Thinking about grad school? Isabel Dorn ’25, now at Seattle University School of Law, has some practical advice for Lawrence students who want to take the leap. Here’s how she did it:
Start early and plan ahead
Isabel started thinking about law school in sophomore year. She didn’t take a gap year or work first because she wanted stability and knew this was her top choice. Preparing early made a huge difference in handling the process without panic.
Do your research
- Look for schools that offer full rides or at least cover most of tuition
- Check GPA and LSAT stats for the schools you apply to; being above both medians increases your chances of receiving scholarships, but some students below the median still get offers
- Read school websites carefully, they often share transparency about scholarships and admissions chances
Visit if you can
Isabel says online research is helpful, but visiting a campus is even better. You get a feel for:
- The campus vibe
- How easy it is to get around
- What living there might actually feel like
Applications take time
- LSAT was tough and time-consuming.
- Personal statements and supplemental essays were the hardest part, she made sure they were perfect and aligned with each school’s values.
- Starting early helped, she began researching and studying summer before junior year and submitted applications on a rolling basis by December.
Her advice to students:
- Know yourself and what works for you.
- Look at how others do it, but adapt it to your style.
- Don’t stress about being “behind”, just make a schedule that works and give it your best shot.
Takeaway:
Grad school can feel overwhelming, but Isabel’s story shows that if you plan early, do good research, and stay organized, it’s totally doable.