It’s August, and almost the time of year when law school applications open. A new admissions cycle is about to get started.
But you find yourself unable to get started — on your personal statement.
You’re staring at a blank computer screen. You can’t figure out what to write. The stakes are high. You know this is an important part of your law school application. How do you even get started?
Here are some tips:
Write a first draft on more than one topic: The quickest way to get past your fears or writing blocks is to just start writing. I know many applicants who have agonized about the personal statement topic for weeks. Instead, just start writing a draft or two. Torn between two topics? Write a first draft on both. Essays for law school are relatively short — usually two pages. It is not difficult to draft one quickly. You will be able to quickly discern what topic works better — and now you are off to a good start.
Prepare to write several drafts: Give yourself two or three months, ideally, to have time to perfect your essays and application materials. Just as you might study for the LSAT for three to six months, you should try to leave several months to work on application essays. So if you want to submit your applications by Thanksgiving, which I recommend, you want to start your essays soon. That will also take some of the pressure off, as you know you will have time to submit the absolute best version possible. Just as legal writing takes time, and lawyers do many drafts of briefs, this is a process.
Think strategically about your essay topic: Law schools used to almost always have open prompts. The topic would be some version of “tell me about yourself.” In recent years there have been some changes. I’ve noticed some school prompts are now more specific. It’s also been a very competitive time to apply, with many more applicants than usual. Hiring of law students has also completely changed in recent years, and seems to be starting earlier and earlier. Many law firms are recruiting law students in their first year or even first semester of law school.
Because of these recent changes, the open prompt is potentially not as open. Law schools may want to hear more specifically about why you want to go to law school, how you will contribute to the community there and how you will be potentially employable. If hiring of lawyers is happening earlier in law school, they might want to know that you have acquired marketable skills. If applications are up, then they might want to make sure that you really have thought out your decision to become a lawyer.
Take Advantage of Help That is Offered: You may have a designated prelaw advisor at your school. You most likely have a career services office as well. Chances are there is also a writing center. All of these offices can assist you with your resume, brainstorming personal statement drafts and general advice. You don’t have to go through the law school application process without support.
