Personal statements can get you into the law schools of your choice. When only one slot is up for grabs and the admissions committee is deliberating on which of the students to take, you could be chosen if you’ve prepared your personal statement well. So other than knowing what information to include in your essay, know, too, what major mistakes to avoid.
Mistake 1 – Saying you’re applying to law school with earning big bucks as your motivation
While earning is one of the rewards in a legal career, avoid letting the admissions committee think that you are all about money. By doing so, you will create a negative first impression of yourself. This impression can result in a feeling among admissions committee members that you are one of the last people to be considered for admission into a law school.
So, say that you want to provide legal service or to promote justice in your city or community. Explain the ideal reasons why you want to become an attorney. After all, money as your motivation can fail you and make you less persevering to surpass great obstacles.
Mistake 2 – Enumerating your experiences and achievements in your undergraduate education
There is nothing more dull and unappealing than reading a list of an applicant’s college awards, successful projects, and high grades. Such details in law school personal statements are a turn off because, for one, the details fail to show an applicant’s humane side. Also, the admissions committees look for a well-written narration of an applicant’s perseverance in overcoming obstacles and in achieving goals. Finally, the list of an applicant’s achievements are already written in his or her resume and to cite similar details in a personal statement is just being redundant.
So, outline the information you will include in your personal statement and write it as interestingly as possible. Include details about how you prepared for a contest you won or how you faced big challenges in school. These pieces of information reveal to the admissions committees how you will persevere as an attorney.
Mistake 3 – Exaggerating or fabricating personal information
It is true that law school personal statements are the last resort to get into the universities of your choice. But as you write your essay, avoid creating a better version of yourself. The members of the admissions committees are experts and can recognize fabricated data. So, just present yourself as you are and explain how you overcome your weaknesses.
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