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DO write well-make it flow.
have a strong first sentence.
type double spaced and have good margins.
use a word processor and make sure ink is dark enough.
keep it a reasonable length (2 pages).
put your name and social security number on each page.
be specific and accurate.
be truthful.
have the statement support and be supported by the rest of your application.
turn negatives into positives.
mention sensitive subjects in an appropriate way, if you choose to disclose them.
treat this statement like a 5 minute interview with the law school. Tell them what you're all about.
have several readers review your statement.
DON'T
overuse the thesaurus.
use cliches or quote others extensively.
misspell words. Use your spell-checker, but don't rely on it completely!
use the third person.
title your statement.
send multimedia presentations or accompanying photos.
gush about law school or the role of law in society.
be too cynical.
come across as a "victim"
be too specific about what you want to do with your law degree, unless your experience shows that it is a logical extension of what you've already done.
focus too much on another person, even if they have been influential in your life.
just list the activities and experiences that are already in your application.
Since most law schools do not include an interview as part of the application process, your personal statement is the only chance you have to "speak" directly to the admissions committee. It is best if you use this limited space to sell yourself, rather than as a place to "explain" a low grade or any other less than perfect aspect of your application. Effective personal statements usually read more like a story and less like a narrative resume. Be sure to write several drafts, and have several readers before finalizing your statement.
have a strong first sentence.
type double spaced and have good margins.
use a word processor and make sure ink is dark enough.
keep it a reasonable length (2 pages).
put your name and social security number on each page.
be specific and accurate.
be truthful.
have the statement support and be supported by the rest of your application.
turn negatives into positives.
mention sensitive subjects in an appropriate way, if you choose to disclose them.
treat this statement like a 5 minute interview with the law school. Tell them what you're all about.
have several readers review your statement.
DON'T
overuse the thesaurus.
use cliches or quote others extensively.
misspell words. Use your spell-checker, but don't rely on it completely!
use the third person.
title your statement.
send multimedia presentations or accompanying photos.
gush about law school or the role of law in society.
be too cynical.
come across as a "victim"
be too specific about what you want to do with your law degree, unless your experience shows that it is a logical extension of what you've already done.
focus too much on another person, even if they have been influential in your life.
just list the activities and experiences that are already in your application.
Since most law schools do not include an interview as part of the application process, your personal statement is the only chance you have to "speak" directly to the admissions committee. It is best if you use this limited space to sell yourself, rather than as a place to "explain" a low grade or any other less than perfect aspect of your application. Effective personal statements usually read more like a story and less like a narrative resume. Be sure to write several drafts, and have several readers before finalizing your statement.