Personal Statement Guide

Applicants submit a personal statement as part of the application process for almost all law schools. Admissions committees look for a concise, detailed, well-written statement revealing the applicant's individuality. They want to learn from the statement who the applicant is and what makes him/her qualified to study law.

The basic idea is that you have to tell the Law School Admissions Committee something that will distinguish you from 2000 or 3000 other applicants. Why are you different or special? This requires letting them know just what kind of person you are and what your strengths are.

Remember, every applicant believes that he or she is capable of doing well in law school. Each also believes that he or she will make an outstanding lawyer, if not the best in the world. You, in other words, will have to do better than that for a convincing line.

Law schools are interested in anything about you which is distinctive: travel experience, tragedies in your life (loss of a father, mother, or other close relative or friend), or triumphs (awards, medical success in overcoming disease or injury, recognition for outstanding achievement). How did any of these things change you? How have you grown as a result of them?

Who have been the most significant people in your life?

What was the most important thing to happen to you at college? Why? What course or teacher was most important to you?

How did college change your life? What was the most significant book you ever read? Why?

Was there a summer job that held special significance for you?

Any combination of one or another of these things will probably do. It is better to concentrate in depth than to skim lightly over several things.

Do not, above all, write a statement that reads like a high school essay, "Here's what I did last summer." That would be a disaster.

Most importantly, be yourself. Show them that you are a thoughtful, insightful person who can present him- or herself in a convincing and persuasive way. Be sure that whatever you write is believable.

Now set aside the statement for a week, at least, and read it again out loud. Let friends read it. Review the essay with an advisor. Don't be discouraged if it takes as many as five revisions. It's important enough to warrant the time and effort.