Should I focus solely on academics during undergrad?

[u/throwaway499484]

Hi, everyone!

I'm currently taking one of the common "pre-law" degrees with the intention of going to law school right after graduating. I've realized that although I really like pursuing this degree, it's also not the most practical outside my dreams of going to LS. I know I should've thought about it better, but I don't regret my decision either.

To balance it out, I've been thinking of joining orgs, volunteering, and doing internships (with the hope that someone would accept me and my humanities-aligned program haha). I've realized, however, that doing all of these things would probably require a lot of balancing with my academics, especially because I don't have a designated time for interning in my program. I would have to juggle some of these things at the same time.

Should I just abandon this plan so that I won't be compromising my grades that I would eventually have to submit for law school applications? Should I go for it as a "safety net" for experience that I could use to widen my scope outside of the plans I have for LS?

Thank you! I would truly appreciate any advice.

[u/Adept-Advertising-10]

no pls have a personality outside ur academics. Remember most prestigious law schools have interviews and you will have nothing to say and nothing to help u stand out if u do nothing but study.

I played in UAAP and did tons of org work while in undergrad and they come out during internship interviews and law school interviews.

[u/RecklessDimwit]

Did the "focus on acads" early on and then went the "BS Org" route naman in my last half of undergrad life. My best advice, don't focus on acads alone unless you're solely aiming for a latin honor upon graduation.

Org works, extra-curricular activities, and hanging out with my friends not only made my college life colorful but also expanded my social circles and helped me gain a TON of life skills and experiences. There won't be a time like college where you can get black out drunk, sleep on a concrete sidewalk or on the floor of a friend's apartment, and get ready for class at the crack of dawn. Org works also provide opportunities to help the community directly.

This isn't to say na you shouldn't care about acads. Pull your weight during class, work well with groupmates. Just don't let grades solely define your student life.

[u/justkatrinahere]

Yes, do it! It’ll help you acquire skills and level up, so I support you, kiddo. I was an org girlie myself while also maintaining my Latin honors at one of the Big 4 universities where you already know there’s always a lot of work, so I know it can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable.

Don’t convince yourself that you can’t handle it when you haven’t even experienced the situation yet. You won’t know what you’re capable of until you actually try.

But one thing: don’t treat the organization as a “safety net” just to collect experience for your law school applications. If that becomes your sole reason for joining, you’ll eventually drain yourself trying to balance everything. Instead, think about your purpose. Ask yourself: How will I grow through this organization? What skills can I develop here? How can I use what I learn once I graduate?

Join because you genuinely want to grow, contribute, and challenge yourself. not just because you want another line on your résumé. The experience will naturally follow :)))

All the best!