law school

Are you applying to law school?  The personal statement is an extremely vital aspect of your application!  Here are some tips about the purpose of the essay as well as the admissions officers' expectations in terms of style and content:

The purpose of the personal statement:

It introduces the applicant to the admissions committees
It demonstrates the applicant's strengths
It demonstrates the applicant's writing ability and style
It conveys the uniqueness of the applicant as a student and as a person
It helps to determine the applicant's qualifications for admissions

 

In terms of style, the personal statement:

Must not have technical errors
Should not exceed two pages, single spaced
Should use standard font and size
Should either be a general one if presented to LSDAS or tailored to specific school if it is going directly to the particular law school admissions committee
Should be provocative and interesting, but not "gimmicky"
Should be factual, brief, comprehensive and organized

 

The content of the personal statement should include:

A clear explanation of the applicant's qualifications
An emphasis on the applicant's strengths
Insight into the applicant's character and personality

 

Possible topics:

Brief biography
Story which illustrates the applicant's reason for applying to law school
Examples of adversities that have been overcome or success in meeting life's challenges
Actual experiences or past accomplishments
An explanation of why the topic has value to the applicant