GradMissions Office Hours

How early is too early to start preparing for med or law school applications? According to the GradMissions team, almost never.

In this episode, we break down what the application timeline actually looks like—from ambitious high schoolers to last-minute applicants—and why starting earlier gives you a serious strategic advantage. We talk about building your “40 acres” of application content, avoiding the common trap of repetitive storytelling, and how thoughtful planning leads to stronger essays, better school lists, and more scholarship opportunities.

Book your free strategy call: https://www.gradmissions.org/contact

In this episode of Grad Missions Office Hours, the team breaks down one of the most high-stakes (and misunderstood) parts of the medical journey: the residency match process. From opening your ERAS application in June to the emotional rollercoaster of Match Week in March, we walk through every step.

We unpack what goes into a strong residency application, how specialties vary in competitiveness, and why applying broadly is critical. You’ll also hear an honest look at SOAP (the process for unmatched students), the pressures of interview season, and the very real logistics that come with finding out where you’ll spend the next 3–7 years of your life.

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In this episode of the Grad Missions Office Hours Podcast, the team breaks down everything you need to know about admitted students day for law school or med school. From what these events actually look like to how they can shape your final decision, we walk through the purpose behind the programming and why showing up matters.

You’ll get practical, insider advice on how to navigate the day: what to wear, how to engage without standing out for the wrong reasons, and why networking starts the moment you arrive. We also cover the unspoken rules—like what not to ask in group settings, how to approach conversations with current students, and the small etiquette details that can leave a lasting impression.

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In this episode of GradMissions Office Hours, the team pulls back the curtain on what really happens at GradMissions. Founder Autumn Lockett shares how years of experience in law and medical school admissions revealed a critical gap: By the time most applicants get feedback, it’s already too late to fix what matters.

Joined by Lizanne Carlson, Logan Lockett, and Morgan Hager, the team breaks down how their work differs from traditional advising, why personalized strategy matters, and how the team shapes successful applicants. From first-generation students to top-tier candidates, they explain how they support future doctors and lawyers at every stage, including application strategy, essay development, interviews, and final decision-making.

Book your free strategy call: https://www.gradmissions.org/contact

This special edition of GradMissions Office Hours is a deep, honest conversation about accommodations: what they are, who they’re for, and why so many high-achieving applicants are leaving them on the table.

Autumn and the team strip away the stigma and get real about how accommodations impact not just test performance, but admissions outcomes, confidence, and long-term success in law school, med school, and beyond. From neurodivergence and chronic illness to test anxiety and invisible barriers, this episode reframes accommodations as a tool to be used.

Read more about accommodations on our website.

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The robots aren’t coming for your white coat or your law license, but ignoring them isn’t an option either.

In this episode of GradMissions Office Hours, Autumn, Lizanne, Logan, and Morgan dig into the role of artificial intelligence in medicine, law, and the admissions process.

From clinical AI reports out of major research institutions to the reality of AI-assisted legal research, the conversation moves past the headlines and into the practical question: How should future doctors and lawyers actually engage with AI right now?

Autumn's special offer:

If you subscribe and give the podcast a five-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, email [email protected] for a free 30-minute writing workshop.

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In this special med-focused episode of GradMissions Office Hours, Autumn and Logan sit down with Mallory Downs, a two-time applicant who turned a disappointing first cycle into multiple acceptances with the help of GradMissions.

With strong stats, a standout MCAT, and five years as a volunteer EMT, Mallory seemed like a sure bet. So what changed between cycle one and cycle two?

It was how Mallory told her own story.

From navigating rejection to fielding seven interview invitations, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and strategic growth.

Book a free strategy call with GradMissions: https://www.gradmissions.org/contact

Law school decisions are rolling in, and in a record-breaking, high-volume cycle, things feel volatile. In this episode of GradMissions Office Hours, Autumn, Lizanne, Morgan, and Logan break down exactly where we are in the law school admissions cycle and what you should be doing right now.

From understanding yield protection (and why your “safety school” might reject you), to deciding between Admitted Students Day and a personalized campus visit, to the real truth about scholarship negotiations, this episode is your tactical guide to finishing the cycle strong.

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Last week on GradMissions Office Hours, we unpacked JD Career Services. This week, we’re diving into the MD side (Spoiler alert: No wild stories this time. Just strategy!)

In this episode, Logan Lockhart, our VP of Strategic Match Advising and all-around med school guru, breaks down what “career advising” in medical school actually looks like, from preclinical networking and specialty mentors to away rotations, interest groups, alumni engagement, and national tools like Careers in Medicine and Charting Outcomes in the Match. We talk about the common mismatch between what students expect from career services and what medical schools realistically provide

In med school, no one cares more about your career than you do. Advocating for yourself is non-negotiable.

This episode of GradMissions Office Hours is for our future lawyers. We’re pulling back the curtain on what law school career services offices do, what they don’t do, and how they can help you forge a path to the law career you want.

We cover:

- When you should begin building relationships with career services (hint: immediately)

- Why your 1L fall semester is a launchpad, not a warm-up

- What recruiters actually say after networking events, with insight from our own Morgan Hager, a former BigLaw recruiter

- Why your mom cannot call the firm on your behalf

- How to receive hard feedback without spiraling

This episode is equal parts strategy session and cautionary tale. The legal profession runs on relationships, deadlines, and professionalism, and that starts in law school. The students who show up early, build authentic connections, and understand the transactional nature of the industry (without being transactional themselves) are the ones who thrive.

If you’re headed to law school, currently in law school, or advising someone who is, this is your roadmap to navigating career services the smart way.