For today's video, we have Yolanda Ingram, the Director of Access to Law School Education Programs, Admissions and Financial Aid at Penn Carey Law to talk about the best practices for BIPOC law school applicants. Yolanda talks about her experience as a first-generation college and law student and shares some tips and advice on writing a successful personal statement for law school applications. We also hear more about the various programs Penn Carey Law has in place to increase access for underrepresented students, including high school outreach programs and virtual college outreach programs.

Episode Highlights

• Seeking help is important, especially for first-generation students who tend to think they can do everything on their own.

  • Resources like pre-law advising offices can offer guidance on preparing for the LSAT and applying to law school.

  • Asking for help is essential for success, and history shows that successful people have had support along the way.

• It's important to start interacting with law schools early in the process, even in high school or as a freshman in college.

• Penn Carey Law has several programs to increase access, including high school programs and an outreach program for college students.

  • The outreach program allows students to receive feedback on their personal statement.

• Common mistakes applicants make in personal statements are writing the wrong law school name, summarizing their resume, and talking about negative aspects in the personal statement.

  • The personal statement is like an interview on paper and a marketing tool to sell oneself.

  • Answer the question that is being asked and avoid cookie-cutter personal statements.

  • Grammar is important, and applicants should have at least three people give feedback on their personal statement.

• Supplemental essays are not required, but they provide more opportunities to showcase who you are to law schools.

• Understanding the difference between merit-based and need-based aid is important, and doing homework on each school is crucial.

  • Being aware of conditional scholarships is important, as some schools still offer them, and students should consider the stress of maintaining a high GPA to keep the scholarship.

• The way you treat people at the start of your professional career is important because the legal community is small and your reputation will spread quickly.

  • You never know who may be asked to speak about you, so it's important to treat everyone with respect.

• There are many opportunities for interdisciplinary education even if you don't want to pursue a dual degree program.

  • Make sure you have an intrinsic motivation for pursuing a dual degree program, as it can be challenging, and consider if it aligns with your career goals.

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