Meet the JD Class of 2023
This week, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School welcomed the JD Class of 2023, comprised of 250 students who will bring their unique talents, academic achievements, professionalism, and commitment to service to the Law School community.
The members of the Law School’s newest class come from 34 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and countries across the globe, including Canada, China, Jordan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
“The Class of 2023 represents a vast range of backgrounds, perspectives, academic interests, and professional experiences,” said Renée C. Post, Penn Law’s Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid. “They are accomplished, intelligent, intellectually curious, and dedicated to making the world a better place.”
The Law School received more than 6,100 applicants for the Class of 2023.
Within the class, 43 percent identify as people of color, and 50 percent are women. Seventy-three majors are represented, with 20 percent coming from STEM backgrounds. The class represents 136 different undergraduate institutions, bringing an additional element of diversity to the varied backgrounds the students bring to the Law School. Seventy-three percent arrive having already gained work experience, and 10 percent hold advanced degrees. The average age of the class is 24.
The Class of 2023 has shown itself to be made up of global citizens committed to improving their local communities through their work, scholarship, and service.
They include teachers, including Fulbright Scholars, alumni of Americorps and Teach for America. They have served in the United States Air Force, Army, and Marines. They have founded non-profits and led advocacy programs.
They also possess a wide range of professional experience, representing a diverse assortment of careers. They include engineers; paralegals; legal assistants; social justice advocates; several EMTs; patent engineers; journalists; entrepreneurs; investment analysts, realtors; custodians; and professional soccer, baseball, and golf players. There is also an electric bike constructor, an auto technician, a competitive figure skater, and a pilot as well as someone who created a documentary detailing the experiences of those indirectly and directly affected by the criminal justice system and another who accepts any baking challenge.
And just as they’ve shown themselves to be talented professionals, they are also proven outstanding leaders and team players. The class includes captains of college sports teams, undergraduate student body presidents, and many admissions volunteers and peer advisors.
But beyond their accomplishments — in the classroom and in their communities — they also have had inspirational, often unpredictable, lives. They include improv comedy troupe members, sports team coaches, and several peer mentors and peer tutors. Several are first generation Americans, and many are first generation college and professional school students.
For more information about the JD program and how to apply, please visit Penn Law Admissions.
