COLLEGE SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT: Craig Bass

Q1. How did you find out about CLEO?

Thankfully CLEO found me. A few days after attending the 2016 GW Law School fair, I received and email from CLEO, inviting me to participate in the CLEO connection Pre-Law program.

Q2. When did you realize you wanted to attend law school?

I traveled for almost 2 years as a Christian missionary, visiting over 11 countries and spending at least a month in each one. I lived and served among the people in some of the poorest communities of those countries. The poverty I witnessed pained me so deeply that I knew that I had to do something. Shortly after returning to the United States, I realized that a career in law was the route I wanted to take to fight global poverty.

Q3. What did you learn during the various CLEO programs?

The law school admission process is marathon and not a sprint. Just like anything worthwhile, the process takes time and careful preparation.

Q4. How has the CLEO programs influenced your preparation for law school?

The CLEO programs immediately plugged me into a rich community of prospective students, current law students, law school admission officers, and practicing lawyers. This influenced my preparation for law school by helping me build a strategic network of peers and mentors.

Q5. Select one of the CLEO programs you attended.  What portion of that program was most beneficial to you and why?

Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP) was my favorite program by far. The personal statement portion was most beneficial to me because it prompted me to get a jump start on my personal statement. Not only did I get a jump start, but my statement was reviewed by a law school admission officer. I was encouraged to hear that my statement was impressive and I was given suggestions on how to improve it.

Q6. Do you plan to attend any future CLEO events?

Absolutely! My goal being the 1L Prep-Attitude Is Essential program.

Q7. Do you have any advice for other aspiring lawyers?

Take Responsibility! This is your law school journey. You don’t have to be perfect but you have to be passionate. Take that passion and put it into everything you do.

Q8. Do you have any additional comments about CLEO?

The CLEO community is an encouraging and nurturing one and I am a much better Law School candidate because of it. Keep up the great work!