A2Z with Dean Z

Dec 14 2023 3

A2Z with Dean Z Podcast artwork

In the A2Z Podcast, Dean Sarah Zearfoss employs her years of experience working as the Dean of Admissions at Michigan Law to help students prepare the best possible applications for law school. Her advice isn't unique to getting into Michigan Law, it's great general advice for getting accepted at any law school.

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A2Z 69: Holiday Grammar Special

Dec 14 2023 17 mins

If you've been lamenting the omission of the grammar segment this season, we have a special episode for you! Dean Z is cozy by the fire and ready to share some grammar tips, new vocabulary, and other resources.

A2Z 68: Yield Protection

Dec 06 2023 13 mins

What is yield protection and how much does it weigh on an admissions office's decision? Dean Z is here to bring some clarity to a topic that may often be misunderstood.

A2Z 67: Admissions Behind-the-Scenes

Nov 22 2023 13 mins

At this point in the cycle, many applicants have submitted their application and are wondering, what's going on? When will I hear back? What's taking so long? In this episode, Dean Z gives you a peek behind the scenes in admissions and teaches you about Michigan Law's process in rolling admissions.

A2Z 66: JD-Next

Nov 16 2023 16 mins

Dean Z talks about the new JD-Next test and why she still thinks the LSAT is the best test for getting into law school.

A2Z 65: App Reading: Keeley

Nov 09 2023 22 mins

Keeley is below both medians but she still got into (and has since graduated from) law school. What about her application stood out to Dean Z and told Keeley's story beyond the numbers?

A2Z 64: Q&A

Nov 01 2023 18 mins

Dean Z answers questions from the YouTube comments and a couple other places that Dustin found things. Learn about JD-Next, averaging LSAT scores, advice for older students applying, and more!

63: Parents' Role in Law Admissions

Oct 26 2023 14 mins

Beyond listening to this podcast, there really isn't a place for a parent in law school admissions. The student should be navigating this process, especially in-person events, alone. Dean Z shares her thoughts in this episode.

A2Z 62: Difficult Essay Topics Post-SFFA

Oct 19 2023 11 mins

Dean Z shares her thoughts on writing about difficult topics in your law school admissions essays in a post-SFFA world. Links to things Dean Z references: "A Big Problem With College Admissions Could Be About to Get Worse" by Aya Waller-Bey: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/06/affirmative-action-supreme-court-college-admissions-essays-trauma/674314/ A2Z S1 E18: Diffic

A2Z 61: 4-in-1 App Read: Splitters

Oct 12 2023 34 mins

Dean Z looks through 4 (!) applications in this episode, each an applicant with a strong LSAT but a low GPA. What about them stood out and why did Dean Z admit them to Michigan Law?

A2Z 60: SFFA v. Harvard

Oct 05 2023 13 mins

What does the SCOTUS decision in SFFA v. Harvard and UNC mean for applicants? Dean Z shares her perspective, explains why this cycle will require patience, and also shares some advice for talking about adversity in your essays.