Personal Statement Writing Tips

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PERSONAL STATEMENT PORTION OF YOUR LAW SCHOOL APPLICATION.

DO

• Creative non-fiction writing. “Show, don't tell.”

• Show them who you are; this is your interview.

• Have a strong introductory paragraph. Catch the reader's attention.

• Keep it within a reasonable length (if length is prescribed, keep it within that length; otherwise, plan on no more than two pages).

• Use spell check, but do not depend on it completely.

• Double space text, use wide margins, and legible font and size.

• Include your name and student number/SS# on each page.

• Be specific and accurate.

• Be truthful.

• Make certain that your statement supports and is supported by the rest of your application.

• Look beyond fraternity/sorority membership or athletic experiences; include volunteer work and community involvement if possible.

• Turn negatives into positives.

• Mention sensitive subjects in an appropriate way.

• Ask several people (family, peers, and faculty) to review your statement before submitting it to a law school.

DON'T

• Do not use the personal statement to explain a low LSAT score or GPA. These issues should be addressed in an addendum, which can be attached to the law school application.

• Overuse the thesaurus.

• Use clichés or quote others extensively.

• Misspell words.

• Use the third person.

• Title your statement.

• Send multimedia presentations, copies of papers or theses.

• Philosophize about the role of law in society.

• Include name of law school, so-called personalization.

• Pat yourself on the back too much.

• Be too cynical.

• Come across as a victim.

• Be too specific as to what you will 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 he or she has been influential in your life.

• List activities that are already on the application.

• Give a narrative résumé.