You're Going to Law School!: Recent Episodes
Jessica Vander Velde
Want to go to law school with as much scholarship money as possible? Every week, your guide and host, Jessica Vander Velde, talks all things law school and provides simple, actionable tips and strategies for building your best law school application and getting that scholarship money! Jessica is a practicing attorney who put off law school for years because she did not want crushing six-figure debt. After figuring out how to go to law school affordably, she now shares what she has learned so you too can build the life and legal career of your dreams. She’ll cover law school application tips, tackle that money talk, and give you the inside scoop on law school life and what being a practicing lawyer is really like. Are you wondering—Should I go to law school? How can I get into law school? How will I afford law school? What is law school like? Which law school should I go to? … If so you’re not alone. These are questions thousands are grappling with – and we get into all of it on You’re Going to Law School! Ditch the toxic Reddit threads and comparison game. You’re Going to Law School! is an honest and uplifting show that demystifies the law school application process and helps you build your best law school application package – no matter your GPA or LSAT. You don’t have to do it alone. Jessica also brings you mindset shifts, inspiration, writing, and legal job-getting tips. Money talk might be taboo elsewhere – but not here. Jessica breaks down all things financial aid, scholarship, finance, loans, and more. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s also cash in your pocket because the more you strategically set yourself up for law school, the better chance of getting in at a lower price. Whether you are confidently on the road to that shiny J.D. or mulling over whether law school is really for you, each episode is designed to help you move forward with confidence.
Are you thinking of visiting the law schools you are applying to? While law schools offer tours, it's important to use them strategically.
In today's episode, host Jessica Vander Velde discusses when to visit law schools and how to make the most of your visits.
Don't waste your time driving or flying all over the country to visit all the schools on your list. Rather, listen to Jessica's advice on the best time in the application process to visit law schools -- and what questions to ask and aspects to look for during your visit.
Reach out to me: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram @lawschoolwinners
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Want to see behind the curtain and learn what law school is like? Listen in to today's episode to learn what to expect.
Host Jessica Vander Velde gives you a high-level overview of what to expect in your 1L year and beyond -- from how to prepare for classes to the ever-important final exam.
Yes, law school is much different from undergrad and there is a lot of reading, but you can do it! Keep in mind that you can learn from those who came before you -- from TAs to 2Ls, and there are always professors' office hours and study groups.
At the end of the episode, Jessica shares a few tips for making the most of your first semester.
Reach out to me: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram @lawschoolwinners
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
How much debt should you take on to go to law school?
In today's episode, Jessica breaks down the good side of debt -- everything it does and allows for, as well as the bad side and what you should be thinking about when you decide how much debt to take on to go to law school.
To determine how much in loans you should take on, Jessica walks you through four different questions that will help you get to your personal debt comfort zone based on objective facts and likely outcomes.
She also discusses the various ways you can reduce your debt after law school through various programs and plans. They could end up saving you thousands of dollars!
For more information about Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs) visit the American Bar Association's website.
For more information about Income-Driven Repayment Plans (IDRs), visit the Federal Student Aid's website.
To consolidate your federal loans while not obtaining a private loan, learn more here.
To learn more about Public Student Loan Forgiveness, visit Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Reach out to me: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram @lawschoolwinners
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
It's that time of year - when law schools are interviewing potential students.
Interviews can be so nerve-wracking. On Zoom, they might feel awkward. But if you prepare and do the right things ahead of time, you can go into them confidently and make a great impression.
On today's episode, host Jessica Vander Velde shares multiple tips for how to go into your interviews fully prepared and confident.
In the beginning, she shares common questions law school interviewers ask, so bring a pen and paper to this episode. And then, later, write out your responses!
Jessica also shares practical tips (like, what to wear?) and how to get your mindset right. She's been in your shoes before and now, as she interviews potential associates with her law firm, she has the insight into what it's like on the other side -- as the one asking the questions.
For example, ever heard the advice, "just be yourself?" Pretty vague and maddening, right? In today's episode, Jessica breaks down what that really means and what the interviewers are really looking for.
So take a deep breath. No one loves being interviewed but with the right preparation, you can make it as painless as possible and improve your chances of getting that coveted acceptance letter.
Reach out to me: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram @lawschoolwinners
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Want to write a killer personal essay -- and maybe a diversity essay, too? These tips will have you improving your law school application essays, whether you are applying this cycle or in the future.
Most applicants can write a serviceable personal statement. But you want to stand out. In today's episode, host Jessica Vander Velde shares advanced tips for writing truly memorable essays.
Maybe one resonates with you -- or all. Whatever it is, be sure to implement at least one tip after listening to today's episode and you will have a better essay.
Personal and diversity essays are your best opportunities to share something about yourself -- to control the narrative and let the admissions officers get to know you. So, yes, while your GPA and LSAT score are so important these days, so are essays. Don't squander this opportunity.
Please rate and review this podcast! I would so appreciate it and it would help get it into new listeners' ears. Thank you!
Reach out to me: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram @lawschoolwinners
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Are you thinking about writing a diversity statement as part of your law school application package?
In today's episode, Jessica talks about what a diversity statement is, what topics can lend themselves to diversity statements, when to write one and -- very importantly -- when NOT to write one, as well as how to draft a compelling diversity statement.
If you're on the fence, Jessica encourages you to think through what makes you different and unique -- from law students and lawyers, specifically, as well as from American society, generally. You probably have a good diversity statement in there somewhere. Listen to today's episode for some good prompts to see if this essay is right for you.
Jessica also talks about how to start off your diversity essay and build a narrative arc with a persuasive resolution.
Finally, she provides you with six quick but important tips for your essay -- so have a pen and paper ready!
If you get value out of this podcast, please leave a rating and review! It makes a real difference and is so appreciated.
Free law school money guide - www.lawschoolwinners.com/application
Contact Jessica: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
Are you thinking of taking time off between undergrad and law school? Or maybe you're already in the gap, working a different job, interning, or traveling.
Jessica took about 6.5 years off between undergrad and law school, working as a newspaper reporter and she's here to tell you how to use this time to your advantage in the law school application process.
Really, taking gap years used to be "non-traditional" but now it's totally the norm -- so don't think you'll be out of place. Lots of law school students come from various careers. You're not too old, and it's never too late!
If you get value out of this podcast, please leave a rating and review! It makes a real difference and is so appreciated.
Free law school money guide - www.lawschoolwinners.com/money
Contact Jessica: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
When it comes to information about applying to law school, there are so many myths!
The problem? Believing these myths could really harm you!
You might lower your chances of getting accepted, you might receive less merit scholarship money, or be locked into a school you don't want to pay full price for.
In this week's episode, Jessica kicks six prevalent myths to the curb and sets you on the right path -- a path toward an increased chance of acceptance and merit scholarship.
If you get value out of this podcast, please leave a rating and review! It makes a real difference and is so appreciated.
Free law school application starter pack: www.lawschoolwinners.com/application
Contact Jessica: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
Stuck on building your law school list -- the list of each law school you will apply to?
The American Bar Association's 509 required disclosures are here to help!
In this episode, Jessica breaks down with that ABA's disclosures are, where to get them, and how to use them to your advantage as you build your law school list and apply to law school.
These reports may seem dense and not user-friendly at first, but Jessica breaks them down with a helpful overview that will start you off on the right foot. She also discusses how to use them to get more scholarship money from law schools.
If you want to go to the best schools for you and lower the cost of tuition by obtaining scholarships and grants, this is the episode for you.
Free law school application starter pack: www.lawschoolwinners.com/application
ABA required disclosures: www.abarequireddisclosures.org
Contact Jessica: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
Welcome to part 2 of the series where host Jessica Vander Velde and her sister break down some of the roadblocks on the journey to law school.
On today's episode, they discuss three more of these roadblocks -- and tips for overcoming them.
If law school is your dream -- if you want to become a lawyer, don't let these roadblocks hold you back.
Also, know you are not alone. Applying for law school is a huge undertaking! It's bound to be scary and difficult at times. Let's work through some of these issues together.
Free Guide: www.lawschoolwinners.com/application
Please rate and review the show and share it with a pre-law friend!
Contact Jessica: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
If you want to be a lawyer, you are going to face roadblocks on the way. Some may be caused by your environment or circumstances. Some may be mental. All are 100 percent real and can hold you back!
On today's episode, host Jessica Vander Velde and her sister, Alexis Dwyer, discuss THREE of these roadblocks and tips for overcoming them.
If law school is your dream -- if you want to become a lawyer, don't let these roadblocks hold you back.
Also, know you are not alone. Applying for law school is a huge undertaking! It's bound to be scary and difficult at times. Let's work through some of these issues together.
Please rate and review the show and share it with a pre-law friend!
Free Guide: www.lawschoolwinners.com/scholarship
Contact Jessica: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
Letters of recommendation ... probably the most overlooked part of the law school application package. It can be awkward asking for a letter, right? And it's a vulnerable position to be in -- thinking about someone evaluating you, writing about you.
Jessica talks through these fears and breaks down step-by-step how to get strong letters of recommendation -- ones that wow admissions officers.
Because, when it comes to letters of recommendation, while it feels like you don't have much control over what your recommenders write -- you really have a LOT more power than you think.
That's because there's a strategy to letters of recommendation -- from picking the right people, to providing them with the information they need to write very personal, vivid, compelling letters.
Stick around to the end of the show, when Jessica breaks down the 3 common mistakes applicants make when it comes to letters of recommendation.
Please rate and review the show and share it with a pre-law friend!
Free Guide: www.lawschoolwinners.com/application
Contact Jessica: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
How much money do lawyers make? How much can YOU expect to make after graduating law school with that Juris Doctorate and passing the bar exam?
In today's episode, Jessica breaks down how much lawyers make according to the latest data.
She also discusses the THREE biggest factors that determine a lawyer's salary and sheds light on the often-coveted Cravath Scale salary.
If you're thinking about going to law school and becoming a lawyer, you're really smart to consider how much you will make on the other side. Before taking on student debt, you'll want to know what to expect. Listen to this episode to learn all about this hot topic!
Please rate and review the show and share it with a pre-law friend!
Contact Jessica: jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
Website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
Free Guide: www.lawschoolwinners.com/money
There is over $3 million in outside scholarship money available for law school students. Let's get you some of that cash!
In today's episode, host Jessica Vander Velde and her BFF/sister Alexis Dwyer discuss outside scholarships, which are scholarships offered by foundations, non-profits, businesses, law firms, and the like -- separate and apart from what law schools themselves offer in the form of merit and need-based scholarship.
They also talk about one of Jessica's favorite things: pipeline programs.
You'll learn where to find these scholarships and pipeline programs and two tips for increasing your chances of winning them.
For your free scholarship & pipeline program toolkit, visit www.lawschoolwinners.com/scholarship
Email Jessica at jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
For more information and resources: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoowinners
The first step in writing a law school personal essay is often the hardest: What should you write about?
The law school personal essay is an open-ended, two- or sometimes three-page essay about YOU.
Don't succumb to writer's block or wither in the comparison game as you read exemplary personal essays online. Instead, tune in to this week's episode to learn two steps to come up with your perfect personal essay topic.
In this episode, Jessica shares these two steps, as well as writing prompts to get the ideas flowing. She's joined by her non-lawyer sister, Alexis, who just so happens to share the same first and middle name as a certain public figure!
For more help launching your personal essay and other portions of your application, visit www.lawschoolwinners.com/application.
Email Jessica at jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
For more information and resources: www.lawschoolwinners.com
Instagram: @lawschoowinners
The GPA is such a big part of the law school application -- so what do you do if it's not as high as you'd like?
Don't write off your law school dreams -- there are ways to get around a less-than-stellar GPA, even if it's lower than the medians of the law schools you want to attend! In this week's episode, your host Jessica Vander Velde tells you three things you can do in the face of a low GPA.
And this week, Jessica is joined by her sister -- Alexis Dwyer -- who is not a lawyer but is Jessica favorite hype woman . . . and she knows what it's like to have a GPA dip for a bit.
Grab your free application toolkit at www.lawschoolwinners.com/application
Email Jessica at jessica@lawschoolwinners.com
For more information and resources: www.lawschoolwinners.com
And follow us on Instagram, @lawschoolwinners
What is it really like being a lawyer?
What do lawyers do all day?
If you're thinking about going to law school, you may be looking for the inside scope on what it's actually like being a practicing attorney. I'm so glad you're curious! It's so important to get a good grasp on what being a lawyer is like before going to all the trouble of applying to law school and spending 3-4 years studying, then taking the bar exam.
In this episode, I delve into what it's like being an attorney -- and the factors that really determine what your job will be like.
The truth is: Lawyer jobs vary widely and what a BigLaw tax attorney does is so different from what a solo practitioner divorce attorney does each day that they might as well be different careers!
I also share my No. 1 tip for learning more about what it's like to be a lawyer -- and I give you three tangible steps to take to help you accomplish this.
Please consider leaving a rating and review for this podcast. It would mean so much to me.
When it comes to being smart about finances in law school, I’m a firm believer that you should focus on a few key things that can save you thousands of dollars – maybe even tens of thousands.
These are the Big Money Moves. And it's where you should spend your time and focus as you apply to law school.
No "stop buying lattes" tips here. You already know that budgeting is important.
Instead, I want to shed light on the No. 1 way to save money -- which you won't hear from law schools. It could end up saving you thousands of dollars. It did for me! And now I help others do the same.
In this episode you'll learn:
- My No. 1 tip for saving more money than your peers on law school.
- How to set yourself up to pursue this money-saving tip.
To download my free guide on the Four Money Mistakes Law School Students Make, visit www.lawschoolwinners.com/money
Don't pay full price for law school!
Did you know about 73 percent of law school students don’t pay the full sticker price for their law school’s tuition, according to 2020 data from the American Bar Association?
In this episode, I share the three ways you can lower your law school bill -- including one insider tip that law schools definitely don't want you to know.
These strategies are incredibly important because each dollar you don't have to take out in the form of student loans means even more money in your pocket in the long run, as your loans compound interest. Avoid sending your hard-earned paycheck to a big bank for decades to come. Learn how to save money on law school from the outset.
In this episode you'll hear:
- How to save money, even if your GPA or LSAT score is low.
- Where to find the best outside scholarships for law school.
- How to get need-based aid from law schools.
Download your FREE guide: The Ultimate Outside Scholarship & Pipeline Program Toolkit.
Please rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts!
This helps me support more people -- just like you -- get into law school and save money. If you love this podcast, please click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then please let me know what you loved most about this episode or podcast, generally!
Finally, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.
Links and resources:
- Your FREE guide: www.lawschoolwinners.com/scholarship
- Law School Winners website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
- Follow or DM me on Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
There's SO much to do as part of the law school application process. It can really seem daunting!
In this episode we tell you the very first 3 things you should do -- and you can get started as soon as you know you want to apply to law school.
No guessing. No Googling. In this episode, we'll walk you step-by-step through these first 3 steps and give you insider tips to set you up for major success down the road!
Grab your FREE copy of Your Winning Law School Application Starter Pack.
Links and resources:
- Your FREE guide: www.lawschoolwinners.com/application
- Law School Winners website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
- Follow or DM me on Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
Welcome to You're Going to Law School!
If you want to go to law school, you're in the right place. I'm thrilled that you are following your dreams!
The application process is a long, winding road filled with comparison and self-doubt. Don't do it alone! In each episode, Jessica Vander Velde shares insider strategies and tactical tips for building your BEST law school application package and saving money on law school.
Do you want to go to law school but feel that:
- the tuition is so expensive;
- your GPA or LSAT score are lower than you'd like;
- the law school subreddits are toxic;
- your friends and family support you -- but you're still on your own;
- you wonder if law school really even is for you; or
- do you want to write a killer personal essay but don't know what admissions offices want from applicants?
Then you're in the right place! Jessica is your guide and your coach through this exciting but often-overwhelming time.
Join Jessica every Monday for a new podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Each episode will delve into topics including:
- What law school is really like.
- How to brainstorm your best personal essay.
- How to save tens of thousands of dollars on law school.
- What being a lawyer is really like.
- How to improve your LSAT score.
- How to set up your recommenders to write strong letters for you.
Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a thing!
- Law School Winners website: www.lawschoolwinners.com
- Follow or DM me on Instagram: @lawschoolwinners
Welcome to "You're Going to Law School!" -- a podcast that helps future lawyers get into law school with scholarship!
Each Monday, your host Jessica Vander Velde shares actionable strategies for building your best law school application package and saving money on law school.
Jessica is a practicing attorney -- a commercial litigator at a small-ish BigLaw firm, and she really likes it! Law was her second career (her first was a journalist!) -- and she loves writing. Helping lawyers-to-be write amazing application essays and resumes that tell a story are her specialties.
Jessica is also passionate about lowering the burden of student loans -- so get ready for lots of money talk. She saved thousands of dollars on law school and wants to help you do the same.
Hit "subscribe," and join Jessica each Monday starting August 29 for a new episode of "You're Going to Law School!"