The Rumours Aren’t True: Becoming LawyHer Podcast Episode 2

Let’s get to the point; you have questions about applying to law school and we have answers, real answers. Applying to law school can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially with what seems to be a lot of information and even misinformation readily available—yes we are talking about you law school admissions subreddit! 

In this episode of Becoming LawyHer, Executive Director and Founder of LawyHer, Hadiyah Cummings, facilitates a candid discussion with Yale Law School Dean of Admissions, Miriam Ingber, about myths surrounding the law school application process. From having perfect stats, the Character and Fitness question, and topics for your personal statement, Hadiyah and Dean Ingber lay a lot of rumors to rest, offering real perspective on how law schools may think through and evaluate your application. 

What makes the perfect law school applicant? Is a 170+ LSAT score and a 3.8+ GPA required to apply to a top law school?  Do  you have to exploit your traumas in your personal statement, even though you just really want to do tax law? If you've ever had doubts about applying to law school because of your stats, your story, and even your past, we hope you’ll be happy to hear that Dean Ingber, amongst many other law school admissions deans, are not looking for “glitter pooping unicorns” in the applicant pool.

In fact, one of the key points addressed in this episode is where Dean Ingber explains what Yale Law School looks for and  cares about in an applicant (6:40). For example, you may think that if you did not score a 180 on the LSAT, you have a 0% chance of having your application even reviewed. But according to Dean Ingber, an LSAT score is just one of many data points. Worried about how your stats align with a school’s median? Well, these medians are just constructed artifacts based on who were admitted; and are not necessarily a target Yale Law School is actively trying to reach. The biggest question admissions asks is “Will this student be a successful student at [our] law school?” 

This isn’t your typical law school admissions podcast episode. At LawyHer, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s at the core of the community we’re building and the conversations we’re having. What sets this podcast apart is Hadiyah’s willingness to tackle so-called “taboo” topics, and once you listen, you’ll realize they’re not taboo at all.

Yes, we cover the usual questions about stats, medians, LSAT weight, and personal statements. But we also go deeper—like whether holding conservative views can hurt your chances, or whether your personal statement has to center the most traumatic thing you've ever experienced. (Spoiler: it doesn’t. Tune in to hear why.)

This is only the beginning of the many real conversations about law school and admissions. So bring your cup, because we’re giving you all tea, and no crumbs. 

By the way, if you haven’t noticed by now, the rumors on subreddit aren’t true.

Listen to Becoming LawyHer now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube and wherever else you get your podcasts.