Blogs
Anti-Asian Bias is Never Okay
Seemingly “benign” discrimination can spread like wildfire into overt, hateful, violent, and even deadly racism. If we tell ourselves it is okay to discriminate in one area because it is better “overall,” what signals and messages are we sending over time? What messages are we telling our Asian American students about their value and worth?
Choosing Law Schools: Cost v. Ranking
You’ve finally been accepted into several law schools and then comes the tough decision: which to choose? How does one weigh which law school will open the most doors without leaving behind insurmountable debt? When is ranking the driving factor in your choice? When are future payout and scholarship funds the driving factor? When does it make sense to say yes to a state school, and when does it make sense to say no to Harvard?
Perseverance Through the Law School Application Process and Beyond
Ultimately, what I have learned in the journey is to maintain perseverance. There are going to be ups and downs throughout the process. It’s going to be draining, stressful, emotional, and even scary.
How to Negotiate Your Law School Financial Aid Package
Negotiating your law school financial aid package can be challenging, but you have options to get the money you need. If you cannot successfully negotiate a better financial aid package, consider an LRAP program through the school where you want to enroll.
Comparing LRAP Programs for Law Schools
If you are planning on heading to law school, you are likely concerned about the cost. Unlike undergrad programs, normal tuition rates are not discounted for residency. Most law students need to rely on some type of aid to get them through the program. Law schools provide aid to exceptional students who have also scored well on the LSAT upon acceptance to the school. Yet, these grants, scholarships, and fellowships are typically merit-based and highly competitive.
Choosing Law Schools: Should You Apply Early Decision?
As you've been researching law schools, you've likely come upon discussions of early decision (ED) programs. An early decision program is a process that some law schools offer to attract top students in an incoming cohort. You submit your application early. The law school quickly reviews your application. In exchange, you promise to withdraw all other law school applications if they accept you. If a law school accepts you in the early decision process, you must enroll or choose not to attend law school at all for that particular application year.
Choosing Law Schools: ABA Disclosures, Data, & Why Rankings Aren’t Everything
Reviewing public disclosure reports, called ABA 509 reports, provided by the American Bar Association (ABA) needs to be your go-to method for reviewing law schools in their entirety. I've provided this short guide to introduce you to public reports from the ABA, the data they provide, and how you can evaluate that data for your personal situation.
What to Look for in Clinics and Journals When Choosing Law Schools
When you are looking to get into law school, it can be hard to know which one is the right one for you. There are many options available, and there is a ton of information you need to collect before choosing. Some of what you will be researching are tuition, acceptance rates, and the average GPA scores of those accepted. Many schools provide information about their curriculum on their websites.
Comparing Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP) for Law Schools
If you are planning on heading to law school, you are likely concerned about the cost. Most law students need to rely on some type of aid to get them through the program. Law schools provide aid to exceptional students who have also scored well on the LSAT upon acceptance to the school.
Empowering Students To Take Ownership of Their Academic Journey
I really want to empower students to take ownership of their own academic journey and progress. That’s something I am always trying to emphasize with my students. As a student, you have the power to speak up if you feel like you are not getting what you need out of your academic courses or options.
Applying Early v. Retaking the LSAT
If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I consistently stress that applying early is one of the best things that you can do for yourself in the application process. Applying early in a rolling application cycle can sometimes mean better opportunities for scholarships.
Tips for Thriving During 1L - Corona Edition
Every year, I give tips to my students as they embark on their first year of law school. This year, some of that advice is going to look a little different — but the core tenants will stay the same.
Combatting Systemic Racism as an Independent Educational Consultant
It is important to the aim of dismantling White supremacy that White counselors and allies begin examining their own complicity in systemic racism in education. It is crucial that White counselors engage in cultural competency training. As independent educational consultants, we have the power to further the work of racial equity and inclusion and there are concrete steps we can take to begin combatting these inequities as well as a plethora of resources and tools to learn how to engage further in this work.
How to Estimate Your Family's Financial Aid
This blog is going to give you an overview guide to estimating your family’s financial aid. I will walk through how to calculate your family’s expected family contribution, demonstrated need, and estimated net price for the schools on your student’s list.
How COVID-19 Affects Your Student Going Off to College This Fall
If you’re a parent of a high school graduate “headed off” to college this fall and have some questions about what things may change for you and your family this fall. Get answers to questions about financial aid, gap years, tuition discounts, plans to reopen, and more.
Am I Eligible For Federal Aid?
Many students want to know, am I eligible for federal aid? While this is a question that haunts both domestic and international students, many international students would be surprised to learn that the answer is “it depends.”
What is the Law School Application Diversity Statement and Should You Write One?
Aside from the personal statement, law schools will often allow you to submit additional essays. These essays may take the form of “Why Us?” essays, essays on a particular prompt/topic, or they can take the form of a diversity statement.
Writing Law School Letters of Continued Interest
Law school letters of continued interest, sometimes abbreviated to L.O.C.I., are letters that you write expressing your desire to stay on the waitlist at a particular school. There are generally four parts to a strong letter of continued interest. I discuss timing, quantity, and format as well.
ACT Postpones Online Test Rollout and Instead Adds Three New Test Dates For The Fall
ACT previously planned to administer an online at-home ACT in the late fall/early winter this year. However, due to increased social distancing requirements at the test centers and logistical issues they have decided to postpone their rollout of an online-ACT.
Harvard and MIT File Lawsuit Against New Federal Immigration Regulations
MIT joined Harvard July 8, in suing the Trump administration in federal court seeking an immediate injunction and temporary restraining order of the new immigration rules. The Massachusetts Attorney General, Maura Healy, has vowed to support Harvard and MIT in combatting the new policy.