As we kick off this admissions cycle, I am starting to read personal statements and resumes. In my 15-plus years of pre-law advising, I’ve read hundreds of personal statements.
What makes for a good personal statement?
There are so many intangibles. And often little guidance about topics. It is usually a general prompt. But the really good ones have a lot in common.
Here are some tips as to what makes them work:
They stick to one topic: I’ve read many statements where the applicant jumps from topic to topic. They are trying to fit everything from their resume into the essay. This doesn’t work. Why? The personal statement is often described as replacing a personal interview, rather than a resume. It’s more about telling a story. Hopefully based on one topic or theme.
They are about a topic you really care about: I’ve read many essays that are generic. They use phrases better suited to a law school memorandum, or an academic paper. They are not personal to the applicant. These are often written by applicants who are trying to please the admissions committee, rather than writing about a topic they truly care about. I have also read essays that are truly unforgettable. Think about moments in your life that were pivotal, and led you to this particular moment, when you are now about to apply to law school. What did you learn? How did it affect you and others? How will it influence your future and career as a lawyer? How will it help you contribute, once in law school and beyond, to the community? While you don’t have to address these questions, think about them as you are choosing a topic.
They are primarily about you: I have read some very good essays that had one problem—the focus was on a story about their family, their roommate, or their friend, rather than about the applicant. In the end you are the start of this show. You are the protagonist, the lead character and the central focus of your essay. If your story involves others, make sure to tell it primarily from your perspective.
They are well written: Just as the topic is important, the writing style is crucial. This is a writing sample. Make sure to leave time to write multiple drafts. Correct it until you are sure that it’s perfect. Then read the whole essay again, to make sure there is not an error that you did not catch earlier. If you are directing it to a particular law school, make sure you have the correct school listed (this mistake happens more often than you might think.)
They are positive: Many applicants make the mistake of using the space in their personal statement to talk about a lower than expected LSAT score or GPA. This is not generally the place to talk about that. You can write an optional addendum, to talk about anything you need to explain. The personal statement is your chance to shine. To talk about formative experiences, interests, and skills that have led you to where you are now. An explanation of academic concerns, if needed, can be later discussed in an addendum.
Hillary Mantis consults with pre-law students, law students and lawyers. She is Assistant Dean of the Pre-law Advising Program at Fordham University and author of career books. Admissions questions? You can reach Hillary at altcareer@aol.com.
