The Law School Admission Game: Play Like an Expert, Second Edition by Levine Esq. Ann K

Author:Levine Esq., Ann K. [Levine Esq., Ann K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Abraham Publishing
Published: 2013-06-04T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

What Is a Personal Statement?

This is the piece of your application over which, at present, you have the most control. And it’s not to be taken lightly. A good personal statement adds to the application by tipping the scales in your favor. If someone with your numbers has a possibility of admission to a particular law school but not everyone with your numbers is admitted, the major deciding factor is the personal statement. A good letter of recommendation helps, but if you can’t advocate for yourself, someone else advocating on your behalf isn’t going to make your case for you. So, the personal statement is your chance to become more than a list of your accomplishments and experiences, more than your transcripts, and more than your LSAT score. This is your chance to be personable, likable, and impressive. This is your one chance to tell a law school what it wouldn’t otherwise know about you. Don’t blow it!

With that kind of pressure, it’s understandable that this is the part of the application that makes you the most nervous. “I hate to write about myself!” you are saying to me. “I have no idea what to say!” you are thinking to yourself. “Nothing about me is unique!” you are screaming at your quasi-helpful parents. What do I say to all of those fears? Get over them.

What Do Law Schools Look for in a Personal Statement?

There are certain things a law school wants to be assured of: maturity despite youth, a commitment to the study of law, the ability to succeed in a rigorous environment, independent thinking skills, an understanding of the world around you, and feeling a duty greater than simple self-interest. Schools leave the topic pretty open to your choice.

New York University Law School says:

	Because people and their interests vary, we leave the content and length of your statement to your discretion. You may wish to complete or clarify your responses to items on the application form, bring to our attention additional information you feel should be considered, describe important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, or tell us what led you to apply to NYU School of Law. 1

Berkeley Law School describes it this way:

	There is no required topic for the statement. It is your opportunity to describe the subjective qualities that you will bring to the study of law at Berkeley. We recognize that there are many personal factors not measurable by one’s academic record or test score, and that these factors are important to consider when building a law school class. Some of these factors include leadership potential, integrity and accountability, intellectual curiosity, determination in the face of adversity, problem-solving skills, resiliency, motivation, compassion, creativity, and the ability to relate well with people. Implicit in the value of a Berkeley Law degree is the caliber of our classroom dialogue. That dialogue is a function of the voices that comprise the class. Thus, your personal statement, first and foremost, should describe your voice.

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