Guidelines for Writing a Personal Statement
by
Steven Baron,  Associate Professor of Political Science
SUNY, Oswego (315) 341-3277

A personal statement for law school is an essay that should present in two pages a clear and vibrant image of you.

It is an essay. There should be structure, an introductory paragraph, topic sentences and a conclusion. This structure should be a help and not a burden in developing a dominant theme. The ideas (and the sentences) do not have to be complex. Write for clarity. Elaborate on the theme; present experiences that develop your ideas. Grades, tests and recommendations will be used to determine your intellectual ability. The personal statement will establish how effectively you can communicate.

It should be clear and vibrant. Admissions officers offer a range of ideas on writing personal statements but they universally agree on one request, "Don't bore me." Style should be honest and concise. Obscure references, pretentious phrases and ostentatious vocabulary will not be mistaken for eloquence. The tone should be confident; a personal statement should be positive. Explain grades and test scores elsewhere. Citing the example of someone you admire is appropriate if the focus stays on you.

The personal statement is an image of you. An essay that is a pro-forma exercise is a missed opportunity. For yourself, as well as the admissions committee, the personal statement is a chance to identify the significance of past experience, current purpose and future goals. At its best, it is a way to "gather your dreams together into words."

The basic idea is that you have to tell the Law School Admissions Committee something that will distinguish you from 2000 or 3000 other applicants. Why are you different or special? This requires letting them know just what kind of person you are, what your strengths are.

Remember, every applicant believes that he/she is capable of doing well in law school. Each also believes that he/she will make an outstanding lawyer, if not the best in the world. You, in other words, will have to do better than that for a convincing line.

Law schools are interested in anything about you which is distinctive -- travel experience, tragedies in your life (loss of a father, mother or other close relative or friend), or triumphs (awards, medical success in overcoming disease or injury, recognition for outstanding achievement). How did any of these things change you? How have you grown as a result of them?

Who have been the most significant people in your life: parents? grandparents? siblings? other relatives? clergy? friends?

What was the most important thing to happen to you at college? Why? What course or teacher was most important to you?

How did college change your life? What was the most significant book you ever read? Why?

Was there a summer job that held special significance for you?

Any combination of one or another of these things will probably do. It is better to concentrate in depth than to skim lightly over several things.

Do not, above all, write a statement that reads like a high school essay, "Here's what I did last summer." That would be a disaster.

Most important: be yourself. Show them that you are a thoughtful, sensitive person who can present himself/herself in a convincing and persuasive way. Be sure that whatever you write is believable.

Now set aside the statement for a week, at least, and read it again -- out loud. Let friends read it. Review the essay with an advisor. Don't be discouraged if it takes as many as five revisions. It's important enough to warrant the time and effort.