Nicholas Kalina

What year did you graduate from the University of Minnesota, and what was your major and minor?

B.S. in Accounting and Finance '17

What law school do you attend?

University of Michigan

What year are you?

2L

Did you take time off between undergrad and law school?

Yes

If you took time off between undergrad and law school, what did you do during that time?

I worked in public accounting and got my CPA license.

Share one thing you wish you'd known about law school as an undergrad.

One thing I wish knew about law school is that there is no "correct" way to go about it. I've heard many people share their "secrets of success" regarding law school or things that you have to do to be successful. Within my first year at law school, I found that those "formulas" don't stand for much. The advice I give for the whole process (from applying to law school to graduation) is take everything you hear and learn from it, but do not feel compelled to follow it. Chart a path that works for you by building on many strategies that worked for others.

How did you choose your law school?

I knew that I wanted to work in a specific area, so when I applied to schools I looked for programs that had many graduates working in it. After touring the campus, I knew Michigan was the right choice for me.

What advice do you have for students/recent alums as they begin the application process?

Two pieces of advice-
1) Create your own luck by increasing your chances (don't be afraid to apply broadly).
2) Rejection can hurt in the moment, but certainly doesn't define or limit what you can do.