logic: constructing and deconstructing arguments, assessing the strength of arguments, how to provide counterarguments, etc.

What is the average LSAT score for a philosophy major?

On average, Philosophy students score 156.8. Mathematics majors score just slightly higher.

What majors do best on the LSAT?

Here are some of the results:
  • Mathematics/Physics: 160.0.
  • Economics/Philosophy/Theology: 157.4.
  • International Relations: 156.5.
  • Engineering: 156.2.
  • Government/Service/Chemistry: 156.1.
  • History: 155.9.
  • Interdisciplinary Studies: 155.5.
  • Foreign Languages: 155.3.

Should you go to law school? Nathan Fox shares his philosophy on life

17 related questions found

What is the most accepted major for law school?

The Best Undergraduate Majors for Law School
  • English. Regardless of their niche, the cornerstones of every successful lawyer are exceptional reading comprehension and persuasive writing. ...
  • Classical Studies. ...
  • Environmental Sciences. ...
  • Literature. ...
  • Policy Studies. ...
  • Industrial Relations. ...
  • History. ...
  • Math.

Is a 170 LSAT achievable?

170 score: Scoring a 170 on the LSAT is almost always considered a good score — that means you are in the 2-3% of test-takers. Still, it won't guarantee you admission at a top law school. Other parts of your application are still a factor.

What percent of philosophy majors go to law school?

Business and criminal justice majors had lower LSAT scores and GPAs overall.” Philosophy majors scored sixth best in terms of LSAT and GPA scores. They were also admitted to law school at a higher percent than any other major — 75 percent, according to an analysis of data provided by Muller.

How rare is a 175 LSAT?

For a top five law school, an LSAT score of 175 and above increases your chances of being admitted and being awarded a full scholarship by the school. Such a score also puts you in the 99th percentile of LSAT takers, making you a rare and highly coveted law school candidate.

What is a good GPA for philosophy?

However, successful applicants nearly always have an average GPA higher than 3.8 in their philosophy courses. (They also tend to have exceptional overall GPAs, but we pay most attention to grades in philosophy courses.)

Is philosophy or psychology better for law?

Is Psychology a Good Pre-Law Major? The American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any particular major or coursework for pre-law students. As such, law school students come from various undergraduate backgrounds.

What jobs do philosophy majors get?

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
  • Business analyst.
  • Chaplain.
  • Civil Service Fast Streamer.
  • Health service manager.
  • Human resources officer.
  • Local government officer.
  • Marketing executive.
  • Newspaper journalist.

What is the best pre-law major?

However, they also reiterate that the best pre law majors are those which will challenge students to think critically and inspire their best work:
  • Political Science.
  • Finance.
  • Arts and Humanities.
  • Communications.
  • Psychology.
  • Sociology.
  • Business Administration.
  • Criminal Justice.

Can philosophy help with law?

There can be little doubt that the philosophy major provides the best preparation for an education and career in the law. First, philosophy consistently ranks first among pre-law majors in average LSAT score, surely the most important criterion for admission to law schools.

Is the LSAT becoming obsolete?

The ABA's House of Delegates will vote on the Council's proposed change in February 2023. If the House votes to nix Standard 503, the standardized-test requirement won't go away until 2025. So, the LSAT isn't definitely going away, and it's definitely not going away until 2025.

Do LSAT prep courses really help?

Since the LSAT is so different from other tests, a prep course is well worth the investment. This is your chance to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you'll get on the LSAT exam.

Is a 2.9 GPA too low for law school?

Law Schools With GPA Medians of 2.9 and Below

Well, admissions statistics say you can! There is quite a large range of acceptable GPAs across all of the nation's law schools and our quiz is here to help you find out which schools to apply to if you have a low GPA!

Will a 180 LSAT get you in anywhere?

LSAT takers can score anywhere from 120 to 180. With that big of a range, what kind of score should you aim for? Realistically, you should try to get a score of at least 150. That's the score that will get you into any accredited law school.

How bad is a 130 on LSAT?

If you have a 130s LSAT, you're not going to law school. It's not fun for me to say this, and I know it hurts to hear it. And, yes, I will answer this question exactly the same way no matter how many times or in how many variations it is posted as a comment on my blog or the Law School Expert Facebook page.

Is philosophy good for LSAT?

LSAT statistics show that philosophy students produce some of the highest scores among all majors, coming in second only to physics/math majors. The study of philosophy provides a statistically proven path to success in law school.

Is law degree oversaturated?

Law School Myth 5:

The job market for lawyers is oversaturated. While it is true that there are more law school graduates than there are jobs available in some markets, the job market for lawyers is actually quite strong overall.

Is it smart to major in philosophy?

Philosophy majors develop valuable career skills, such as reading and understanding complex materials, making logical arguments, explaining ideas clearly in oral and written form, and thinking about things from multiple perspectives.

What score did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?

Elle Woods, a fictional character portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the movie Legally Blonde, is known for her remarkable LSAT score—179 out of 180. Portrayed as a stereotypical "valley girl," she embarks on a journey to Harvard Law School in the movie that has since become a cult favorite.

Has anyone gotten a 180 on the LSAT?

The LSAT is scored on a bell curve, ranging from 120 to 180. On recent tests, the hump of the curve has centered around 153. Percentiles vary slightly between tests, but generally around 25% of test-takers score 160 or higher, 5% score 170 or higher, and 1% score 175 or higher. Only one in 1,000 test-takers scores 180.

How many mistakes do you get on the 170 LSAT?

The most questions you can answer wrong on the LSAT if your objective is to achieve a score of 170 is 11. You should achieve your goal score of 170 by correctly answering 90 out of the 101 questions.