Writing a law school personal statement can be daunting task. Below are five tips to help you craft a unique and eye-catching personal statement.
- Focus less on what you write and more on how you write about it.
Don’t feel that your essay needs to be about a particular kind of experience. There’s no one thing admissions officers are looking for. Instead, write about something that will capture your personality and show off your unique qualities. It’s always best to write about something that you feel passionate about than it is to cram personal data onto a page simply because you think someone might find that information important.
- Remember that it’s okay not to be perfect.
Law schools aren’t looking for “perfect” people. They want real people who have learned from their experiences and thought carefully about who they are and what they want. Writing about overcoming an obstacle can be a powerful narrative.
- Be yourself.
Your essay should give the admissions officers an idea of what you will be like in the classroom as well as what kind of lawyer you might be. They are looking for people who are likable as well as interesting. Law is essentially a people profession, after all.
- Show, don’t tell.
This is a mantra you’ve heard, but it’s true. Are you analytical? Good with people? Give an example or share a detail that shows you illustrating those traits. Don’t just state “I have strong leadership skills” but instead give concrete examples that show you leading members of your team through a project.
- Just start writing and leave time to revise.
Are you having trouble getting started? Set a timer for fifteen minutes and just write. If you get stuck on a word, write X. Write gibberish. A polished law school personal statement doesn’t fall from the sky; it comes from spending time writing and rewriting.
Admissions readers are looking for thoughtful, persuasive, and interesting essays that highlight your uniqueness. Yes, they want good grades and test scores, but they also want real people with real stories and experiences to share.
Do you need help telling your unique story? Our admissions advisors can help you create the personal statement that will get you noticed – and ultimately, accepted – by the law school adcom. Learn more about how we can help by checking out our Law School Admissions Consulting and Editing Services.
Jessica Pishko graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School and received an M.F.A. from Columbia University. She spent two years guiding students through the medical school application process at Columbia’s Postbac Program and teaches writing at all levels. Want Jessica to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• The Law School Admissions Guide: 8 Tips for Success
• 4 Must-Haves in Your Law School Application, a short video
• How I Wrote a Personal Statement That Got Me into Harvard Law School
