Hi, I am Molly, I am currently a second-year law student at Brooklyn Law School focused on human rights law in New York City. I attended undergrad at Boston College, where I studied international relations and Arabic. I grew up outside of Chicago and still go back often.
What helped you decide what to study?
I have always been passionate about human rights, specifically the rights of persons with disabilities. Being a child of a parent with disabilities exposed me to amazing people living with disabilities who faced discrimination, and oppression of their rights daily. I also was lucky enough to travel a lot when I was younger, which further energized my interests and lead me to study international relations and international human rights.
What were your studies really like? (what did you like / dislike?)
Undergrad: I really loved being near Boston for college, and having access to all the city had to offer. I opted for a school with a classic campus feel as I knew that I would live in a city after college. I also found BC to be a place where people really wanted to engage and connect. I made wonderful friends and had passionate professors. However, BC is a very homogenous place and I think the lack of diversity really does students a disservice, especially those looking to understand a breadth of unique perspectives.
Law School: I found the first year of law school to be incredibly rigorous and rather stringent both in the way that one is meant to learn and the content taught. However, the second year has been a welcomed departure from this. I am enjoying engaging in classes which challenge students to think radically about both the US and international legal systems.
What made your program / university special?
Undergrad: I found the student body to be very reflective and thoughtful and time to reflect was built into all the courses. I was initially nervous to attend a Catholic/Jesuit university, but found that the deliberate and contemplative aspects of the practice to be really helpful in learning.
Law School: Being in New York is a major asset in that so many international, human rights and civil rights organizations are headquartered here and as such there are many opportunities to work with these organizations during the semester. Additionally, many faculty members are leaders and practitioners in my areas of interest.
What did a typical study day look like for you?
Undergrad: I had a great balance of academics, club involvement, friends, physical activity, and time to explore Boston. A typical day would include all these things.
Law School: Lots of reading and lots of class! I also have had the opportunity to participate in some really interesting clinics (Disability and Civil Rights Clinic) where I got hands on experience with clients.
How did you fund your studies?
Undergrad: I had a combination of student loans and paying out of pocket.
Grad School: I was able to receive a merit-based scholarship which made it very accessible to me.
What is the biggest difference between high-school and university studies?
I found college to be a time when I was able to really pursue many different types of interests. I really tried to take advantage of all the opportunities offered- from incredible speakers to unique courses. It was amazing to see learning as something active and expansive that was more than just doing your work. It meant learning from your peers, professors, and everything the school (and surrounding schools) had to offer.
What would you change about your final year at high school?
I wish I could have calmed down a little bit and enjoyed my final year at home. I was very stressed about getting into a “good” college.
What did you focus on in your applications?
Undergrad: I wrote about my positive outlook on life and how that impacts my future goals in human rights work.
Law School: I tried to explain why I wanted to be a lawyer and my goals for standing alongside my clients to support their rights. I told this narrative by weaving in much of my personal and professional experience.
Why do you think you got accepted?
I think that my personal narrative, career path and reason for wanted to apply to law school was really clear and cohesive. I have always focused my interests and time on human rights, and I think that my experience with international organizations really stood out.
What do you think matters most in an application?
Authenticity. It is very clear to schools when activities, jobs, academics are there to pad your resume. Authentic interest and passions will shine through.
What is something you wish you knew during the application process/before applying?
Undergrad: Only apply to schools you would really want to go to, if you can’t picture yourself there it is not worth applying.
Law School: Apply to a lot of schools- it is a total toss up where you get in. It has to do with many external factors (i.e., the huge influx of applicants after COVID). Look into who the faculty is at the school and see if their areas of expertise are things that excite you.
In three words, how would you describe the application process?
Anxiety-inducing, Anticipation, Excitement
What would you tell prospective students nervous about getting rejected?
You will end up where you are meant to be! Where you go to school does not define you or your future, it is what you do with the education you get there.
What do you think is the most important determining factor when choosing a university?
For both undergrad and law school I focused on applying, and ultimately choosing schools with a large emphasis on social sciences and specifically human rights.
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