Law School Personal Statement

Location: On the Internet.

Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites, just the desire to learn.

Description: Learn the most effective law school personal statement writing techniques.

Objective: The ability to effectively convey to law school admissions committees why you should be admitted in a clear and organized manner.

Because most law schools admissions processes do not include a personal interview, your personal statement is even more important. This makes it the only way for the admissions committee to find out who you are and be impressed by what they find. This is where they get to meet the person that goes with the grades and LSAT score.

So instead of looking at this as a paper, think of it as a personal interview on paper. And utilize the principles that would impress them face-to-face, in your essay.

In order to write that exceptional essay, here are some tips:

1. Follow the basics of all good writing: Keep it clear with an introduction, middle and end. Also make sure it is concise. Rambling confuses and bores your audience.

2. Don't fake it. Just honestly express who you are, without using clichés or words you don't know in an effort to impress; it won't.

3. Uniqueness counts, but don't be strange. You do want the committee to remember you, but in a good way. Figure out what sets you apart academically, socially or in some other way from the hundreds of applicants and make sure the admissions committee knows about it.

4. Don't put them to sleep. Keep things interesting.

5. Stay on target. Don't repeat things the committee will see on your application, but tell them all the other things about you so they see the complete person. Remember you have word/page limits, so make them count.

6. Tailor the essay to the institution. You want the committee to think this is your only application and theirs is the only school you want to attend.

7. Believe in yourself. Project confidence to persuade the committee, but avoid sounding cocky.

Below are more links for other specific types of personal statements:

Graduate School Personal Statements

Medical School Personal Statements