Shane D. Cooper, the speaker, is introduced as the Senior Associate Dean of Admissions at Cornell Law School. He clarifies that his advice is based on personal views and not representative of Cornell Law School. Shane discusses the importance of undergraduate grades and standardized test scores in law school admissions. He acknowledges the historical impact of ranking systems on admissions decisions, emphasizing the need for realism in choosing schools. Shane introduces three key areas for applicants to stand out: personal statements, live interactions, and resumes and letters of recommendation.

Shane emphasizes the importance of being compelling, authentic, and genuine in personal statements. He advises applicants to use their essays to demonstrate writing and analytical skills, self-awareness, and reasons for pursuing law school. Shane highlights the growing trend of live or prerecorded interactions with admissions teams, such as interviews and video essays. He advises treating these interactions with professionalism and intentionality, since they are opportunities to demonstrate employability and self-awareness. Shane emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted resume and strong letters of recommendation. He suggests including a section on interests and hobbies in the resume to humanize the applicant. Shane advises applicants to choose recommenders who know them well and can provide specific examples of their attributes and accomplishments.

Shane advises applicants to use their personal statements to show rather than tell, using examples from their experiences to demonstrate character. He emphasizes the importance of connecting personal narratives to the applicant's interest in law school and future goals. Shane advises against common mistakes such as misspellings, not following application guidelines, and using inauthentic language. He emphasizes the importance of proofreading and getting feedback from trusted individuals to catch errors. Shane advises against using recommenders who cannot provide specific, positive examples of the applicant's attributes. He advises applicants to be strategic about optional essays, using them as opportunities to connect with the school if they have a strong interest or relevant experience. Shane advises applicants to be cautious when submitting GPA or LSAT addenda, since they can sometimes do more harm than good. However, he emphasizes the importance of full disclosure in character and fitness addenda.

Shane advises applicants to be productive during gap years, engaging in work or volunteer experiences that can be highlighted in applications. He emphasizes the importance of reading each law school's directions for personal statements, recommending double spacing and a length of no more than two pages unless specified otherwise. Shane explains that there is no specific GPA or LSAT score required for top law schools, but applicants should consider the school's historical percentiles for these metrics. He encourages applicants not to be discouraged by scores below the median, since other factors are also considered in the holistic review process. Shane advises applicants to foster relationships with potential recommenders by seeking one-on-one interactions and being proactive.