Isabelle Melton was a Presidential Leadership Scholar who graduated from the University of Montana in 2022 with B.A. in Political Science and Multidisciplinary Studies and certificates in Global Leadership and World Competencies. During her time as an undergraduate, she was an Ambassador for the Davidson Honors College, President of Mortar Board, and a member of the Zootown Cabaret and Alpha Phi sorority. She also worked at the Mansfield Center and served two terms as a U.S. Senate intern through the Baucus Institute. Isabelle is an avid soccer player and coach and founded a charitable organization, Montana Soccer Soles, that she continues to run today. She took a year after graduating from UM to complete a bucket list item, working at Disney World through the Disney College Program. In the fall of 2023, she matriculated at Harvard Law School (HLS) with an interest in constitutional and international law and litigation. She is a member of the HLS Advocates for Human Rights, the Women’s Law Association, HLS Scales of Justice, and the HLS Soccer Club. Isabelle also serves as an Admissions Fellow and on the Activities Committees for both HLS Student Government and Section Six.

What originally inspired you/your family to choose the UM PLP?

When visiting campus for Scholar Interview Day, my family and I met with Professor LeBihan. During our discussion, I felt that UM PLP would provide specific and personal guidance on preparing and applying for law school. I was especially impressed with Professor LeBihan’s passion and commitment to the program. This meeting was ultimately one of the things that drew me to both the UM PLP and UM itself.

Which aspect(s) of the UM Pre-Law Program contributed the most to your success in matriculating at the law school of your choice?

One of the most valuable parts of UM PLP was the support Professor LeBihan provided throughout the law school application process. She was invaluable in recommending study materials for the LSAT and advising me on personal statements and other written materials. I especially appreciated that Professor LeBihan met with me several times throughout the summer of 2022 to work on my personal statement; my personal statement is something I view as playing a pivotal role in why I got into many of the schools I did.

Which aspect(s) of the PLP would you say contributed the most to your career success?

My first year of college, I took the Pre-Law Seminar course, which provided students the opportunity to really reflect on whether law school was the right fit for them. Interested in going to law since high school, this was an invaluable class in showing me the highs and lows of the profession (such as the secondary trauma lawyers can take on in cases). This set me up early to think about what I might want to do in my legal career and how I could balance that with other parts of my life.

What aspects of the campus culture at UM helped you successfully prepare for applying to law school?

The various communities I was a part of at UM, including the Davidson Honors College, Mansfield Center, and Global Leadership Initiative, were critical in providing me opportunities to work in groups, develop leadership skills, and foster relationships with other students across disciplines. As an introvert, this proved extremely valuable in my first semester at Harvard Law School, where I now feel comfortable in a larger group and law school.

Would you share a specific moment or experience that had a significant impact on your time in the Pre-Law Program at UM?

Near the beginning of the law school application process, Professor LeBihan encouraged me to apply to some higher-ranked schools. Her belief in me at this stage encouraged me to reach for the stars and put myself out there in applying to law schools like Harvard.

Is there any advice you would offer prospective students considering joining the UM PLP community?

I would recommend getting started early, especially if you want to go to law school straight out of undergrad. I had a lot of time to think about where I would apply, when to start studying for the LSAT, preparing my materials for application, etc. Starting earlier also affords you the opportunity to begin reflecting on if law is the right choice for you.