COLLEGE SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer Pulido
Q1. How did you find out about CLEO?
I found out about CLEO through an internet search. I was just starting to explore the idea of going to law school and was looking for programs that could help me on that journey.
Q2. When did you realize you wanted to attend law school?
In the fall of 2019. It was a gradual realization that did not happen until I was a few years into my current career. Once I decided though, I did a lot of research to make sure that it was the right choice, which is how I found CLEO.
Q3. What did you learn during the various CLEO programs?
At CLEO’s Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP), I received guidance on when to prepare different parts of the application, how long I should be studying for the LSAT, when I could begin asking for letters of recommendation, and more! The CLEO Connection (CNXTION) sessions have also provided guidance around specific topics. One that stands out is the Financial Awareness session, where we budgeted the cost of law school, including LSAT fees, CAS fees, application fees, tuition, board, books, even the bar fee.
Q4. How has the CLEO programs influenced your preparation for law school?
I was lucky to attend CLEO ASAP toward the start of my law school preparation, because I was able to turn the advice I received there into an application roadmap. Without CLEO, I think I would have ended up doing those tasks much later in my application journey or having to rush through them because I didn’t leave enough time.
Q5. Select one of the CLEO programs (ASAP, JJ LSAT or CLEO Connection) you attended.
What portion of that program was most beneficial to you and why?
When I attended CLEO ASAP last fall, I found the opening panel with various law school deans to be the most valuable part of the weekend. Dean Palafox, Dean Simmons, and Dean States all have so much experience and it was incredible to hear application advice directly from law school deans of admissions. The information they shared was direct, informative, and invaluable.
Q6. Do you plan to attend any future CLEO events?
This winter I will be attending the remaining CLEO CNXTION sessions and this summer I plan to attend ASAP again. I think it would be valuable to hear the information now that I am closer to applying. Once I am admitted to a law school, I would also love to participate in the Pre-Law Summer Institute.
Q7. Do you have any advice for other aspiring lawyers?
Even if you are not going directly from undergrad to law school, it’s not too late. When I first started thinking about law school as a post-grad, I was worried that I would be at a disadvantage compared to those applying right out of undergraduate programs. However, law school is challenging for everyone, so do not count yourself out before you’ve even begun.
Q8. Do you have any additional comments about CLEO?
I am very grateful that I found CLEO. It has provided great resources for me this past year, but more importantly CLEO has given me the opportunity to meet other aspiring lawyers like myself. It feels great to know that there are others going through the same experiences that I am.