Application Process
Personal Statement
Virtually every law school now requires a personal statement from the applicant. Some schools provide space for this essay on the application proper, while others ask for it as a supporting document of a requisite length. The following are suggestions to help create a strong personal statement:
- Adhere to the requirements or recommendations contained in the application instructions regarding length, matters addressed, format, etc.
- Type your personal statement, and proofread carefully--your statement should be error free.
- Reflect your very best grammatical and communicative effort, since this essay will be judged both as to form and substance.
- Revise your statement at least three times, and have it critiqued by someone other than a friend or family member.
- Be personal and candid in your statement while setting yourself forth in the best possible light. The personal essay must demonstrate the traits and abilities that only you can offer. This is the forum to showcase your strengths and show your individuality.
- When writing, be specific about what sets you apart, whether it is memories of a trip abroad or a lifelong passion for fly-fishing. A good essay is one only you could have written. Write about what interests you.
Remember that law school admissions personnel already have an example of the kind of writing done in a test situation, since the writing sample portion of the LSAT is provided to them. The personal statement allows applicants to address what they wish to say on their own behalf and to develop it carefully with regard to organization, spelling, and grammar. Think of it as your "interview on paper." Do not repeat information that is already in your application or transcript. Remember that the admissions committee will be reading hundreds of essays; be sure your essay is engaging enough to spark their interest.
For help writing your personal statement, there are a myriad of different web sites, such as this: