LSAT Preparation and Study Group

This page is included with permission of the Richardson Law School Application Guide at: www.prelaw.ca

Part 8 – Personal Statements

Different personal statements are required for different schools.

“GPA/LSAT figures may provide law schools with quick and handy ways to sort applicants into categories but it is often the personal statement that maes the difference in an admissions decsion.”

- Pre-Law Advisors National Council

Principle 8 – Research the school. What kind of people are they looking for? Read the Dean’s message. How can I market myself specifically to this school?

How should a personal statement be composed? There is no rule, but what follows are some general thoughts:

A personal statement should:

1. be about you
2. ensure that general statements are backed up by specific facts or experiences
3. show that you are a competent, well-rounded, positive and motivated person
4. explain how significant events contributed to the development of your personality
5. be interesting and tell a story
6. explain why you are interested in that school and be directed to the requirements of that school
7. be responsive to the precise question asked and the personality of the school
8. have a theme or organizing principle
9. explain jobs, activities and awards
10. describe facts from which the reader will infer that you have certain qualities or attributes
11. have a strong opening
12. be well written
13. use simple language
14. have no typos or grammatical errors
15. respect the directions concerning length

You will find valuable information and examples at: http://www.lawschoolbound.net/TO/main2.htm

A link to the discussion board is: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2338673922

For a personal statement seminar see:

http://www.prep.com/personal.html