How to Write a Personal Statement

You probably won't ever meet with the admissions counselors that review your application to law school, so they'll only have the information in your enrollment packet to go on during the selection process.  The personal statement is your chance to demonstrate your personality and set yourself apart from other applicants.  Therefore, it's in your best interest to provide an accurate assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, your personal ethics, and your skills in the law field. 

How Personal Statements are Used in the Admission Process

Typically, admissions counselors will use your personal statement in an effort to gauge your personality and how well you'll fit with the college.  They may want to know how you perceive various elements of modern culture, as well as what you career path you plan to pursue as a lawyer.  Depending on the college, you may be required to write an essay on a very specific topic.  If you encounter this type of format, try to stay as focused on the topic at hand as possible. 

Things to Include in a Personal Statement

For the most part, you'll want to highlight your individual qualifications in your personal statement.  However, if your grades are excellent and your LSAT score is high, it might be best to focus on other areas of your life.  Instead, try to demonstrate some professional aspect of yourself that isn't readily communicated in the information provided elsewhere in the packet.  For example, if you held a steady job while attending college, you could talk about the lessons you learned as a working student.

Things to Avoid in Personal Statements

Double and triple check your essay to be sure you've avoided grammar errors, spelling errors, and sloppy essay construction.  It's also important to create a positive tone, without sounding unnecessarily enthusiastic.  For example, leave out sentences like, "I really, really want to be a lawyer because…"  Even though you may very much want to be a lawyer, it's best to keep your vocabulary and sentences clear and concise.   

Should You Use a Ghost Writer?

Students that don't have confidence in their writing skills may be tempted to have someone else write their personal statement for them.  But don't do it!  The admissions counselors already have a sample of your writing from the LSAT.  To some degree, they'll accept some minor differences between a timed writing and one that you polished to your liking.  However, these people review thousands of applications each year and have an enormous amount of experience in discerning composition styles.  They'll spot a ghost writer immediately which could give them grounds to reject your application.

Every year, thousands of undergraduate students begin the process of creating their personal statements for their law school applications.  While this can be a difficult and challenging project, it will give you a chance to reflect on your goals and future.  If you give yourself enough time and pay attention to details, you should be able to craft a statement that conveys to the admissions counselors that you have the maturity and skills necessary to do well at their university.