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About the EpisodeIf you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering how to make your law school personal statement stand out, this episode is for you. Dean Kat Schroll, Dean of Admissions at the University of Miami School of Law, has read thousands of personal statements and knows exactly what catches an admissions officer’s eye—and what makes them lose interest. In our conversation, she shares the biggest mistakes applicants make, how to tell your story in a way that feels both authentic and compelling, and why you don’t need an ‘extraordinary’ life event to write an extraordinary essay. Whether you’re just starting your draft or putting on the final touches, this insider perspective will help you approach the process with more confidence, clarity, and strategy.
00:00 Introduction to Law School Admissions Insights
02:51 The Importance of Personal Statements
05:04 Brainstorming and Authenticity in Personal Statements
07:55 Crafting Compelling Narratives
10:42 Addressing Challenges and Setbacks
13:40 Connecting Personal Experiences to Law
16:05 Effective Storytelling Techniques
19:09 Structure and Flow of Personal Statements
21:49 Common Pitfalls in Personal Statements
24:10 Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Reflection
38:02 Crafting the Perfect Personal Statement
39:48 The Importance of Reflection in Writing
43:18 Finding Your Unique Voice and Theme
44:30 Adhering to Application Guidelines
47:05 Common Mistakes in Personal Statements
52:45 The Role of Tone and Structure
56:50 Editing for Clarity and Impact
01:03:56 Navigating the UMiami Law School Community
01:10:04 Scholarship Opportunities and Decisions
01:11:37 Final Words of Encouragement
In this episode of the Becoming LawyHer podcast, host Hadiyah dives into the intricacies of numbers in law school admissions with Mike Spivey, Founder and CEO of Spivey Consulting. Discover how to strategically approach your application, from addressing a low GPA or LSAT score to building strong relationships with recommenders. Whether you're applying straight out of undergrad or returning to law after years in another field, this episode offers practical tools and insights to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Tune in to learn how to tell your story authentically and compellingly.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating the Law School Application Process
01:50 Understanding GPA and LSAT Medians
10:14 Addressing Low GPAs and LSAT Scores
20:59 The Impact of Advanced Degrees on Applications
24:52 Understanding LSAT Scores and Addenda
26:10 The Importance of Test Preparation
28:17 Disclosing Learning Disabilities in Applications
31:10 Timing Your Law School Application
32:03 K through JD Applicants: Strategies for Success
38:42 Leveraging Work Experience for Older Applicants
42:46 The Value of Soft Factors in Applications
47:40 Leveraging Non-Legal Experience in Applications
51:12 Shaping Legal Aspirations Through Experience
52:48 The Importance of Meaningful Recommendations
54:56 Navigating Relationships with Admissions Officers
57:21 Timing Your Application: Early vs. Strong
01:09:34 Crafting an Authentic Narrative for Applications
Resources Mentioned
In this episode of the Becoming LawyHer, host Hadiyah Cummings sits down with Tracy L. Simmons, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at Howard University School of Law. They delve into the intricacies of law school applications, emphasizing the importance of strategic storytelling in resumes and recommendation letters. Dean Simmons also shares insights on what it means for candidates to find the best fit, the value of an HBCU legal education, and offers encouragement to applicants who may doubt their potential. Tune in for invaluable advice on navigating the path to law school success!
Show notes
Reading mentioned, Law School As A White Space: Microsoft Word - Capers_MLR.docx
00:00 Introduction to Law School Applications
02:52 The Importance of a Cohesive Application
05:49 Strategic Storytelling in Applications
08:44 Common Mistakes in Standing Out
11:49 The Role of Resumes in Law School Applications
14:51 Understanding Letters of Recommendation
28:02 The Importance of Strategic Recommendations
30:40 Navigating Academic vs. Professional Letters
33:38 Understanding Holistic Admissions at Howard
37:21 Scholarship Insights and Timing
40:05 The Value of an HBCU Legal Education
47:40 Choosing Between HBCU and PWI: Key Considerations
52:19 Final Words of Encouragement for Applicants
With the end of affirmative action, the rules have changed—but your story still matters. A top law school dean helps us navigate how to show up authentically in optional essays, interviews, and every space in between.00:00 Introduction to Harvard Law Admissions
02:52 Understanding the Statement of Purpose vs. Statement of Perspective
05:24 Crafting Authentic Essays: The Importance of Personal Narrative
08:06 Navigating Uncertainty in Career Goals
10:42 The Role of Identity in Law School Applications
13:24 Holistic Admissions: A Closer Look at Harvard's Process
16:02 The Impact of AI on Admissions
18:53 Optional Essays: Understanding Their Value
21:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for Applicants
32:35 Understanding the Application Review Process
35:05 The Importance of Enthusiasm in Interviews
42:27 Balancing Preparation and Authenticity in Interviews
48:59 Creating a Cohesive Narrative in Applications
54:33 Embracing Your Unique Story
58:04 Advice for Aspiring Law Students
Resources mentioned:
In this enlightening episode of the Becoming LawyHer podcast, we sit down with Dean Miriam Ingber of Yale Law School to unravel the myths surrounding law school admissions. From the misconceptions about GPA and LSAT scores to the real qualities that top law schools seek in applicants, Dean Ingber provides candid insights and advice. Whether you're an aspiring law student or simply curious about the admissions process, this episode offers valuable perspectives that challenge the status quo. Tune in to discover what truly matters in crafting a successful law school application.
To the view the transcript, please click here.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Myth Busting in Law School Admissions
01:57 Understanding Law School Admissions Criteria
06:31 Debunking the 'Unicorn' Applicant Myth
10:30 The Role of Undergraduate Institution Prestige
14:29 Navigating the LSAT and Retake Strategies
20:11 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Law School Applications
21:30 The Importance of Authenticity in Admissions
25:22 Addressing Character and Fitness Issues
27:56 Navigating Sensitive Topics in Applications
33:47 Finding Your Narrative in Law School Applications
40:16 Encouragement for Aspiring Law Students
Takeaways
You don't need to have perfect scores to get into law school.
Admissions look at the whole application, not just numbers.
Being a 'splitter' is not a term used in admissions.
Exceptional applicants are rare; most are normal people.
Undergraduate prestige matters, but it's not everything.
LSAT score fluctuations can be viewed positively.
Political views do not disqualify applicants if they can engage respectfully.
Character and fitness issues are often minor and manageable.
Trauma can be discussed in applications if it connects to motivation.
Authenticity is key; applicants should be true to themselves.
Resources Mentioned
In this very first episode of Becoming LawyHer, Hadiyah Cummings—first-gen lawyer, civil rights advocate, and founder of LawyHer—gets personal. Before the expert interviews and deep-dive strategy sessions, she’s sharing her own story: how she applied to law school at 20 years old, graduated college with a 4.0, scored a 163 on the LSAT, and still got accepted to some of the top law schools in the country—including Yale.
But this episode isn’t about numbers. It’s about strategy, identity, and intention. You’ll hear how Hadiyah turned her application into a cohesive narrative where every piece—from her resume to her personal statement—worked together to tell a compelling story. That approach became the foundation of LawyHer’s signature strategy: becoming the main character of your law school application.
This episode sets the tone for everything to come: honesty, practical gems, and unapologetic authenticity. If you’ve ever doubted whether you belong in this profession, this one’s for you