Your personal statement is a critical part of your application—it gives admissions committees insight into your story, goals, and motivations. More than just writing ability, it demonstrates how you reflect, persevere, and connect your personal journey to your future in law.
• Your Story: Focus on your experiences, growth, and goals. Avoid centering your essay on family members or others—make sure it reflects your journey. • Self-Awareness: Show how challenges shaped your thinking, and illustrate resilience through real examples. • Clarity of Purpose: Answer the question: Why law school, and why now? • Contribution: Show what unique perspectives, passions, or experiences you would bring to your law school community.
• Dean Z (University of Michigan) provides step-by-step feedback on personal statements and application materials. • Harvard and Yale admissions officers share podcast episodes where they discuss what makes a personal statement compelling.
• Getting Into Harvard Law (Podcast with Kristi Jobson) • Dean Z’s Application Advice Videos • Personal Statement Tips (YouTube)
Remember that a personal statement is more than a narrative, it’s your opportunity to demonstrate how you think, who you are, and where you want to go.