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In this episode, Ben interviews Shireen Salam, a future Harvard Law School student whose path to admission is both inspiring and grounded in real-world experience. Shireen reflects on her time as a legal assistant at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Michigan, where she worked on a wide variety of criminal cases—from narcotics to immigration—and how that exposure solidified her decision to pursue law. She speaks candidly about the evolving priorities in federal prosecution and the emotional weight of handling cases she sometimes disagrees with.

The conversation shifts into LSAT prep and application strategy, as Shireen shares how she studied for a year while juggling multiple jobs. She explains what finally worked after early struggles with motivation, and how switching to a self-directed approach helped her break through. Her story is a testament to persistence—grinding through difficult months led to a high score and eventual admission to the most prestigious law school in the country.

Shireen also opens up about her personal statement process, early application strategy, and the realities of admissions timelines. She discusses how she built her “brand” as an applicant, the importance of humility, and why Reddit is often more harmful than helpful. Whether you're aiming for Harvard or simply trying to do your best on the LSAT, Shireen’s insights are invaluable for anyone navigating the law school journey.