What is PBL?
Problem-Based Learning (PBL), typically used to teach students at York Law School (YLS), incorporates a ‘student-first’ approach, where students learn about foundation legal areas by working in groups to solve an open-ended problem. You stand out from the crowd compared to other top law schools, as YLS is the only law school to teach law in this way.
You will get the opportunity to be a leader (chairperson), an effective note-taker (scribe) and a team worker on a rotational basis. Meaning, when writing your applications, you get to show employers a variety of skills in your everyday seminars. It is not just pen and paper at YLS; you also get marked on your ability to communicate your ideas in PBL seminars, which can be great if you are neurodivergent.
Respective employers are looking to see if you have good problem-solving skills, leadership skills and the ability to effectively communicate in a team. Just in your first few weeks of undertaking PBL, you will be able to show these skills to employers. Make sure you are able to understand your skill set, so you can get applying as soon as possible!
Non-traditional qualifications?
Undertaking an Access to Higher Education Course in Business, I was concerned that the rest of my cohort would have A levels, and I would feel as if I did not belong. This cannot be further from the truth, as I have met many other students who have studied an Access Course and equivalent courses to A levels. I have never felt like I am ‘falling behind’ my fellow peers when it comes to contributing or researching.
Do not waste your energy thinking you’re not good enough or don’t deserve to be at law school. Take it from someone who is now in their final year: I would not have been able to make it this far if I was not capable, so you are too! YLS teaches using a non-traditional method of PBL, and it is majority coursework, so it makes sense that if you got into the Law School through a non-traditional method, you will definitely thrive.
What about dyslexia?
Being born with dyslexia, you will think and learn differently to others. This can seem frustrating at first, but it makes you who you are, and it gives you the ability to think of ideas that others may not have seen at first glance.
When I made my application for YLS, I was explicit about my dyslexia and how it gives me the ability to think differently to my peers. This is something that YLS loves, as they want their students to have different ways of thinking. They don’t want everyone to be the same, so don’t try to be!
The fact that I can embrace who I am, and even research and analyse how my dyslexia impacts me in my reflective skills assignments, shows that having neurodivergence will only aid you in your studies at YLS and beyond.
Law school will sound unnerving at first, but remember that you are good enough and smart enough to be here! So don’t let anyone tell you differently, or especially yourself. Leave imposter syndrome at the door and embrace yourself for all your differences.
Read more student stories about studying Law at York.
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