Mike Acevedo - From Avionics to Yale Law
Tell us about yourself, Mike!
Hometown: Miami, FL
What is your anticipated school and intended major? Law at Yale Law School class of 2026
Fun Fact About Yourself: I was the second to last in birth order among my 8 siblings.
What did you do in the military? I was an Avionics Technician/Collateral Duty Inspector
What was your proudest accomplishment in the military? Twice a year, the base where I was stationed would host a comprehensive training operation spanning several weeks. This operation involved squadrons and battalions from across the Marine Corps. While fulfilling our own responsibilities, my unit also provided support for these operations. I was recognized with a Certificate of Commendation for my crucial role in facilitating the success of this operation, contributing to an impressive flight success rate of 95%.
What was the biggest benefit to using Service to School throughout the application process? The greatest advantage of utilizing Service to School was the invaluable opportunity to directly connect with a fellow veteran who possessed a deep understanding of navigating the law school admissions process with expertise. In other words, I had access to someone who possessed a wealth of knowledge that couldn't be easily found online and could only truly be comprehended through firsthand experience.
What are you most excited about in regards to starting school? I am particularly thrilled about the prospect of exploring and pursuing the area of law that captivates my interest the most, whatever this may be. Based on my experience attending the Admitted Students Program and engaging in conversations with current and former students of YLS, I have formed an impression that the academic environment at the school nurtures and encourages intellectual curiosity. This is my favorite part about YLS.
Mike’s advice for veterans who are applying to college:
Engage in thorough research! Many answers regarding the law school admissions process can be found on the internet, Reddit, or Discord. Personally, I dedicated considerable time to independent research and acquired substantial knowledge on law school admissions even before connecting with my mentor. I don't propose going through this process alone, but rather taking the initiative to understand the broader aspects of how the process operates. This will enable you to formulate a preliminary plan, such as taking the LSAT early enough to allow for potential retakes while still applying early in the law school admissions cycle.
In my personal experience, having a fellow veteran who truly comprehended the challenges and transitions associated with military life and transitioning out of service proved immensely beneficial in developing a strategic plan for the future. My mentor possessed extensive knowledge regarding the law school admissions process and the relevance of VA benefits in pursuing a legal education. The ability to ask questions without any sense of hesitation or the need to present myself in a certain manner, as if speaking to an admissions officer or authority figure, created a comfortable and supportive environment. I wholeheartedly recommend the power of peer-to-peer mentorship.
Congrats again Mike on your acceptance to Yale Law School!
