Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I have read a book or two on law school, and have spent time surfing the Internet. I think I have it all figured out. Isn’t that enough? Why do I need to attend a conference to help me to be successful?
Answer: First of all, reading books and doing research on the Internet is very important. However, it is NOT enough. It’s just a start. You do have to do your own personal research. But, you also have to learn more to decipher what is good information and what’s not, and get different perspectives so you can choose the approach that’s best for you. You do that by first doing your research, then asking questions of several knowledgeable people. An event like this one is comprehensive. You get information on the entire gamut.
Getting into law school is difficult. Getting through is tough. Passing the bar is anything but a cake walk. And being a competitive job applicant, or creating your own opportunities armed with a law degree is not easy. Knowledge is power, and within those two days of this event, you will receive incredible information that can help you tremendously in your journey to becoming a lawyer.
If you’re serious about law school, then it’s also important to attend events where you can interact with law school admissions representatives and benefit from their experiences. It’s also extremely important to meet current law students, and to talk to lawyers and judges.
There is always information, wisdom, and insight that you can learn from the people you meet who are “in the know” that you just can’t get in books. An opportunity like this one is something that many Black law students and lawyers were unable to benefit from. Take advantage of it!
Question: Can I get a scholarship and financial aid for my trip? Can you all pay for my flight and hotel to stay in Houston for the conference?
Answer: The National Black Pre-Law Conference does not have the financial resources to pay for the flight and hotel expenses of participants. For certain persons who can prove that paying the $25 registration fee would cause a "financial hardship," we will provide fee waivers. Scholarships to cover the registration fee are available to persons who have earned at least a 3.0 GPA or a minimum of a 150 on a practice or an actual LSAT exam.
Question: If I don’t have the personal funds to make this trip to Houston, and my family is unable to help me, what do I do?
Answer: It is very important to be resourceful. Think positively and recognize that when there is a will there is a way. If you are a student and don’t have any personal income, there are people who would be willing to help you.
Talk to your school if you are still an undergraduate. Talk to your pre-law advisor, instructors, minority/diversity advisors, etc. In the past, we have had students attend who have asked their school to sponsor their trip. In return, they go back to their schools and conduct a session where they share what they learned with other interested students at their school who were not able to attend. Be creative. Think about ways you can give back in return for your school or organization sponsoring your trip.
We also encourage you to ask family members, friends, associates, and people you know to be your sponsors. Tell them that you are an aspiring Black lawyer and are raising funds for a trip to a national conference. Do some research. Write out your budget for the trip. When you take the initiative, and show people you are serious, then many would be willing to help you.
Also, ask local lawyers groups and law firms. Ask. Ask. Ask. You will get “no’s” and no responses, but someone would be willing to help you.
If you have to, do fundraisers. Sell candy, baked goods, t-shirts. Be creative. It is possible to come up with a few hundred dollars for an experience that can change your life. It’s an investment in your future.
Question: What if I don’t have much money? Can you tell me ways that I can cut costs so the trip can be more affordable?
Answer: Attendance at the conference on a very tight budget is possible and does not have to be expensive. You may have to go through a budget airline which requires you to leave earlier or later than you prefer at a discounted rate, take a bus instead of a plane, or share rooms with a small group of other pre-law students instead of having your own room. We do provide a roommate list of those persons also interested in sharing rooms if you don’t personally know anyone interested in attending and sharing rooms. You may have to come to town with a specific budget whereby you eat what we provide, and save a small amount of money for snacks and other meals you want. These are some ways to cut costs.