That’s why your personal statement is a critical part of your law school application: It’s
your chance to address the law school admissions committee directly
and show us your character, what’s important to you, and why you’re a great fit for the school.
How many personal statements do you need for law school?
While the law school personal statement is about far more than just following essay directions, you still need to keep basic formatting and length restrictions in mind. Most law schools ask for a
2-page personal statement
, but lengths can range from 2-4 pages.
Do all law schools require a personal statement?
Most law schools require a personal statement
. Others may allow a diversity statement and/or an addendum. Submit ALL statements that apply to you. Tell an interesting, informative story and personal story about yourself in 700-1400 words (double- spaced).
Do law schools look closely personal statements?
1.
The law school professors will be reading your personal statement closely
and will immediately be able to spot good writers, with polished ideas, elegant structure, and no errors. 2. … People can think faster than they can read, so they are able to think about other things when they read your personal statement.
What should you not say in a personal statement for law school?
- Do not play a role, especially that of a lawyer or judge. …
- Do not tell your life story in chronological order or merely re-state your resume. …
- Do not become a cliché. …
- Do not use a personal statement to explain discrepancies in your application. …
- Do not offend your reader.
What should you not do in a personal statement?
- NEGATIVITY. …
- NOT MENTIONING YOUR SKILLS & ACHEIVEMENTS. …
- EXAGGERATION & OUTRIGHT LIES. …
- POOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. …
- NOT GETTING FEEDBACK. …
- STATING THE OBVIOUS. …
- TALKING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD. …
- THE WORD PASSION.
How long is the law school personal statement?
Depending on the law school, your personal statement will range in length from
300 to 1000 words
. Most law schools require personal statements that are two to two-and-a-half pages, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and 12 point font.
How do you end a personal statement in law?
Conclude your personal statement
by referring back to the introductory paragraph and restate your main thesis in
a slightly different way. 5. Use your law school personal statement as a means to market yourself. Most top law schools receive thousands of applications.
What makes a good personal statement for law?
The personal statement is
your chance to REFLECT upon your life and show the law school admissions committee who you are as an INDIVIDUAL
. Tell the Admissions staff something about yourself, your experiences and your life. Use vivid, descriptive prose with the intent to draw readers in and keep them interested.
How do you close a personal statement for law school?
Conclude your personal statement
by referring back to the introductory paragraph and restate your main thesis in
a slightly different way. 5. Use your law school personal statement as a means to market yourself. Most top law schools receive thousands of applications.
Should you name drop in a personal statement?
People won’t recognize
the names you’re dropping, and it’ll backfire on you. Leave them out.
What is the law school personal statement?
Most personal statements are only
two pages/500 words or so length
. Find at least three people to proof your work before you submit it to any law school.
How do I make my personal statement more personal?
- Write a personal introduction. Write an introduction that reflects you and your personality. …
- Expand on relevant skills, interests and experiences. …
- Write a strong conclusion. …
- Proofread and edit.
How do you explain bad grades in a personal statement?
Start this paragraph with a positive (reminding the reader of the candidate’s dedication to the PA profession). Then,
sneakily slip in the “bad stuff
”…the low grades. Give reasons for the grades without making excuses, and discuss how the grades were improved.
Should you talk about grades in a personal statement?
The Princeton Review in “Topics to Avoid on Your Personal Statement” advises prospective law students
not to write
about low test scores or grades, “A low LSAT score speaks for itself. … Being a bad test-taker is not a good start to a successful law school career, so it’s not a point you should hammer home.”