How To Write Winning Law School Personal Statements
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How to Write Outstanding Law School Personal Statements
Summary
Crafting a personal statement for law school might feel daunting due to the freedom and flexibility involved. While other graduate programs may have more defined expectations, law schools value candidates who present themselves as unique and interesting individuals.Why Unique Matters
Law schools, after considering academic performance, value applicants who can bring diverse perspectives and experiences to their programs. This criteria often intimidates rather than inspires candidates, leading many to take a safe, generic approach. However, to stand out, applicants should focus on being specific and personal in their essays.
Highlight Your Authenticity
Your essay doesn't need a groundbreaking topic. Instead, it should authentically reflect who you are. Here are several ways applicants have achieved this:
1. Personal Background: An applicant shared his upbringing in the inner city, discussing how it shaped his maturity and determination without using it as an excuse or overstating its significance.
2. International Experience: Another applicant focused on extensive international business and education experiences, showcasing a unique global perspective.
3. Impactful Experiences: Through an account of a boot camp, one applicant conveyed significant aspects of his character, illustrating how depth of experience can be more revealing than breadth.
4. Engaging Writing Style: Some applicants use a playful and inventive writing style to engage readers, demonstrating their thought process rather than focusing solely on the topics discussed.
Avoid Clichés and Platitudes
Applicants often make the mistake of using overused themes, like stating they've always wanted to be lawyers without providing personal insight. Similarly, claiming a desire "to help people" can seem disingenuous if not supported by specific examples or experiences.
Focus on Specific Interests
If you have a defined goal, such as advocating for a marginalized group, highlight your commitment and any relevant experience. For instance, connecting a background in science to a desire to pursue intellectual property law can indicate that your unique experience is a strength.
Personal Qualities and Skills
You don’t have to demonstrate a commitment to a specific legal area, but you should connect your legal aspirations to personal qualities or skills. One applicant highlighted her relentless pursuit of justice as a grounding force for her interest in law.
Encounters with Law
Sometimes an unplanned encounter with the legal field can spark interest. One applicant discussed involvement in an Equal Employment Opportunity suit, linking it to her interest in environmental law and her unique qualifications for pursuing it. Another used past encounters with the law to define his current goals, emphasizing how law and lawyers have influenced his path.
Conclusion
Whether you're describing personal experiences or demonstrating your unique perspective, your personal statement for law school should offer a genuine portrayal of who you are and what drives you. By grounding your narrative in specific, personal details, you can create a compelling and memorable essay that captures the attention of admissions officers.
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