Break Into Law School® Podcast
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Break into Law School® is the podcast for students who are ready to break down generational barriers to law school and walk confidently into their future.
This podcast provides transparent, quality, and ethical law school advice in a way that is uplifting and relatable.
Sydney Montgomery, Esq, is a law school admissions consultant specializing in working with first-generation and minority applicants. She herself is a first-generation graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School. Through Barrier Breakers®, she and our team have helped over 7,000 students gain admission to law school.
Are you struggling with information overload? Are you getting lost in Reddit and Google? Are you feeling stuck, not sure what to write about, not sure how to even begin the application process? Join a community of students who are choosing to stop the cycle of confusion and missed opportunities and find quality and ethical answers to their application questions.
No scare tactics here. No tearing people down. No shaming anyone. This show is all about leading with love, uplifting you, and encouraging you as you step confidently into your career as an attorney.
Meet Your Hosts
Ep 146: What to Do While Waiting for Decisions
What do you do during while waiting for law school decisions? Whether you applied early in the cycle or later, Sydney offers advice on how to navigate the uncertainty of awaiting admissions decisions. She emphasizes the importance of patience, checking application statuses, and providing meaningful updates if necessary. Sydney also addresses how to handle deposit deadlines if you receive admission offers from multiple schools.
Ep 144: Diversity Initiatives in Legal Education with William & Mary Law School
Dr. Nadia Castriota has the pleasure to interview Dean Korey Mercer from William & Mary Law School for today's episode. They discuss various aspects of law school admissions, with a focus on supporting BIPOC and underrepresented student groups. Dean Mercer shares insights into his journey in law school admissions and highlights initiatives at William & Mary aimed at diversity and inclusion. They discuss the importance of starting early, seeking mentorship, and maintaining professionalism throughout the application process.
Ep 142: How to Manage Law School Scholarship Negotiations
In this episode Dr. Nadia Castriota delves into the crucial topic of scholarship negotiations. As law school applicants navigate the admissions process, the financial aspect often adds stress. Dr. Castriota emphasizes the importance of early financial planning to alleviate future concerns. Dividing the scholarship negotiation process into research, preparation, and strategic communication, she offers valuable insights. Through thorough research into each law school's scholarship process and requirements, applicants can better position themselves. Preparation involves crafting compelling requests, adhering to instructions, and initiating respectful communication with the law school. Dr. Castriota stresses the significance of flexibility and mutual understanding throughout the negotiation process.
141. The Law School Essay Writing Formula with Legally Fit
We're thrilled to announce our latest collaboration with DeAndré Aubry from Legally Fit! Get ready for a whole new level of content as we team up to bring you valuable insights, tips, and knowledge, all courtesy of Legally Fit. In this 1L Club Session DeAndré discusses the keys to essay writing in law school. When it comes to essay writing, you want to make sure you are appealing to your professor's writing style, while ensuring you have all the right components. We demonstrate how to organize your essay in a concise and effective manner to make sure you are crushing those midterms and final exams.
Ep 138: Best Practices for College Athletes Applying to Law School
In this episode, Sydney discusses the best practices for college athletes applying to law school, addressing the concerns and worries athletes may have. Sydney reassures the listener that being a student athlete is not a drawback; in fact, law schools value the discipline, determination, and unique experiences that come with such dedication to athletics. She discusses how to showcase these qualities in personal statements, diversity statements, or supplemental essays, emphasizing that being an athlete can be a significant asset in the law school application process. Sydney also provides insights into addressing GPA concerns related to time commitments in sports and highlights successful examples of athletes incorporating their experiences into their law school narratives. Overall, the episode aims to guide student athletes through the application process and emphasizes the value they bring to law school communities.
Ep 137: Putting Together Strong Letters of Continued Interest
In this episode, Cynthia provides valuable insights and guidance for students placed on law school waitlists. Cynthia emphasizes the importance of viewing the waitlist as an opportunity to re-engage with the dream school and maximize chances of acceptance. She discusses crafting a compelling letter of continued interest, highlighting gratitude, reaffirming interest in remaining on the waitlist, articulating reasons for choosing the specific law school, and providing meaningful updates. Rivera emphasizes sincerity, professionalism, and avoiding negative tones or dishonesty in communications with admissions committees. Overall, the episode offers a structured approach to navigating the waitlist process and emphasizes proactive engagement with law school admissions.
Ep 135: LSAT Changes, GRE, & JD-Next: What You Need To Know with LSAT Unplugged
In this insightful episode, we are joined by Steve Schwartz, founder and CEO of LSAT Unplugged, to discuss the evolving landscape of the LSAT and its implications for aspiring law students. They delve into the upcoming changes to the LSAT, including the removal of the logic games section and the introduction of the JD-Next exam. Steve provides valuable advice for navigating these changes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the test's fundamentals, focusing on common question types, and developing personalized study plans. They also explore alternative options like the GRE and JD-Next, reflecting on their potential impact on law school admissions. Throughout the discussion, they underscore the LSAT's role as just one factor in the admissions process, encouraging perseverance and exploration of various preparation strategies.
Ep 134: What To Do During a Law School Gap Year
In this episode, Dr. Castriota explores the concept of taking a gap year before law school. She discusses the various reasons individuals may opt for a gap year, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, professional development, and exploration during this time. She addresses common questions about how admissions committees interpret gap years and highlights the significance of the decisions made during this period. She provides insights into potential activities during a gap year, such as gaining work experience, pursuing further education, or engaging in law school preparation. The episode emphasizes the value of storytelling in the application process, encouraging applicants to share their experiences and personal development during the gap year to enhance their law school applications.
Ep 132: Best Practices for Law School Admissions Interviews
In this episode, Cynthia shares six best practices for law school admission interviews. She emphasizes the importance of researching the law school thoroughly, knowing one's application materials inside and out, practicing common interview questions authentically, and demonstrating professionalism during the interview, including punctuality and a tidy workspace. She encourages applicants to connect with interviewers on a personal level, emphasizing authenticity and honesty. She also advises applicants to prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer that go beyond basic information available on the school's website. Throughout, she stresses the significance of being genuine and confident during the interview process to effectively communicate one's fit for the law school.
Ep 131: Applying to Law School with ADHD
In this episode, Sydney discusses navigating the law school application process with ADHD. Reflecting on her own diagnosis at 26, Sydney shares challenges faced during law school, emphasizing the importance of seeking support. She outlines three crucial elements for success: clear timelines and deadlines, organized planning, and accountability. She encourages individuals with ADHD to explore accommodations for exams like the LSAT, emphasizing the value of embracing ADHD as a superpower in legal careers. With empathy and insight, Sydney offers guidance and support for those navigating the law school journey with ADHD.
Ep 129: Key Support Services Every Law School Applicant Should Seek
In this episode, Dr. Nadia Castriota discusses the crucial topic of student support and services in law schools. Drawing from her experience as a dean of admissions, Dr. Castriota emphasizes the importance of understanding the various resources available to law students. She delves into key areas such as academic support, advising, mental health resources, and opportunities outside the classroom. The episode serves as a valuable guide for individuals navigating the complexities of law school, offering insights into the multifaceted support systems that contribute to a student's overall success.
Ep 128: Guide to the Law School Application Timeline for First-Gen and Minority Students
In this episode, Sydney discusses the ideal timeline for preparing your law school applications. She emphasizes the importance of early preparation and offers tips on solidifying your reasons for pursuing law school, exploring practice areas, and researching LSAT prep options. She also highlights the significance of strategic LSAT preparation based on the removal of the logic games coming this June. The goal is a smooth application process leading to acceptance letters in the fall, allowing for scholarship negotiations and thoughtful decision-making. Watch to learn how to navigate the law school application journey with confidence and success.
Ep 125: How To Apply For Financial Aid For Law School
In this episode, we explore the essential steps for law school financial aid, centering on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Emphasizing the FAFSA's significance, we discuss early submission strategies, document preparation, and the pitfalls of paid FAFSA services. AccessLex is highlighted as a valuable resource, offering free financial advice for law students. We cover the FAFSA school designation process and explain loan types, repayment considerations, and the potential impact of loan forgiveness programs.
Ep 123: Is December Too Late to Apply to Law School?
This episode explores the question: Is December too late to apply to law school? Sydney challenges common misconceptions surrounding the timing of applications and shares anecdotes of successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious schools despite applying in December or January. Key factors, such as LSAT scores, GPA, and school-specific norms, are discussed in relation to application timing. Listen to hear some strategic advice on optimizing chances for acceptance and securing scholarships.
Ep 122: What to Know as a Law School Applicant with a Disability
In this episode, Sydney shares her personal journey of navigating law school admissions while dealing with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and neurodivergence. Drawing from her own experience with fibromyalgia, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, Sydney addresses the challenges faced during law school, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and seeking support. She covers practical advice for applying to law school with health considerations, obtaining accommodations for exams, and the significance of transparency in the workplace as a lawyer with physical or mental health challenges. Sydney's insights provide a valuable resource for individuals facing similar obstacles on their path to becoming successful attorneys.
Ep 119: Navigating the Law School Application Process with Confidence with William & Mary Law School
In this episode, Nadia interviews Associate Dean for Admissions & Financial, Issa DiSciullo, from William & Mary Law School. They discuss various aspects of the law school application process and share valuable insights and advice for prospective law students. Issa emphasizes the importance of taking control of your application and showcasing your unique story, highlights the supportive and collaborative atmosphere at William & Mary, and encourages applicants to recognize their own accomplishments and remember that they belong in the legal profession. This episode provides valuable guidance for individuals navigating the law school application process and offers a glimpse into the inclusive and supportive community at William & Mary Law School.
Ep 118: Top 3 Mistakes Applicants Make on Their Law School Resume
In this episode, Cynthia discusses the significance of law school resumes. She delves into three key mistakes: not tailoring the resume to law schools, neglecting the skills and interest section, and overlooking typos and formatting errors. Cynthia provides practical tips, such as focusing on personal accomplishments, using appropriate language in the skills and interest section, and ensuring a polished, easy-to-read format. Additionally, she addresses the issue of employment gaps, encouraging applicants to provide explanations rather than leaving the admissions committee to infer details. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for prospective law school applicants seeking to create effective and tailored resumes.
Ep 117: The Mental Health & Wellness Crisis in the Legal Field with Jennifer DiSanza
In this episode, we delve into a critical topic often overlooked in the legal journey – mental health and wellbeing. LoVetta is joined by Jennifer DiSanza to discuss the challenges students face as they transition from undergrad to law school, how to set boundaries, the importance of self-care, and the role of mindfulness in maintaining a healthy balance during the rigorous demands of law school.
Ep 116: Effects of Affirmative Action on Law School Essay Prompts
In this video, Sydney and Alice discuss the changed application prompts for law school admissions in light of the Supreme Court's Race Conscious Affirmative Action ruling. We explore how these changes affect applicants and offer insights on how to approach the new prompts. We also delve into the evolving landscape of law school applications, providing valuable advice for prospective students and shedding light on the impact of these changes on the application cycle. If you're a first-generation or minority law school applicant, this video is a must-watch.
Ep 115: How to Write Strong "Why X" Essays for Law School
In this episode, Dr. Nadia Castriota discusses the how to write strong "Why X" School Essays for law school. She highlights the need to follow school-specific instructions, make personal connections to the institution, and maintain consistency throughout your application materials.Her advice centers on staying organized, being authentic, and understanding that admissions committees aim to create a diverse class that aligns with your goals and the school's mission.