Personal Statements are one of the admissions committee's sole chances to consider you as more than a number (LSAT and GPA). It allows the individuals reviewing your application, the ability to see past a rigid application and get a comprehensive view of who you are as a person.
Law schools look for motivated candidates with diverse backgrounds. Unlike other graduate school programs, law schools do not conduct interviews. Your Personal Statement is your one shot to dazzle the committee. So, how do you knock their socks off? Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Write something interesting. A good opener, similar to any type of writing you do, helps to pull in your audience and get them interested. I wrote about my time in DC with Congressman Berry and made sure to incorporate engaging concrete details about our work together.
- Write about yourself. Really sell yourself and write about anything that is unique about you.
- Explain why you want to go to law school. However, be careful not to become too preachy (i.e. "I want to change the world...").
- Keep away from the legal jargon and specific law related issues. Addressing these topics can be dangerous since the people who are reading your essays are lawyers themselves and probably know more than you do.
- Do not address low LSAT scores or GPAs. The Personal Statement is not the place for this; you're trying to talk yourself up -- not sell yourself short. If you think something needs to be explained, add an addendum.
- Make sure your grammar is perfect. One typo or misplaced comma can hurt your chances of being admitted. (Note: Prepare yourself for writing several drafts and make sure to have friends and professors look over your writing.)
- Be clear and concise. Keep it simple and your message will go far with the reader. About 2 pages double spaced is the normal size.
- Address specifically why you wish to attend a certain institution. Law school admission committees love to hear why you want to go to their specific school because it gives them insight on you.
- Be passionate. Studying law is tough and having motivation and determination will win over the selection committees quickly.
- Be confident. A confident writer is easy to spot, and your confidence can take you a long way with the committee and in life.
Start writing a draft now, and it will pay off later.
For more helpful hints visit this great Personal Statement Advice website.
Feel free to e-mail me your drafts or ideas for feedback as well.
(Image from http://www.une.edu.au/library/images/writing.jpg)
i agree with #7! good advice
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the "It's not you....It's me" section! This section is very specific and is great to use as an outline for those who are going through the process.The steps are very clear and some of the steps can apply to other letters being written as well. I agree with #3 and how yoy explain more under each step is very helpful for the reader. Even though I am not attending Law school, I found this blog to be very interesting!! You profile is very good because you tell just enough about yourself and your interests!!
ReplyDelete-Katrina
You're a good writer. I wrote a college admissions essay once and the subject/hook was my 100+ year old grandmother and it followed a lot of these points.
ReplyDelete