In this episode of the Becoming LawyHer, host Hadiyah Cummings sits down with Tracy L. Simmons, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at Howard University School of Law. They delve into the intricacies of law school applications, emphasizing the importance of strategic storytelling in resumes and recommendation letters. Dean Simmons also shares insights on what it means for candidates to find the best fit, the value of an HBCU legal education, and offers encouragement to applicants who may doubt their potential. Tune in for invaluable advice on navigating the path to law school success!

Show notes

Reading mentioned, Law School As A White Space: Microsoft Word - Capers_MLR.docx

00:00 Introduction to Law School Applications

02:52 The Importance of a Cohesive Application

05:49 Strategic Storytelling in Applications

08:44 Common Mistakes in Standing Out

11:49 The Role of Resumes in Law School Applications

14:51 Understanding Letters of Recommendation

28:02 The Importance of Strategic Recommendations

30:40 Navigating Academic vs. Professional Letters

33:38 Understanding Holistic Admissions at Howard

37:21 Scholarship Insights and Timing

40:05 The Value of an HBCU Legal Education

47:40 Choosing Between HBCU and PWI: Key Considerations

52:19 Final Words of Encouragement for Applicants

With the end of affirmative action, the rules have changed—but your story still matters. A top law school dean helps us navigate how to show up authentically in optional essays, interviews, and every space in between.00:00 Introduction to Harvard Law Admissions

02:52 Understanding the Statement of Purpose vs. Statement of Perspective

05:24 Crafting Authentic Essays: The Importance of Personal Narrative

08:06 Navigating Uncertainty in Career Goals

10:42 The Role of Identity in Law School Applications

13:24 Holistic Admissions: A Closer Look at Harvard's Process

16:02 The Impact of AI on Admissions

18:53 Optional Essays: Understanding Their Value

21:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for Applicants

32:35 Understanding the Application Review Process

35:05 The Importance of Enthusiasm in Interviews

42:27 Balancing Preparation and Authenticity in Interviews

48:59 Creating a Cohesive Narrative in Applications

54:33 Embracing Your Unique Story

58:04 Advice for Aspiring Law Students

Resources mentioned:

• Navigating Law School Admissions with Miriam & Kristi

In this enlightening episode of the Becoming LawyHer podcast, we sit down with Dean Miriam Ingber of Yale Law School to unravel the myths surrounding law school admissions. From the misconceptions about GPA and LSAT scores to the real qualities that top law schools seek in applicants, Dean Ingber provides candid insights and advice. Whether you're an aspiring law student or simply curious about the admissions process, this episode offers valuable perspectives that challenge the status quo. Tune in to discover what truly matters in crafting a successful law school application.

To the view the transcript, please click here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Myth Busting in Law School Admissions

01:57 Understanding Law School Admissions Criteria

06:31 Debunking the 'Unicorn' Applicant Myth

10:30 The Role of Undergraduate Institution Prestige

14:29 Navigating the LSAT and Retake Strategies

20:11 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Law School Applications

21:30 The Importance of Authenticity in Admissions

25:22 Addressing Character and Fitness Issues

27:56 Navigating Sensitive Topics in Applications

33:47 Finding Your Narrative in Law School Applications

40:16 Encouragement for Aspiring Law Students

Takeaways

You don't need to have perfect scores to get into law school.

Admissions look at the whole application, not just numbers.

Being a 'splitter' is not a term used in admissions.

Exceptional applicants are rare; most are normal people.

Undergraduate prestige matters, but it's not everything.

LSAT score fluctuations can be viewed positively.

Political views do not disqualify applicants if they can engage respectfully.

Character and fitness issues are often minor and manageable.

Trauma can be discussed in applications if it connects to motivation.

Authenticity is key; applicants should be true to themselves.

Resources Mentioned

• Access to Law School Program at Yale Law School

• Navigating Law School Admissions with Miriam & Kristi

• LawyHer Personal Statement Consultation Services

• LawyHer Instagram

• Yale Law School Launchpad Scholars

In this very first episode of Becoming LawyHer, Hadiyah Cummings—first-gen lawyer, civil rights advocate, and founder of LawyHer—gets personal. Before the expert interviews and deep-dive strategy sessions, she’s sharing her own story: how she applied to law school at 20 years old, graduated college with a 4.0, scored a 163 on the LSAT, and still got accepted to some of the top law schools in the country—including Yale.

But this episode isn’t about numbers. It’s about strategy, identity, and intention. You’ll hear how Hadiyah turned her application into a cohesive narrative where every piece—from her resume to her personal statement—worked together to tell a compelling story. That approach became the foundation of LawyHer’s signature strategy: becoming the main character of your law school application.

This episode sets the tone for everything to come: honesty, practical gems, and unapologetic authenticity. If you’ve ever doubted whether you belong in this profession, this one’s for you