Everybody wants to talk about getting into law school.
Not enough people talk about how to actually afford it.

This episode of the Becoming LawyHer Podcast might be one of the most important we’ve done. I’m joined by Teria Thornton from AccessLex to break down how law school funding really works and what the recent federal loan changes mean for future lawyers.

If you’ve ever thought
“I want to be a lawyer, but I don’t know how I could pay for law school”
this is your episode.

We cover:

00:00 Why this conversation matters
01:45 What AccessLex is and how they help students
04:20 The “pie chart” of law school financial aid
07:40 Scholarships, grants, work study, and loans explained
10:30 Biggest myth: “I can’t afford law school”
13:15 Tuition vs cost of attendance
16:30 Can you work during law school?
20:10 Flexible student jobs that actually work
22:40 Merit-based vs need-based scholarships
26:10 Why full tuition need-based aid is rare
28:30 HBCU law schools and funding differences
31:15 Federal loan changes (BBB) explained simply
35:20 Annual borrowing limits + lifetime caps
38:10 What this means for current law students
41:00 Public interest careers, PSLF, and repayment changes
44:45 If federal loans aren’t enough, what now?
47:10 Private loans, credit scores, and real barriers
50:20 Scholarships and tools AccessLex offers
53:00 Feeling overwhelmed? Think GPS reroute
55:00 Resources to use next

The biggest takeaway: the road may look different, but there are still paths forward. There are tools, scholarships, and people whose entire job is to help you figure this out.

Save this. Send it to someone who is pre-law. Rewatch in pieces if you need to. This episode can genuinely change how you create your future in law!

🎧 Listen now and start building your plan.

To learn more about Griffon Prep's resources: ⁠Griffon Prep⁠

In this episode, Hadiyah Cummings and Bernie Chimner discuss the LSAT, its significance in the law school application process, and effective strategies for preparation. They emphasize that the LSAT tests skills rather than knowledge, highlighting the importance of understanding its structure and components. The conversation covers initial steps for LSAT preparation, the significance of practice tests, and the various study methods available, encouraging listeners to find what works best for them.

The episode aims to demystify the LSAT and provide actionable advice for prospective law students. In this conversation, Bernadette Chimner and Hadiyah Cummings discuss effective strategies for preparing for the LSAT, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal learning styles, the value of structured classes over self-study, and the need to identify red flags in LSAT prep resources. They also explore effective study techniques, including the balance between practice tests and drilling, and the significance of reviewing mistakes to improve performance. The discussion highlights that LSAT preparation is a learnable process that requires effort and commitment, ultimately leading to success in achieving desired scores.Chapters

00:00 Understanding the LSAT: An Overview

02:48 Breaking Down the LSAT Sections

05:24 Strategies for LSAT Success

08:26 Navigating LSAT Resources and Tools

11:05 Preparing for the LSAT: First Steps

13:50 Study Strategies and Time Commitment

31:16 The Skills Required for LSAT Success

34:12 The Importance of Early and Consistent Study

37:33 Weekly Study Commitments and Strategies

43:22 Choosing the Right Study Format

51:50 Red Flags in LSAT Prep Resources

01:05:12 Evaluating Tutoring Services

01:11:42 Maximizing LSAT Preparation Strategies

01:13:31 Balancing Drilling and Practice Tests

01:21:09 The Pitfalls of Using AI for LSAT Prep

01:32:45 Embracing the Learning Journey

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About the EpisodeIf you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering how to make your law school personal statement stand out, this episode is for you. Dean Kat Schroll, Dean of Admissions at the University of Miami School of Law, has read thousands of personal statements and knows exactly what catches an admissions officer’s eye—and what makes them lose interest. In our conversation, she shares the biggest mistakes applicants make, how to tell your story in a way that feels both authentic and compelling, and why you don’t need an ‘extraordinary’ life event to write an extraordinary essay. Whether you’re just starting your draft or putting on the final touches, this insider perspective will help you approach the process with more confidence, clarity, and strategy.

00:00 Introduction to Law School Admissions Insights

02:51 The Importance of Personal Statements

05:04 Brainstorming and Authenticity in Personal Statements

07:55 Crafting Compelling Narratives

10:42 Addressing Challenges and Setbacks

13:40 Connecting Personal Experiences to Law

16:05 Effective Storytelling Techniques

19:09 Structure and Flow of Personal Statements

21:49 Common Pitfalls in Personal Statements

24:10 Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Reflection

38:02 Crafting the Perfect Personal Statement

39:48 The Importance of Reflection in Writing

43:18 Finding Your Unique Voice and Theme

44:30 Adhering to Application Guidelines

47:05 Common Mistakes in Personal Statements

52:45 The Role of Tone and Structure

56:50 Editing for Clarity and Impact

01:03:56 Navigating the UMiami Law School Community

01:10:04 Scholarship Opportunities and Decisions

01:11:37 Final Words of Encouragement