MarshaHew '21–'22 app cycle Class of 2025 class year

Shoot your shot, honestly. A lot of people will tell you what results you can and cannot obtain with your numbers alone but if you tell your personal amazing story, you can do anything. I had a 143 diagnostic before my prep course with Kaplan in 9/2020. I wasn’t feeling confident so I signed up for the self study 7sage in 11/2020. I sat for 01/2021 LSAT and landed a 156. I took a month break and then signed up for 8 weeks of tutoring leading up to the April 2021 LSAT. With my 15 sessions with Kerry (LSAT Maven/ElleSAT tutoring) I landed a 169. They also helped me get my app in the best shape possible.

I had a strong Why Law throughout my entire application and wrote supplemental essays to explain my lower GPA. I think being a STEM double major with a minor helped some schools give me brownie points for my GPA. I also had a graduate GPA of 4.0.

I also have 10 years of work experience with the past 7.5 being in the banking/financial industry. I hold the series 6, 7, 63, and 66 FINRA securities licenses. I am also a CFP and ChFC, both programs together take about 1.5 years of dedicated study to complete and speak to my interest/why law.

When it comes to scholarships, know your worth and do not be afraid to ask a school for more money. It is in their best interest to have great candidates attend, graduate, and be successful attorneys. If you want it, be respectful, have back-ups and support for your asks and go for it.

Make sure you make the best decision for you when choosing a school. Your peers will tell you that you’re crazy for turning down certain schools or certain scholarships. Some schools gave me the moon and I was even accepted to SEO but it didn’t work for my personal situation. I chose to stay local with my family and current job all supporting me. This is the best decision for ME.

All in all, believe in yourself. You got this!