How to Actually Afford Law School in 2026: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and the BBB Changes (with AccessLex)

How to Actually Afford Law School in 2026: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and the BBB Changes (with AccessLex)

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.

Let’s Talk LSAT: How to Study Like a Pro

To learn more about Griffon Prep's resources: ⁠Griffon Prep⁠ [https://www.griffonprep.com/] 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

The Secrets Behind a Compelling Law School Personal Statement: What Works, What Doesn’t (with Miami Law Dean Kat Schroll)

Ready to take your essay to the next level? 🎓 Book our Low-Cost Personal Statement Package [https://www.lawyher.org/accessibility-statement] for affordable, expert feedback with a 5-day turnaround. Want even deeper guidance—including a full breakdown of essay structures and strategies that admissions officers love? Grab our Personal Statement eBook [https://www.lawyher.org/product-page/becoming-the-main-character-of-your-law-school-app-personal-statement-edition] and start crafting your strongest application today. 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

Beyond the Numbers: Crafting a Compelling Law School Application with admissions expert Mike Spivey

In this episode of the Becoming LawyHer podcast, host Hadiyah dives into the intricacies of numbers in law school admissions  with Mike Spivey, Founder and CEO  of Spivey Consulting. Discover how to strategically approach your application, from addressing a low GPA or LSAT score to building strong relationships with recommenders. Whether you're applying straight out of undergrad or returning to law after years in another field, this episode offers practical tools and insights to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Tune in to learn how to tell your story authentically and compellingly. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Law School Application Process 01:50 Understanding GPA and LSAT Medians 10:14 Addressing Low GPAs and LSAT Scores 20:59 The Impact of Advanced Degrees on Applications 24:52 Understanding LSAT Scores and Addenda 26:10 The Importance of Test Preparation 28:17 Disclosing Learning Disabilities in Applications 31:10 Timing Your Law School Application 32:03 K through JD Applicants: Strategies for Success 38:42 Leveraging Work Experience for Older Applicants 42:46 The Value of Soft Factors in Applications 47:40 Leveraging Non-Legal Experience in Applications 51:12 Shaping Legal Aspirations Through Experience 52:48 The Importance of Meaningful Recommendations 54:56 Navigating Relationships with Admissions Officers 57:21 Timing Your Application: Early vs. Strong 01:09:34 Crafting an Authentic Narrative for Applications Resources Mentioned * Mike Spivey LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelspivey/] * Mike Spivey Blog * LSAC Accommodations * Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff * LSAC Forums

Resume, Recs, and More: Making the Whole Law School Application Work for You

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 [https://minnesotalawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1-Capers_MLR.pdf] 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