Law Student Spotlight: Erica Schuman
Law Student Spotlight: Erica Schuman
This is our law student spotlight, which highlights how JD Advising has assisted in applying to law schools! Erica Schuman is our focus this week!
Undergraduate School: University of Michigan, 2019
Law School: University of Michigan Law School
Partnered with JDA for: Personal statement services, “JD Advising was my saving grace at the last minute!”
Erica is a Michigan Wolverine through and through! She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for undergrad where she majored in political science and history. Erica has now returned to the prestigious institution for law school, where she was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship in recognition of her leadership and academic achievement!
She is well rounded, hard-working and very deserving of our student spotlight.
Law Student Spotlight: Erica Schuman
Check out our interview with Erica to find out how she got to Michigan Law and her advice for students applying to law school now!
What made you want to go to law school?
At first, I was interested in pursuing a career in politics but after interning in the U.S. Senate I realized that I was most passionate about how the law impacts individuals after it is passed. I got a summer internship at a law firm that handled all kinds of cases and was fascinated every day by each case I helped work on. I could see myself practicing law for my career so I decided to go to law school.
Having applied directly out of undergrad, what school activities did you participate in to help you stand out?
I served on the executive board of my sorority and then went on to serve on the executive board of the Panhellenic Association. In addition, I worked as a campus tour guide and at my University’s press office. I was also a member of a pre-law fraternity, helped to register students on campus to vote, and participated in a semester internship program in Washington D.C. where I interned on the Hill for my Senator.
What do you wish you knew at the start of the application process that you know now?
I wish I would have known that my preferences and desires in a law school would certainly change throughout the process and that it was okay even after I had applied! After receiving decisions, going on tours, and getting more information on my schools I ended up changing my priorities and seeing schools in a new light. My first choice at the end was not my first choice when I submitted my applications; changing your mind is all part of the process!
Any tips or advice for future law school applicants?
Your LSAT score is not the end all be all of your application. No, my LSAT score was not as high as I would have liked but my school saw the incredible qualities I brought to the table from my personal statement, former experiences, and transcript, which certainly made my application stronger.
What is your legal dream job after graduation?
I would love to work in corporate litigation and particularly focus on helping women in business overcome the legal challenges that impede their growth and success in the business world.
How did JD Advising help you through the application process?
JD Advising was my saving grace at the last minute! I had stumbled across their booth at a law school fair and I was planning on submitting all my applications just two weeks after I learned about their services. I had already written my first draft of my personal statement but I wanted help perfecting it so the JD Advising team read it over, suggested constructive edits, and spoke with me over the phone to help get it in shape. Not only did I feel so confident in my statement once I made these changes, but everything was done within a week and I was able to stick to my early submission timeline!
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!