Winter 2016
Majoring in the Classics
As members of the OJCL, we are all very passionate
about the Classics. We see the importance of the Classical
Civilizations of Greece and Rome in our present-day
society. With that being said, many of us are approaching
college and deciding what we want to do for the rest of
our lives. Our majors in college play a big part in that.
Examinations), the graduate school admissions test. The
Princeton Review sums it up, stating “Classics majors
advance well in life because they develop intellectual rigor,
communication skills, analytical skills, the ability to handle
complex information, and, above all, a breadth of view
which few other disciplines can provide.”
Some non-classy classicists may not see the value of
majoring in the Classics. They may call you crazy for
studying what they think is a dead language, which of
course is not true. But, an education in the Classics is one
of the most valuable studies one can pursue. It teaches
students the elements of language and the basis of our
government and laws, literature, language and arts.
Furthermore, it helps students learn how to think critically.
The Classics is a great field of study.
Psychology Today gives advice on life after a
majoring in Classics, “If you're reading job
announcements, you probably haven't stumbled on any
job openings for "classicists" outside of
the education field. Don't let that deter you. You know
your degree has prepared you to take on the career you
want, particularly when combined with all your other life
experiences-- the additional education, skills, and
knowledge you've acquired through internships, summer
jobs, and other classes. Your major is one piece of the
total picture you have to offer an employer.”
According to Association of American Medical
Colleges, students who major or double-major in Classics
have a better success rate getting into medical school than
do students who concentrate solely in biology,
microbiology, and other branches of science. According to
Harvard Magazine, Classics majors (and math majors) have
the highest success rates of any majors in law school.
Political science, economics, and pre-law majors lag fairly
far behind. Classics majors also consistently have some of
the highest scores on the GREs (Graduate Record
The Classics is a field that prepares students for the
world, in whatever capacity they chose to use their degree.
Whether you have always loved the Classics, or took it to
improve your SAT scores and realized how life-changing it
is, you should definitely consider majoring in the Classics.
And, as an added bonus, there are TONS of scholarships
for students planning to study the Classics. Bonam
Fortunam!
By Bradley Katcher, OJCL NW Guber, Westlake
OJCL Convention Promotional Video
By Joseph Delamerced, Summit
VIII