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Law School Personal Statements
There is no other component of your application that you can control as much as your law school
personal statement. An excellent personal statement will separate you from the sea of candidates
with similar academic qualifications. Similar to an interview, a law school personal statement should
introduce the attributes and accomplishments that make you an individual. Do not write a summary
of your resume or transcript, but instead utilize this opportunity to expand upon what is unique
about you, your life experiences, and your goals. The following advice is intended to help you
understand your audience, teach you how to craft a persuasive statement, suggest topics, and tell you
the inside secrets you should know.
1. Motivate Yourself!
Ask yourself if you want to go to law school. If the answer is, “I want this!” then find a
way to say it in a heartfelt, mature, determined, engaging way in your personal statement.
Start writing now. Your personal statement is essential to gaining admission. Get serious!
You must demonstrate a strong, mature commitment to law: Educate yourself about
your chosen profession and the schools you would consider attending. This research will
take some time, and your serious competitors will put in this time.
The top law schools seem to ask very little of you in your application for potentially very
high returns. This is somewhat deceptive because many of the people you are competing
against will invest enormous amounts of time and energy in crafting and honing their
two- or three-page personal statements. They may even hire a professional editor,
through a company such as EssayEdge. Invest time in your personal statement. This is
not the two-page essay you whipped off in college the night before and got an “A.” This
is a difficult genre that requires several drafts.
When you begin writing, find a self-confident and mature tone, but don’t be afraid to let
your personality and enthusiasm come through. Accept responsibilities for yourself, your
family, and your community. Show why you are among the best and brightest, and break
stereotypes by being unique.
2. Write for Your Audience
Admissions committees at top law schools usually consist of professional admissions
officers, professors, and students. These are the people who will read your personal
statement.
Your audience wants to enter into your thoughts and perspective, and they want specific
details about you.
The ideal effect you want to achieve is personal transformation for the reader. The very
best personal statements are the unforgettable handful that move the reader.
3. Anticipate the Committee’s Cross-Examination
Because very few law schools offer interviews, the personal statement functions in an
introductory capacity. Thus a good personal statement should implicitly address the
questions the committee will ask themselves about you if they had an opportunity. A well-