Advice on Getting into Law School from an Admissions Counselor at a T14 school

[@BrittanyTran]

What questions do you guys have about financial aid and paying for law school?

[@AndreaLindell]

If FASFA only allows 20K a year, what is the best way to fund the rest??

[@fartunpresents5360]

I’m going to go to an in-state law school but, how can I get a full ride scholarship? What tips do you have that can help me get accepted? How should I study for the LSAT? Are there law firms that will sponsor students and pay for their law school tuition?

[@josepuente5455]

My question is not related to this topic but I want to know if English was your first language. I want to become a lawyer but I am afraid of the fact that english is my 2nd language and my accent is noticable

[@Wckd20]

Hi, honest opinion... realistically is it bad to take the lsat more than 1 time? Thanks :)

[@sarabrown9730]

Is it better to go to a higher ranked school for more money or save money by going to a lower ranked school with more/full scholarship? I am currently going through the application cycle and heard back from many schools so now it is down to the money lol. Love your videos, Brittany!

[@vjeff777]

If you're watching this video while still in High School, kudos to you. Excellent timely planning....

[@maheensheikh892]

JJ watching this in middle school.

[@tanviohol6807]

Really? Thanks

[@trelengthin467]

I’m in 6th grade my dream is to get a scholarship to Harvard law school I’m working very hard right now and I’ve been saving up since 1st grade

[@aalegalfocus]

If you're still in high school, please see my video about why going to law school is a bad idea. The job market is incredibly saturated now.

[@Lea-po2jj]

@@trelengthin467 I will try to get a scholarship for Stanford law

[@AndreaLindell]

As someone in the process of applying to law schools, this video was extremely helpful! Thank you!!!

[@maegenjoymartinez2663]

Omg Brittany! Thank you so much for this video! It really gave me a lot of insight and clarity on what I want to pursue and whether or not I want to attend law school. For a while now I have been praying and asking God to guide me in what direction of my career path to follow because I felt so overwhelmed and unsure if law school would be right for me. I am currently a sophomore political science major at Texas A&M University and until recently I was thinking about switching majors because I just didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. All I knew is that I really wanted to help people, specifically underrepresented groups, and I wanted to work with public policy to achieve that. I thought maybe government work would be cool but I also had a strong desire for law and to work as an attorney. I thought to myself how can I combine these two aspects? And it wasn't until I stumbled upon your channel that I received clarity. You mentioned Public Interest Law in this video and I had no idea what that was or that it even existed until you briefly talked about it, so I did my research and found out it is exactly what I want to do! It's crazy because just a couple of minutes prior to watching your videos I had no idea what I was doing lol, and I believe that this is confirmation and honestly an answer to my prayers that God is leading me and I am on the right track. Anyways, haha sorry for the long spiel but I just had to let you know that your videos are literally a life saver and God is using you to speak to people in a big way. Thank you so much and keep up the good work! Blessings :)

[@gabriel-jy7hk]

as someone in high school, wanting to go into criminal law , this helps a lot. Thank you very much

[@Known_as_G_M]

I would recommend working on the LSAT as soon as possible. As long as they don't change the test format, if you start mastering the test now, you will probably do really well on it. Looking back, I probably would have started buying the prep books in HS or Freshman year of college and reading them in my free time.

[@christinamcglennon414]

Loved this video. I’ve been wondering whether the undergrad institution has a significant impact because I went to a “no name” seemingly random school and I never see anyone really discuss this. I appreciate you asking about that and also your input on the “opportunity” part because as someone who lived in a small town in Ohio during high school and college, I’ve felt deterred at times with the lack of prestige in my internships. Thank you!

[@chicobeanz0]

Great video and I appreciate the content. I’m taking the 11/25 LSAT. Right now in Kaplan LSAT prep courses I hate Formal Logic and LG’s. Again thank you

[@mayarareis6874]

Video begins at 2:30

[@ChusLife]

really solid advice! even for someone who isn't going into law

[@aalegalfocus]

Glad you aren't going into law after all. There are many better career options (advice from a practicing attorney).

[@rachelrobertson346]

asianamericanfocus why do you say that?

[@aalegalfocus]

@@rachelrobertson346 please take a look at a few videos I made about my experiences and thoughts on the legal job market. Unless you go to a top 6 law school or are in the top 5% of a top tier law school, the chances of having well-paying, actual attorney employment are not good. Many law firms in my area are no longer hiring and even laid off attorneys due to COVID and the economic downturn. All prospective law applicants need to be fully informed esp. before taking on a ton of non-dischargeable debt.

[@scrotiemcboogerballs2133]

@@aalegalfocus would you still hold the same opinion on the legal market when the pandemic ends? Is law school worth it?

[@rachael4408]

Hi Brittany! I am getting ready to apply this coming cycle and really crossing my fingers that I have done all the best prep I could have to make my application speak true to who I am! Thank you for conducting this interview for us all! It was very helpful :)

[@tamaralage1269]

So glad I came across this video, solid advice! I have intentions of applying to law school to become an immigration attorney and will carry these advices with me when I apply for law schools. Thank you!

[@JulianaProv13]

Thank you for making these videos. They are very informative!

[@AngelaVorpahl]

Hey, Brittany!! Another great video!! I have a channel all about giving insight and advice to graduating law students and young lawyers, so let me know if you would be interested in teaming up on a video to further address the world of law after graduation! :)

[@ThePleePloo]

What's unfortunate about these days is that you can work extremely hard in high school, be valedictorian, take 8 AP classes, be the perfect candidate and you still end up going to a "no-name" college because it is what is most affordable. NYU was trying to charge me $70k a year. I also got into to the UCs. Every "prestigious" university I got accepted into was not charging me less than $50k a year for my undergrad! I hope admissions understand this loophole when they're judging an applicant by their undergrad university. A kid at my state school got into Stanford. Outrageously expensive for his situation.

[@soledadcalle8311]

I felt that girl. I got into some incredible colleges but simply couldn´t afford them, so now I'm extremely worried about how it will impact Law School's decision on whether they want me or not.

[@Angel-ou1fr]

That’s why there are scholarships like QuestBridge

[@choblgobblrr1074]

@@Angel-ou1fr This person is probably middle class, and there’s not much help for middle class people. It’s not impossible but difficult.

[@WesleyKokonoot]

Thank you for the advice :)

[@kwesibrown3176]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@ChusLife]

good point on the essay

[@Al3x1s_723]

Perfect!!! Thank you so much for this video!!!!!

[@BrittanyTran]

yay! I'm glad it helped :)

[@destinyanguiano5521]

I'm studying for my undergrad at the moment and I'm currently focusing on what extracurriculars will make me stand out but I'm scared that I might stand out too much??? What is the balance🥺 Edit: I finished the video and its best to hold Leadership roles in at least 3 groups rather than be a member in 10. THANK YOU! THIS HELPED

[@28peruvian]

Thanks for your valuable advise.

[@shariecebrewster5962]

Thank you for your video

[@shariecebrewster5962]

I need all tip as well

[@2012staytrue]

Good video 👏🏾

[@dianahiggins8791]

I'm a legal studies major so we basically do a lot of the things that 1Ls do from what I heard. Do you think that looks good on my application or does it look like I wouldn't be diverse enough because I'm not coming from a STEM or Poli Sci major?

[@BrittanyTran]

I think it's fine!

[@MESSI-fx1ob]

Law schools don’t care about your major but you could use that experience in your application

[@stephaniethorpe2819]

Hi Brittany, do you tutor for the California Bar Exam?

[@BrittanyTran]

No, I don't. However, I did post a few videos about studying and taking the exam if that's of any help!

[@icy3491]

Iam 11 yrs old.:) I really want to be an Eterny when I’m older.✨ I really want to go to Harvard,brown,Yale, I look up to you :) Iam working hard in middle school getting good grades to be accepted to those type of college. While the other girls like to spread rumors,talk about boys,drama,.”I will be ahead.and be successful.”😇 ,’3 I also write very well!! Reading,math,science, ETC!!! Iam very confident. And thank you for the amazing advice I will need present day and future.” 😊

[@st-nw7tm]

I would encourage you to take time to learn more from other girls too, this idea of being "better than" other girls can be really damaging...these are things that have been historically said to pit women against one another. No girl wins when this stereotype of "most girls" baing vain and caring only about rumors/boys hurts *all women and girls*. Best of luck and good job on working hard in school :)

[@spacebars9677]

i’m sorry but you need to understand that you aren’t different or special from those same girls you are belittling. don’t other yourself and don’t isolate yourself from people. being a lawyer, you need to be able to see different perspectives clearly and in order to do that you need to be unbiased to make the best arguments for your client. also, start by learning how to spell attorney.

[@victoriawebb8512]

High school and college will humble you

[@shariecebrewster5962]

Who's did you talk to as well

[@another_user8898]

i'm currently a high school sophomore and i'm interested in pursuing law...i thoroughly enjoy public speaking and i'm an active debater & model un delegate, and i'm also advanced in school (ap calculus ab, ap world history, ap lang, etc) anyone have any advice for me? i take college RIDICULOUSLY seriously and i'm aiming for a t20 school with an intent to either do an undergrad in law or attend law school after. PLS PLS help!! i need advice on what i can do to better my stats, and PLEASE tell me if anyone knows of any online law summer programs that aren't too expensive! thank you and i love your videos btw :)

[@shariecebrewster5962]

H ow did you know when you want to be a lawyer?

[@davinderghotra3248]

Does a master degree help get into a top law school? I am also going to be getting my CPA license in the next year can that be an advantage?

[@BrittanyTran]

It can be but it’s not necessary. I think it also depends how it helps tell your story. For example, if you’re going into financial or tax or business law then it might be useful to have those items. Otherwise, probably not.

[@MESSI-fx1ob]

YESSSS

[@Andrew-ez9ft]

can you get into a t14 law school with a 3.2 GPA and a 170 LSAT??

[@BrittanyTran]

I'm not sure since the GPA is a little lower but it depends on the other aspects of your application

[@Andrew-ez9ft]

@@BrittanyTran so that person has no chance of getting in??

[@BrittanyTran]

@@Andrew-ez9ft I wouldn't say no chance but from what I understand GPA is still an important factor so if it's lower than the average you would need other factors that are very high.

[@MESSI-fx1ob]

If you are urm I’d say 25% change and likely at a low t14 Non urm like 10% and again lower t14 for sure Your stats are too low to think about name and hype Getting into Cornell or Vanderbilt should not be a big difference they are 3 spots off each other I’d say focus on the t30 or t20

[@db9287]

An excellent video

[@vjeff777]

great video!

[@anushaya897]

I have a question So I transferred from my community college with a low GPA of 2.7 I have a cumulative GPA at my current undergrad university of 3.9 (expected to reach a 4.0 by the time I graduate) So my overall Gpa is 3.2 currently (but expected to hit 3.6 by the time I graduate) I was not motivated at my community college but I have gotten all A's at my current institution. It's my dream to go to Columbia law school or any Ivy League, so do you think they will look at my overall GPA or the Cumulative GPA I have from my current school? Or do you think if they look at both, they'll look at the fact that I really increased my performance when I transferred to a university? I worked insanely hard to get to where I am with my academics but I am really worried that the grad schools I am applying to won't notice my performance boost at my current institution.

[@BrittanyTran]

I'm not sure but I'm guessing they will definitely see what grades you got in community college, I just don't know if they use cumulative or overall. you will have to provide grades for all institutions you studied at so they will see it eventually. I'm sure they will see the improvement and if you have a small optional essay section you can perhaps talk about how you made improvements from your community college grades.

[@MESSI-fx1ob]

They look at both and combine them it’s called a ugpa. Your 3.6 is not good when it comes to Columbia unless you can get an lsat in the 173+ range. If you get that score you could also do a gpa addendum giving a good reason as to why you had a shit gpa in community college and highlight your great gpa at your 4 year institution. Your main focus should be that high lsat score that is the only someone with your gpa has a okay chance at Columbia. You should not put your eggs all in one basket tho get that high lsat score and apply to all the top 20 schools. Admissions are not as straightforward as many people think crazy stuff can happen better be safe than sorry. Never apply to one school apply to at leas 15 schools your grades are stellar in comparison to admits of the school you are applying to and even then things are still dicey

[@kelseycarpenter8671]

I realize this video is a little older, hopefully you still check it. Just a quick question: I've seen a number of videos encouraging work experience and a strong resume; does it matter if that experience is working in a legal field? I'll be attending law school in my early thirties, so I'll have 15 years work experience, but it's primarily in manufacturing. I have a strong history (two jobs, 6+ years at each), and have advanced to quite technical positions. Will that stand out at all? Amazing video, very insightful. Thank you for these.

[@BrittanyTran]

yes it will definitely still stand out and I think if you can tie it to why you want to go to law school or be a lawyer that is obviously preferred. remember that you are applying to law school so even if your work experience isn't law related, you have to connect it in some way. perhaps you can try to highlight other law related opportunities like internships, volunteer opportunities etc. if you don't have legal jobs.

[@pilarmartinez2126]

Thank you for the great information Brittany! I am currently completing my undergraduate degree after taking a 14 year break from school after I received my associates degree. Thru that time I worked for one employer, operating in Home Lending as a mortgage underwriter. Do you think this time gap positions me at a disadvantage when applying for law school, due to the time taken to complete my undergraduate degree? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

[@BrittanyTran]

I think if you explain it in any personal statements or essays that you submit then you should be fine. Try to spin it in a way that makes you look favorable and helps play on the fact that the experience you gained while working will make you a better lawyer.

[@pilarmartinez2126]

Brittany Tran Thank you for taking the time to respond! I look forward to seeing more of your life of a lawyer videos!

[@shariecebrewster5962]

Good job we need tip on there's

[@samanthamichelle2094]

Good information

[@aryaankhan2365]

Is it necessary to have work experience when applying to law school? If so, how long would you recommend working before applying? Thanks!

[@BrittanyTran]

Not necessarily. A lot of people go straight from college and don't have any "real" work experience. That being said, you should have at least 1-2 internships and even a part time job (doesn't have to be law related) to help round out your resume etc.

[@MESSI-fx1ob]

Depends on your situation If you are going directly from under grad to law working experience is not as needed but you should still have extra curricular stuff whether that be research clubs or work If you are not out of under grad having zero work experience will negatively impact you. Law schools will wonder why you were not working during a period of time that was not taken up by your under grad

[@madsh8998]

What should i major in college

[@BrittanyTran]

I answer this in 9:02

[@madsh8998]

@@BrittanyTran What ECs should I do in high school for law?

[@BrittanyTran]

@@madsh8998 i don't think you need any law specific ones, just whatever interests you and will help you get into a good college.

[@arshdeep851]

Does GRE impact your admission chances?(if I give GRE instead of LSAT)

[@BrittanyTran]

I didn't realize that law schools take the GRE. I think because most people take the LSAT and it's different from the GRE (tests different things) the LSAT is probably preferred but not sure if it makes a huge difference.

[@avalonmist254]

Wow thanks

[@jprov]

From the bay to nyc eh? Do you practice in New York as well?

[@BrittanyTran]

well i'm from the bay area but I went to law school in orange county and then after that I moved to new york but this past summer I moved back to california!

[@aaronarmugam9964]

If I want to become a lawyer how do I apply to schools abroad pls answer my question

[@BrittanyTran]

do you want to go to law school abroad or just practice law/get a job somewhere else? and when you say "abroad" what do you mean? is there a specific country?

[@jersey_xoxo9082]

Hey so i jst graduated w/ my bachelor in political science but planing on workin as a paralegal for like 2-3 yrs bt i didnt really do much extracurricular activities or held leadership roles but did a political campaign internship do u think id get a chance to get in?

[@BrittanyTran]

get into law school or get into a paralegal program?

[@jersey_xoxo9082]

@@BrittanyTran oh sorry didn’t clarify that but into law school lol

[@BrittanyTran]

that's a tough question to answer since it depends on which law school you are trying to get into and the other aspects of your qualifications (GPA, LSAT score, essays, etc.). I don't think it matters much what extracurriculars you did or leadership roles as long as other aspects are strong like your GPA and LSAT score and if you are going to be a paralegal before you go to law school you'll have relevant work experience which is also important.

[@bernardoguillen2368]

ok so in other words if a really smart person has a strong and high gpa and does great in the LSAT they might not get into law school versus someone who has a low gpa and a low LSAT who might have a chance to get in...did i get that correct?

[@ceryndipity9478]

What? No. Your probability of getting in increases as your GPA and LSAT score increase- but just because you have high stats doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed, and just because your stats are mediocre doesn’t mean it’s impossible

[@MESSI-fx1ob]

Yea maybe but it’s probability The chances of bad gpa and lsat getting into a law school and high gpa and lsat not getting in is extremely low

[@idkwhattonamemyacxount88]

What grades do law schools look at last 3 years of undergrad? Best 3 years? 2 years? Thanks!

[@BrittanyTran]

from what I remember they look at your entire GPA for all 4 years of undergrad.

[@MESSI-fx1ob]

All 4

[@Estherolabode24]

As an high school student, and if i take accounting class can i still become a lawyer? Also do u need Act for law

[@BrittanyTran]

You can take any class and still be a lawyer. The ACT is for college so that’s a step towards being a lawyer but to get into law school you need the LSAT.

[@Estherolabode24]

@@BrittanyTran When do i take the LSAT please if i may ask?

[@BrittanyTran]

you'll take it during college if you want to go to law school right after college.

[@shariecebrewster5962]

I am from new York

[@shariecebrewster5962]

From new York

[@Known_as_G_M]

If students don't have the requisite GPA and LSAT will they get in..... HELL NO!

[@ChusLife]

is that huy washing dishes in the background? xD hi huy!

[@BrittanyTran]

LOL no that's the steam heater in our room that keeps going off :( most New York apartments have them and you don't control it, it just turns on by itself to heat up the room.

[@melaniebrown1443]

I graduated from college recently with a 3.1 GPA. If I earn a high score on the LSAT, do I have a good chance of getting into a T14 law school?

[@BrittanyTran]

it depends on all the other factors, I would say your chances are low but if you can convince the admissions office you deserve to be admitted despite a low GPA (and maybe explain why) and make it up with a stellar application, LSAT, essay etc. you may have a chance. I do discuss this in an upcoming video about the law school personal statement :D

[@melaniebrown1443]

Brittany Tran does it matter that I’m a STEM major? I majored in computer science, that explains my low GPA. I got As in my humanities courses but I got Bs and Cs in my computer science courses.

[@MESSI-fx1ob]

@@melaniebrown1443 stem will help you for sure. You could also do a gpa addendum to explain your shit gpa. Get a high lsat score and you could get low t14 maybe like 20% chance if you are urm and 10% if you are not. I would honestly forget about the t14 branding with those stats and worry about getting into a solid law school that might pay some of my tuition. Look at t30 or t20 schools also your lsat should be at least 172 if you want a t14

[@amyturcios8962]

im scared

[@shariecebrewster5962]

I'm am there's

[@Herbalhealthsupplements]

YO WHO KEEPS FILLING A POT WITH WATER ?

[@BrittanyTran]

haha that's the sound of our heater! in new york we have very old water heaters that sound like steam hissing when it turns on

[@parinnayee8060]

The greatest advice I got about law was not to go to law school

[@MESSI-fx1ob]

It’s easy to get into a law school but getting a specific school depending on the ranking is a different conversation

[@shariecebrewster5962]

Homeless