Ep 109: Application Strategies for Aspiring Law Students with Wisconsin Law
Join us for an engaging conversation with Rebecca Scheller, Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin Law School. In this interview, we delve into her journey into admissions, share valuable application tips, and explore the ways the university supports first-generation BIPOC students. Discover the unique aspects of the Wisconsin Law School program and gain insights into the application process. Don't miss out on this informative discussion!
Meet Rebecca Scheller
Rebecca Scheller earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. While a law student, she served as an intern for Justice N. Patrick Crooks of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She was President of the UW Law Mock Trial team, Secretary of the Latino/a Law Students Association, and Articles Editor and Symposium Editor of the Wisconsin Women's Law Journal (now the Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender and Society). She was named the 2006 recipient of the Leonard Loeb Scholarship conferred by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in recognition of both academic excellence and strong interest in family law, and also received the Julie Strasser Scholarship Award while in law school.
Episode Highlights
The conversation starts with a focus on Rebecca's journey into law school admissions and her personal background, which includes being a double Badger (alumnus of the University of Wisconsin).
Rebecca highlights the Wisconsin diploma privilege, a unique feature allowing students to enter the Wisconsin bar after meeting specific criteria.
The interview emphasizes the importance of early applications and thorough proofreading, encouraging applicants to apply well before deadlines and seek external reviewers for their materials.
Rebecca emphasizes that law school admissions teams are approachable and encourages prospective students to reach out for guidance and potential application fee waivers.
The discussion covers the importance of students being able to discuss their unique backgrounds and experiences in applications, despite changes in the law regarding affirmative action.
Wisconsin Law School's support for first-generation and underrepresented students is a prominent theme, including strong partnerships with student organizations, affinity groups, and application questions that address first-generation elements.
Rebecca encourages applicants to engage with Wisconsin Law School via email or Instagram and mentions the vibrant legal community in Madison, Wisconsin.
Tweetable Quotes
“I have a real personal interest based on my own personal history of making sure that students who are first generation, underrepresented students who maybe aren’t coming from a family line of lawyers who may be able to guide them, making sure that this process is clear, transparent, and accessible in every way. ”