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How to write a law school personal statement + examples.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 3/18/24

Law school personal statements help show admissions committees why you’re an excellent candidate. Read on to learn how to write a personal statement for law school!

Writing a law school personal statement requires time, effort, and a lot of revision. Law school statement prompts and purposes can vary slightly depending on the school. 

Their purpose could be to show your personality, describe your motivation for attending law school, explain why you want to go to a particular law school, or a mix of all three and more. This guide will help you perfect your writing with tips and examples.

The Best Law School Personal Statement Format

Unfortunately, there’s no universal format for a law school personal statement. Every law school has a preference (or lack thereof) on how your personal statement should be structured. We recommend always checking for personal statement directions for every school you want to apply to. 

However, many law schools ask for similar elements when it comes to personal statement formats. These are some standard formatting elements to keep in mind if your school doesn’t provide specific instructions: 

• Typically two pages or less in length 
• Double-spaced 
• Use a basic, readable font style and size (11-point is the smallest you should do, although some schools may request 12-point) 
• Margins shouldn’t be less than 1 inch unless otherwise specified 
• Left-aligned 
• Indent new paragraphs 
• Don’t return twice to begin a new paragraph 
• Law schools typically ask for a header, typically including your full name, page number, LSAC number, and the words “Personal Statement” (although there can be variations to this) 

How you format your header may be up to you; sometimes, law schools won't specify whether the header should be one line across the top or three lines. 

This is how your header may look if you decide to keep it as one line. If you want a three-line header, it should look like this on the top-right of the page: 

 Remember, the best law school personal statement format is the one in the application instructions. Ensure you follow all formatting requirements!

How to Title a Personal Statement (Law) 

You may be tempted to give your law school statement a punchy title, just like you would for an academic essay. However, the general rule is that you shouldn’t give your law school personal statement a title. 

The University of Washington states, “DON’T use quotes or give a title to your statement.” Many other schools echo this advice. The bottom line is that although you're writing your story, your law school statement doesn't require a title. Don't add one unless the school requests it.

How to Start a Personal Statement for Law School 

Acing the beginning of your personal statement is essential for your narrative’s success. The introduction is your chance to captivate the admissions committee and immerse them in your story. As such, you want your writing to be interesting enough to grab their attention without purposefully going for shock value.

So, how do you write a personal statement introduction that will garner the attention it deserves? The simplest way to get the reader involved in your story is to start with a relevant anecdote that ties in with your narrative. 

Consider the opening paragraph from Harvard Law graduate Cameron Clark’s law school personal statement : 

“At the intersection of 21st and Speedway, I lay on the open road. My leg grazed the shoulder of a young woman lying on the ground next to me. Next to her, a man on his stomach slowed his breathing to appear as still as possible. A wide circle of onlookers formed around the dozens of us on the street. We were silent and motionless, but the black-and-white signs affirmed our existence through their decree: BLACK LIVES MATTER.”

The beginning lines of this personal statement immediately draw the reader in. Why was the writer lying on the road? Why were other people there with him, and why was a man trying to slow his breathing? We're automatically inspired to keep reading to find out more information. 

That desire to keep reading is the hallmark of a masterful personal statement introduction. However, you don’t want to leave your reader hanging for too long. By the end of this introduction, we’re left with a partial understanding of what’s happening. 

There are other ways to start a personal statement that doesn't drop the reader in the middle of the action. Some writers may begin their law personal statement in other ways: 

• Referencing a distant memory, thought, feeling, or perspective
• Setting the scene for the opening anecdote before jumping in 
• Providing more context on the time, place, or background 

Many openings can blend some of these with detailed, vivid imagery. Here's a law school personal statement opening that worked at the UChicago Law : 

“I fell in love for the first time when I was four. That was the year my mother signed me up for piano lessons. I can still remember touching those bright, ivory keys with reverence, feeling happy and excited that soon I would be playing those tinkling, familiar melodies (which my mother played every day on our boombox) myself.”

This opening references a distant memory and feeling, mixed with vivid imagery that paints a picture in the reader's head. Keep in mind that different openers can work better than others, depending on the law school prompt. 

To recap, consider these elements as you write your law school personal statement’s introduction: 

• Aim for an attention-grabbing hook 
• Don’t purposefully aim for shock value: it can sometimes seem unauthentic 
• Use adjectives and imagery to paint a scene for your reader 
• Identify which opening method works best for the law school prompt and your story
• Don’t leave the reader hanging for too long to find out what your narrative is about
• Be concise 

Writing a law school personal statement introduction can be difficult, but these examples and tips can help you get the attention your writing deserves.

How to Write a Law School Personal Statement

Now that you’re equipped with great advice and tips to start your law school statement, it’s time to tackle the body of your essay. These tips will show you how to write a personal statement for law school to captivate the admissions committee. 

Understand the Prompt

While many law schools have similar personal statement prompts, you should carefully examine what's being asked of you before diving in. Consider these top law school personal statement prompts to see what we mean: 

• Yale Law School : “The personal statement should help us learn about the personal, professional, and/or academic qualities an applicant would bring to the Law School community. Applicants often submit the personal statement they have prepared for other law school applications.”
• University of Chicago Law : “Our application does not provide a specific topic or question for the personal statement because you are the best judge of what you should write. Write about something personal, relevant, and completely individual to you.”
• NYU Law : “Because people and their interests vary, we leave the content and length of your statement to your discretion. You may wish to complete or clarify your responses to items on the application form, bring to our attention additional information you feel should be considered, describe important or unusual aspects of yourself not otherwise apparent in your application, or tell us what led you to apply to NYU School of Law.”

Like all law personal statements, these three prompts are pretty open-ended. However, your Yale personal statement should focus on how you’d contribute to a law school community through professional and academic experience and qualities. 

For UChicago Law, you don’t even need to write about a law-related topic if you don’t want to. However, when it comes to a school like NYU Law , you probably want to mix your qualities, experiences, and what led you to apply. 

Differing prompts are the reason you’ll need to create multiple copies of your personal statement! 

Follow Formatting Directions 

Pay extra attention to each school's formatting directions. While we've discussed basic guidelines for law school personal statement formats, it's essential to check if there is anything different you need to do. 

While working on your rough drafts, copy and paste the prompt and directions at the top of the page so you don't forget. 

Brainstorm Narratives/Anecdotes Based on the Prompt

You may have more wiggle room with some prompts than others regarding content. However, asking yourself these questions can generally help you direct your personal statement for any law school:

• What major personal challenges or recent hardships have you faced? 
• What was one transformative event that impacted your life’s course or perspective? 
• What are your hobbies or special interests? 
• What achievements are you most proud of that aren’t stated in your application? 
• What experience or event changed your values or way of thinking? 
• What’s something you’re passionate about that you got involved in? What was the result of your passion? 
• How did your distinct upbringing, background, or culture put you on the path to law school? 
• What personal or professional experiences show who you are? 

Keep in mind that this isn't an exhaustive list. Consider your personal and professional experiences that have brought you to this point, and determine which answers would make the most compelling story. 

Pettit College of Law recommends you "go through your transcripts, application, and resume. Are there any gaps or missing details that your personal statement could cover?” If you've listed something on your resume that isn't further discussed, it could make a potential personal statement topic. 

Do More Than Recount: Reflect

Recounting an event in a summarized way is only one piece of your law school personal statement. Even if you’re telling an outlandish or objectively interesting story, stopping there doesn’t show admissions committees what they need to know to judge your candidacy. 

The University of Washington suggests that “describing the event should only be about 1/3 of your essay. The rest should be a reflection on how it changed you and how it shaped the person you are today.” Don’t get stuck in the tangible details of your anecdote; show what the experience meant to you. 

Beth O'Neil , Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at UC Berkeley School of Law , said, "Applicants also tend to state and not evaluate. They give a recitation of their experience but no evaluation of what effect that particular experience had on them, no assessment of what certain experiences or honors meant." 

Consider What Qualities You Want to Show

No matter what direction you want to take your law school personal statement, you should consider which qualities your narrative puts on display. Weaving your good character into your essay can be difficult. Outwardly claiming, "I'm a great leader!" doesn't add much value. 

However, telling a story about a time you rose to the occasion to lead a group successfully toward a common goal shows strong leadership. "Show, don't tell" may be an overused statement, but it's a popular sentiment for a reason. 

Of course, leadership ability isn't the only quality admissions committees seek. Consider the qualities you possess and those you'd expect to find in a great lawyer and check to see the overlap. Some qualities you could show include: 

• Intelligence 
• Persuasiveness 
• Compassion 
• Professionalism 

Evaluate the anecdotes you chose after your brainstorming session and see if any of these qualities or others align with your narrative. 

Keep Your Writing Concise

Learning how to write a personal statement for law school means understanding how to write for concision. Most prompts won't have a word limit but ask you to cap your story at two pages, double-spaced. Unfortunately, that's not a lot of space to work with. 

Although your writing should be compelling and vibrant, do your best to avoid flowery language and long, complicated sentences where they’re not needed. Writing for concision means eliminating unnecessary words, cutting down sentences, and getting the point quickly.  

Georgetown University’s take on law school personal statements is to “Keep it simple and brief. Big words do not denote big minds, just big egos.” A straightforward narrative means your reader is much less likely to be confused or get lost in your story (in the wrong way). 

Decide the Depth and Scope of Your Statement 

Since you only have two (or even three) pages to get your point across, you must consider the depth and scope of your narrative. While you don’t want to provide too little information, remember that you don’t have the room to summarize your entire life story (and you don’t have to do that anyway). 

UChicago Law’s advice is to “Use your discretion - we know you have to make a choice and have limited space. Attempting to cover too much material can result in an unfocused and scattered personal statement.” Keep the depth and scope of your narrative manageable. 

Ensure It’s Personal Enough 

UChicago Law states, "If someone else could write your personal statement, it probably is not personal enough." This doesn't mean that you must pick the most grandiose, shocking narrative to make an impact or that you can't write about something many others have probably experienced. 

Getting personal means only you can write that statement; other people may be able to relate to an experience, but your reflection, thoughts, feelings, and reactions are your own. UChicago Law sees applicants fall into this pitfall by writing about a social issue or area of law, so tread these topics carefully.

Mix the Past and Present, Present and Future, Or All Three 

Harvard Law School’s Associate Director Nefyn Meissner said your personal statement should “tell us something about who you are, where you’ve been, and where you want to go.” 

Echoing this, Jon Perdue , Yale Law School's Director of Recruiting and Diversity Initiatives, states that the three most common approaches to the Yale Law School personal statement are focusing on: 

• The past: discussing your identity and background 
• The present: focusing on your current work, activities, and interests 
• The future: the type of law you want to pursue and your ideal career path 

Perdue said that truly stellar personal statements have a sense of “movement” and touch on all or two of these topics. What does this mean for you? While writing your law school personal statement, don’t be afraid to touch on your past, present, and future. However, remember not to take on too much content! 

Keep the Focus On You 

This is a common pitfall that students fall into while writing a law school personal statement . UChicago Law cites that this is a common mistake applicants make when they write at length about: 

• A family member who inspired them or their family history 
• Stories about others 
• Social or legal issues 

Even if someone like your grandmother had a profound impact on your decision to pursue law, remember that you’re the star of the show. Meissner said , “Should you talk about your grandmother? Only if doing so helps make the case for us to admit you. Otherwise, we might end up wanting to admit your grandmother.” Don’t let historical figures, your family, or anyone else steal your spotlight. 

Decide If You Need to Answer: Why Law? 

Writing about why you want to attend law school in general or a school in particular depends on the prompt. Some schools welcome the insight, while others (like Harvard Law) don't. Meissner said, “Should you mention you want to come to HLS? We already assume that if you’re applying.”

However, Perdue said your law school personal statement for Yale should answer three questions: 

• Why law school?

Some schools may invite you to discuss your motivation to apply to law school or what particular elements of the school inspired you to apply. 

Don’t List Qualifications or Rehash Your Resume 

Your personal statement should flow like a story, with an identifiable beginning, middle, and end. Simply firing off your honors and awards, or summarizing the experiences on your resume, doesn’t tell the admissions committee anything new about you. 

Your personal statement is your opportunity to show how your unique experiences shaped you, your qualities, and the person you are behind your LSAT scores and GPA. Think about how you can show who you are at your core. 

Avoid Legalese, Jargon, And Sophisticated Terms 

The best law school personal statements are written in straightforward English and don't use overly academic, technical, or literary words. UChicago Law recommends avoiding legalese or 

Latin terms since the "risk you are incorrectly using them is just too high." 

Weaving together intricate sentence structures with words you pulled out of a thesaurus won’t make your personal statement a one-way ticket to acceptance. Be clear, straightforward, and to the point. 

Don’t Put Famous Quotes In Your Writing 

Beginning your law school personal statement with a quote is not only cliche but takes the focus off of you. It also eats up precious space you could fill with your voice. 

Revise, Revise, Revise 

Even the most talented writers never submit a perfect first draft. You'll need to do a lot of revisions before your personal statement is ready for submission. This is especially true because you'll write different versions for different law schools; these iterations must be edited to perfection. 

Ensure you have enough time to make all the edits and improvements you need before you plan to submit your application. Although most law schools have rolling admissions, submitting a perfected application as soon as possible is always in your best interest. 

Have an Admission Consultant Review Your Hard Work 

Reviewing so many personal statements by yourself is a lot of work, and most writing can always benefit from a fresh perspective. Consider seeking a law school admissions consultant’s help to edit your personal statements to perfection and maximize your chances of acceptance at your dream school!

How to End Your Personal Statement for Law School 

Law school personal statement conclusions are just as open-ended as your introductions. There are a few options for ending a personal statement depending on the prompt you’re writing for:

Some of these methods can overlap with each other. However, there are two more things you should always consider when you're ready to wrap up your story: the tone you're leaving on and how you can make your writing fit with your narrative's common thread. 

You should never want to leave your reader on a low note, even if you wrote about something that isn’t necessarily happy. You should strive to end your personal statement with a tone that’s hopeful, happy, confident, or some other positive feeling. 

Your last sentences should also give the impression of finality; your reader should understand that you’re wrapping up and not be left wondering where the rest of your statement is. 

So, what's the common thread? This just means that your narrative sticks to the overarching theme or event you portrayed at the beginning of your writing. Bringing your writing full circle makes a more satisfying conclusion.

Personal Statement for Law School Conclusion Examples

Evaluating law school personal statement conclusions can help you see what direction authors decided to take with their writing. Let’s circle back to the sample personal statement openings for law school and examine their respective conclusions. The first example explains the applicant’s motivation to attend Harvard Law. 

Sample Personal Statement for Law School Conclusion #1

“…Attorneys and legal scholars have paved the way for some of the greatest civil rights victories for women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and (people living with disabilities). At Harvard Law School, I will prepare to join their ranks by studying with the nation's leading legal scholars. 

For the past months, I have followed Harvard Law School student responses to the events in Ferguson and New York City. I am eager to join a law school community that shares my passion for using the law to achieve real progress for victims of discrimination. With an extensive history of advocacy for society's most marginalized groups, I believe Harvard Law School will thoroughly train me to support and empower communities in need. 

Our act of civil disobedience that December day ended when the Tower’s bells rang out in two bars, hearkening half-past noon. As we stood up and gathered our belongings, we broke our silence to remind everyone of a most basic truth: Black lives matter.” 

What Makes This Conclusion Effective 

Although Harvard Law School states there's no need to explain why you want to apply, this law school statement is from an HLS graduate, and we can assume this was written before the advice changed. 

In his conclusion, he relates and aligns his values with Harvard Law School and how joining the community will help him fulfill his mission to empower communities in need. The last paragraph circles back to the anecdote described in his introduction, neatly wrapping up the event and signaling a natural end to his story. 

This author used these strategies: the motivation to attend a specific law school, stating his mission, and subtly reiterating what his acceptance would bring to the school. The next example conclusion worked at UChicago Law: 

Sample Personal Statement for Law School Conclusion #2

“Songs can be rewritten and reinterpreted as situation permits, but missteps are obvious because the fundamental laws of music and harmony do not change.

Although my formal music education ended when I entered college, the lessons I have learned over the years have remained close and relevant to my life. I have acquired a lifestyle of discipline and internalized the drive for self-improvement. I have gained an appreciation for the complexities and the subtleties of interpretation. 

I understand the importance of having both a sound foundation and a dedication to constant study. I understand that to possess a passion and personal interest in something, to think for myself is just as important.”

What Made This Conclusion Effective

This law school personal statement was successful at UChicago Law. Although the writing has seemingly nothing to do with law or the author's capability to become a great lawyer, the author has effectively used the "show, don't tell" advice. 

The last paragraph implements the focus on qualities or skills strategy. Although related to music, the qualities they describe that a formal music education taught her mesh with the qualities of a successful lawyer: 

• A drive for self-improvement 
• The ability to interpret information 
• The ability to learn consistently 
• The ability to think for herself 

Overall, this essay does an excellent job of uncovering her personality and relating to the opening paragraph, where she describes how she fell in love with music.

2 Law School Personal Statement Examples From Admitted Students

These are two law school personal statement examples that worked. We'll review the excerpts below and describe what made them effective and if there's room for improvement. 

Law School Personal Statement Example #1

This is an excerpt of a law personal statement that worked at UChicago Law : 

“The turning point of my college football career came early in my third year. At the end of the second practice of the season, in ninety-five-degree heat, our head coach decided to condition the entire team. Sharp, excruciating pain shot down my legs as he summoned us repeatedly to the line to run wind sprints. 

I collapsed as I turned the corner on the final sprint. Muscle spasms spread throughout my body, and I briefly passed out. Severely dehydrated, I was rushed to the hospital and quickly given more than three liters of fluids intravenously. As I rested in a hospital recovery room, I realized my collapse on the field symbolized broader frustrations I felt playing college football.

I was mentally and physically defeated. In South Dakota, I was a dominant football player in high school, but at the Division I level, my talent was less conspicuous. In my first three years, I was convinced that obsessively training my body to run faster and be stronger would earn me a starting position. The conditioning drill that afternoon revealed the futility of my approach. I had thrust my energies into becoming a player I could never be. As a result, I lost confidence in my identity.

I considered other aspects of my life where my intellect, work ethic, and determination had produced positive results. I chose to study economics and English because processing abstract concepts and ideas in diverse disciplines were intuitively rewarding…Gathering data, reviewing previous literature, and ultimately offering my own contribution to economic knowledge was exhilarating. Indeed, undergraduate research affirmed my desire to attend law school, where I could more thoroughly satisfy my intellectual curiosity…My efforts generated high marks and praise from professors, but this success made my disappointment with football more pronounced.

The challenge of collegiate athletics felt insurmountable. However, I reminded myself that at the Division I level, I was able to compete with and against some of the best players in the country…After the hospital visit, my football position coach—sensing my mounting frustrations—offered some advice. Instead of devoting my energies almost exclusively to physical preparation, he said, I should approach college football with the same mental focus I brought to my academic studies. I began to devour scouting reports and to analyze the complex reasoning behind defensive philosophies and schemes. I studied film and discovered ways to anticipate plays from the offense and become a more effective player. Armed with renewed confidence, I finally earned a starting position in the beginning of my fourth year…

‍I had received the highest grade on the team. After three years of A’s in the classroom, I finally earned my first ‘A’ in football. I used mental preparation to maintain my competitive edge for the rest of the season. Through a combination of film study and will power, I led my team and conference in tackles…The most rewarding part of the season, though, was what I learned about myself in the process. When I finally stopped struggling to become the player I thought I needed to be, I developed self-awareness and confidence in the person I was.

The image of me writhing in pain on the practice field sometimes slips back into my thoughts as I decide where to apply to law school. College football taught me to recognize my weaknesses and look for ways to overcome them. I will enter law school a much stronger person and student because of my experiences on the football field and in the classroom. My decision where to attend law school mirrors my decision where to play college football. I want to study law at the University of Chicago Law School because it provides the best combination of professors, students, and resources in the country. In Division I college football, I succeeded when I took advantage of my opportunities. I hope the University of Chicago will give me an opportunity to succeed again.”

Why This Personal Statement Example Worked

The beginning of this personal statement includes vivid imagery and sets up a relevant anecdote for the reader: the writer’s injury while playing football. At the end of the introduction, he sets up a fantastic transition about his broader frustrations, compelling us to keep reading. 

The essay's body shows the writer's vulnerability, making it even more personal; it can be challenging to talk about feelings, like losing your confidence, but it can help us relate to him. 

The author sets up a transition to writing more about his academic ability, his eventual leadership role on the team, and developing the necessary qualities of a well-rounded lawyer: self-awareness and confidence. 

Finally, the author rounds out his statement by circling back to his opening anecdote and showing the progress he’s made from there. He also describes why UChicago Law is the right school for him. To summarize, the author expertly handled: 

• Opening with a descriptive anecdote that doesn’t leave the reader hanging for too long 
• Being vulnerable in such a way that no one else could have written this statement 
• Doing more than recounting an event but reflecting on it 
• Although he introduced his coach's advice, he kept himself the focal point of the story 
• He picked a focused event; the writer didn’t try to tackle too much content 
• His conclusion references his introduction, signalling the natural end of the story 
• The ending also reaffirms his passion for pursuing law, particularly at UChicago Law 

Law School Personal Statement Example #2 

This law school personal statement excerpt led to acceptance at Boston University Law. 

“She sat opposite me at my desk to fill out a few forms. Fumbling her hands and laughing uncomfortably, it was obvious that she was nervous. Sandra was eighteen, and her knowledge of English was limited to “yes” and “hello.” While translating the initial meeting between Sandra and her attorney, I learned of her reasons for leaving El Salvador. She had been in an abusive relationship, and though she wasn’t ready to go into detail just yet, it was clear from the conversation that her boyfriend had terrorized her and that the El Salvadoran police were of no help…Eventually, Sandra was given a credible fear interview. The interviewer believed that she had a real fear of returning to El Salvador, and Sandra was released from detention with an Immigration Court hearing notice in her hand. She had just retained our office to present her asylum case to the Immigration Judge.

I tried to imagine myself in Sandra’s shoes. She hadn’t finished high school, was in a completely new environment, and had almost no understanding of how things worked in the US. Even the harsh New England winter must have seemed unnatural to her. Having lived abroad for a couple of years, I could relate on some level; however, the circumstances of my stay overseas were completely different. I went to Spain after graduating from college to work in an elementary school, improve my Spanish skills, and see a bit of the world…I had to ask hundreds of questions and usually make a few attempts before actually accomplishing my goal. Frustrating though it was, I didn’t have so much riding on each of these endeavors. If I didn’t have all the necessary paperwork to open a bank account one day, I could just try again the next day. Sandra won’t be afforded the same flexibility in her immigration process, where so much depends on the ability to abide by inflexible deadlines and procedures. Without someone to guide her through the process, ensuring that all requirements are met, and presenting her case as persuasively as possible, Sandra will have little chance of achieving legal status in the United States…

Before starting at my current position at Joyce & Associates, an immigration law firm in Boston, I had long considered a career in law. Growing up, I was engaged by family and school debates about public policy and government. In college, I found my constitutional law courses challenging and exciting. Nonetheless, it wasn’t until I began working with clients like Sandra that I became convinced that a career in law is the right choice for me. Playing my part as a legal assistant in various immigration cases, I have been able to witness how a career in immigration advocacy is both intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling. I have seen the importance of well-articulated arguments and even creativity in arguing a client’s eligibility for an immigration benefit. I have learned that I excel in critical thinking and in examining detail, as I continually consider the consistency and possible implications of any documents that clients provide in support of their application. But most importantly, I have realized how deserving many of these immigrants are. Many of the clients I work with are among the most hardworking and patriotic people I have encountered…

‍I am equally confident that I would thrive as a student at Boston University, where I would be sure to take full advantage of the many opportunities available. The school’s Asylum and Human Rights Clinic and Immigration Detention Clinic would offer me invaluable experiences in various immigration settings…Given my experiences in an immigration firm, I know that I would have much to offer while participating in these programs, but even more to learn. And while I find BU’s immigration programs to be especially appealing, I am equally drawn to the Boston University experience as a whole…I hope to have the opportunity to face those challenges and to contribute my own experiences and drive to the Boston University community.”

This statement makes excellent use of opening with an experience that sets the writer's motivation to attend law school in motion. We're introduced to another person in the story in the introduction before the author swivels and transitions to how she'd imagine herself in Sandra's shoes. 

This transition shows empathy, and although the author could relate to her client's struggles on a more superficial level, she understood the gravity of her situation and the hardships that awaited her. 

The author backpedals to show how she's cultivated an interest in law in college and explored this interest to know it's the right choice for her. The conclusion does an excellent job of referencing exactly how BU Law will help her achieve her mission. To recap, this personal statement was effective because: 

• She started her personal statement with a story 
• Although the writer focuses on an event with another person, she moves the focus back to her 
• The author’s statement shows qualities like empathy, compassion, and critical thinking without explicitly stating it 
• She connects her experiences to her motivation to attend law school 
• This statement has movement: it references the author’s past, present, and future 
• She ends her statement by explaining in detail why BU Law is the right school for her 

Although this personal statement worked, circling back to the opening anecdote in the conclusion, even with a brief sentence, would have made the conclusion more impactful and fortified the common thread of her narrative.

How to Write Personal Statement For Law School: FAQs

Do you still have questions about how to write a personal statement for law school? Read on to learn more. 

1. What Makes a Good Personal Statement for Law School? 

Generally, an excellent personal statement tells a relevant story, showcases your best qualities, is personal, and creatively answers the prompt. Depending on the prompt, a good personal statement may describe your motivation to attend law school or why a school, in particular, is perfect for you. 

2. Should I Write a Separate Personal Statement for Each School? 

Depending on the prompts, you may be able to submit the same or similar personal statements to different schools. However, you’ll likely need more than one version of your statement to apply to different schools. Generally, students will write a few versions of their statements to meet personal statement instructions. 

3. How Long Should My Personal Statement Be? 

Personal statement length requirements vary by school, but you can generally expect to write approximately two pages, double-spaced. 

4. What Should You Not Put In a Law School Personal Statement? 

Your personal statement shouldn’t include famous quotes, overly sophisticated language, statements that may offend others, and unhelpful or inappropriate information about yourself. 

5. What Do I Write My Law School Personal Statement About? 

The answer depends on the prompt you need to answer. Consider your experiences and decide which are impactful, uncover your personality, show your motivation to attend law school, or show your impressive character traits. 

6. Does the Personal Statement Really Matter for Law School? 

Top LSAT scores and high GPAs may not be enough, especially at the T-14 law schools. Due to the high level of competition, you should take advantage of your personal statement to show why you’re an excellent candidate. So yes, they do matter.

Writing A Law School Personal Statement is Easy With Juris

Writing a personal statement can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Juris Education is committed to helping you learn how to write a law school personal statement with ease. We help future law school students develop their narratives, evaluate writing to ensure it’s in line with what law schools expect, and edit statements to perfection. 

A stellar personal statement helps you stand out and can help you take that last step to attending the law school of your dreams.

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How to Write a Law School Personal Statement

Many prospective law students can feel overwhelmed when faced with the task of writing a law school personal statement, one of the most subjective pieces of your law school application .

A good personal statement is interesting to read without needing to rely on shock value. It should have a conversational tone; it’s not there to show how many big words you know, but rather to offer insight into your character.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Why Are Law School Personal Statements Important?

Tips for picking a law school personal statement topic, law school personal statement faqs.

• How To Format Your Law School Personal Statement
• How To Write a Great Law School Personal Statement
• How To Edit Your Law School Personal Statement

Law School Personal Statement Example

What you should not do in a law school personal statement.

Law school personal statements are important because they can turn what would have otherwise been a certain rejection into an offer of admission.

They help admission committees get to know you in a way they couldn’t from other pieces of your law school application. And, hopefully, it also shows why a law degree is the next logical step for you.

When deciding what to write in your personal statement, do not make stuff up. Stick with what has really happened to you and how it affected you, and you will write a better personal statement than if you pretend.

Do Your Research

Read as many personal statements as you can. Discovering what has worked vs what doesn’t work is equally important.

Admission committees are very experienced at reading personal statements. They can quickly sniff out when something rings false.

Be Yourself

Admission committees utilize the personal statement portion of the application to learn about you and why you want to go to law school. Tell your story, and do not try to hide who you are.

Discuss Personal Stories with Friends and Family

Try getting feedback on your topic ideas from family or friends.  If they have been to law school, even better, but talking about your topic and learning how to articulate why you chose that topic for your personal statement will help you flesh out good ideas vs bad ideas. 

[ RELATED: LSAT Admissions Consulting ]

Try a Reflective Writing Exercise

You should get in the habit of being able to think deeply about how your interests and experiences relate to attending law school. Try writing a sentence or two for each of these prompts to get warmed up:

• What you’ve done
• Why you did it
• What it meant to you
• How it affected you

Then try writing a paragraph or more in response to these prompts:

• Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. Anything of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

The personal statement is an integral part of the law school application, and it is important that you not only take it seriously but also try your best to have fun with it. Many questions may be circulating in your head that you feel need to be answered before you start to write your personal statement. Let’s look at frequently asked questions applicants have about writing their personal statements.

How long are LSAC personal statements?

Some law schools ask for only five hundred words, while others allow for up to four pages double-spaced. However, most schools ask for a two-to-three-page (double-spaced) essay.

Law schools have personal statement length requirements for two reasons: (1) to test your ability to follow directions (keeping to the length requirement) and (2) to evaluate how well you write.

What can I expect from the personal statement prompt? 

Most law school personal statement prompts are pretty vague and give the applicant a lot of room to interpret it as they see fit. 

Personal statement prompts are usually a general question and contain a page or word limit; exact requirements will vary from one school to the next. If you have questions you should get in touch with the admissions office via phone or email.

How personal should my personal statement be?

Incorporating emotion into your personal statement could make it more interesting and easier to read, but if you overdo it you can sound like you’re whining, begging, or trying to write a sob story—which can, in turn, be perceived as disingenuous.

Admissions committees want to see passion, but they also want to see who you are. It is extremely important to be honest. Law schools can see right through feigned emotions. Remember, they’ve probably read hundreds of thousands of these, and it’s very easy for them to detect when people aren’t being authentic. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, open, and clear—but make sure it comes from the heart.

A law school personal statement does not mean a mandatory hardship story. While getting through a rough life situation can be a great place from which to pull material for your personal statement, it is not even close to the only way to write a stellar piece, especially if it means overstating reality or making up emotional lessons that weren’t really present.

The biggest key to the law school personal statement is to be honest. The story you want to tell about how you’ve gotten where you are today doesn’t have to be exciting or on a grand scale or heartbreaking, it just needs to show something important about you.

“If you write about your childhood in your personal statement, you must find a way to tie it to your adulthood.”

Should you discuss your decision to attend law school in your personal statement?

This topic is contentious. If the rest of your application does not clearly indicate why you are applying—say, for example, you have no legal internship or student group experience, majored in a subject unrelated to law, and spent the past five years working in a biology lab—then you should at least touch on your reasons for pursuing a law degree in your personal statement.

However, if your application already demonstrates why you are applying to law school—whether through your college extracurricular activities, your work history, or your coursework—then you are probably safe to submit a personal statement that does not directly mention your decision to attend law school.

How to Format Your Law School Personal Statement

Law school personal statements should be:

• Double-spaced, left-aligned
• In 11 or 12-point Times New Roman font
• Uses a single space after a period
• Contain page numbers
• Use one-inch margins on all sides
• Your LSAC number
• The words “Personal Statement”

Signatures and titles are not needed for law school personal statements.

How to Write a Great Law School Personal Statement

The trick to writing is getting that first word, sentence, or paragraph on the page; after that, everything can follow more easily. If you are having trouble starting your intro paragraph, start with the body of your essay. Saving the introduction or conclusion till the end is much easier for some people.

In each section of your essay, bring in references to who you are and how you will enhance the law school’s student body. Instead of just saying that you are diligent and compassionate, say that your experience training to run a marathon taught you the value of consistent hard work, and the time you spent volunteering with Habitat for Humanity showed you how important it is to empathize and help the under-resourced members of society. 

Find ways to make the things that you’ve done support your contention that you’ll bring something great to the law school.

Start with an Outline

Take your thoughts and organize them into an outline. Try to incorporate key attributes about yourself into your headings.

Remember that legal professionals place a high value on organization—a good personal statement is clearly organized and easy to follow—and since at least some of the people reading and evaluating your essay are legally trained, creating a good outline is crucial.

Personal Statement Intro Section

Starting a personal statement can be difficult and it may be easier for you to leave this section of your personal statement as the last thing you write. Use this section to introduce yourself, catch the attention of the reader, and set up your story.  

Tips for writing an introduction paragraph

• Avoid catchy openings like “from a young age” or “I have always wanted to…”
• Get to the point quickly
• Start with something interesting, relevant, and specific
• Think about what is inspiring you today
• Avoid exclamation points to emphasize your excitement

Personal Statement Body Section

The body of your personal statement should focus on the details of your story. Each paragraph should expand on your points and begin with a topic sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs.

Ending sentences for body paragraphs should wrap up your points and help transition the reader to the next body paragraph or the concluding paragraph.

In the climax of your essay, use concrete language and zoom in on the moment of transition.

For example, if you talk about your financial stress, which was caused by foreclosure and you didn’t have an attorney, which led to you getting sick, don’t say that you “experienced hardship” or that it  “took a toll” on your health. What was the hardship? What was the toll? Specific, concrete details give transition moments their power.

[ TIP: Vary your sentence length to keep readers interested ]

Personal Statement Conclusion Section

The conclusion section of your personal statement should re-emphasize and summarize your main points.  It should be concise and leave the reader with a greater understanding of who you are and why law school is the next logical step for you in your education.  

If you are having trouble, consider taking a break and asking for help .  

Overcoming Writer’s Block

We all suffer from writer’s block sometimes, and it can be particularly brutal when the stakes are high … like when you are trying to get into law school.

One way to cut through the blockage is to make a stream-of-consciousness list of word associations. Start with a memory (e.g., first grade), a person (e.g., grandmother), or a place (e.g., the beach), and then just write down every word that comes to mind for the next two to three minutes. Do not worry if the words that come to mind are absurd (e.g., tuna, rabbits, dominoes)—they are coming from somewhere, and one of them just might trigger a memory that makes you think, “Ah! That could have a place in this essay.”

This advice may sound a little silly and unguided, but that is precisely the point. When you are experiencing writer’s block, that is a sign that you are too “in your head”—that is, your conscious mind. You need to hop over from your left brain to your right, which is less judgmental and more creative.

How to edit your law school personal statement

Do not underestimate how crucial editing is to writing a good personal statement. Editing is about far more than correcting your spelling and punctuation. A hastily edited personal statement could very well be the thing that makes the difference between “Congratulations!” and “We regret to inform you…”.

Inspect the Structure

Your first goal should be to make sure that your personal statement is well organized. Return to the outline that you wrote and shift things around if necessary. Make sure each topic sentence inspires you to keep reading.

Copyediting

Run the spell-check, of course, but also read through on your own, very carefully. If your typo is a correctly-spelled but inappropriately used word, it won’t set off the spell-check. Pay attention to your use of commas, semi-colons, and other punctuation marks; consult a resource on English language mechanics if you have any doubts about usage.

[ TIP: Make sure that you mention the correct law school in the essay ]

Verify Personal Statement Is About You

Avoid including too much about “the world” and/or too little about yourself.  Look for these items throughout your personal statement.

• You have several sentences in a row describing life (or the universe, or society, or the world) in abstract terms.
• You spend a full paragraph talking about something or someone else without reflecting on your topic from your perspective.
• You get to the end of the personal statement and realize you do not know how what you have read reveals something significant about you as a person.
• You spot very few uses of “I” in your personal statement.

If any of these describe your current draft, look for ways of introducing yourself more frequently in it.

Get Feedback From Others

Once you’ve fully completed editing, ask several people whose writing skills you trust to look over your essay and offer suggestions. Ask them if they came away with a clear and cohesive sense of you as an individual. 

Incorporate Feedback

When you’ve gotten feedback from others, incorporate suggestions you find valuable into your rewrites. Repeat this as necessary until you get an essay that you’ve proud of… or until your application is due, whichever comes first.

Note: To maintain the integrity and authenticity of this project, we have not edited the personal statements, though any identifying names and details have been changed or removed. Any grammatical errors that appear in the essays belong to the candidates and illustrate the importance of having someone (or multiple someones) proofread your work.

Personal Statement

I don’t imagine the process of coming out as gay is easy for anyone. I can still remember the first time the words came out of my mouth. The person I told, my best friend, waited expectantly for the big news I had promised her over the phone. My heart began to beat faster. My palms were sweating. A million thoughts raced through my head. Here was something integral to my identity, something so deep it had taken me years to uncover. And I was about to tell someone who could either accept it, or turn away from me.

Fortunately, the experience in my case was a positive one, overall. Without fail, my closest friends and family told me they loved me, and would continue to do so. There were, of course, some people who did not accept me, and that hurt in ways that I can’t begin to explain. But the ones who really mattered embraced me, and coming out to them was an affirming experience. I knew even more than I had before that I had a network of people around me who cared for me and supported me.

When I was in college, I became involved in activities that affirmed my identity further. I organized on campus for things like a gay student union and gender non-specific bathrooms, and the groups I worked with had various levels of success with these projects. But [my undergraduate university] is a largely queer-friendly school in [a large metropolitan city], and so the activities felt somewhat sheltered. After organizing with these campus groups for a while, I branched out and began volunteering for organizations in the larger city ….

I had always known that not everyone’s experience of coming out as gay was as positive as mine, but it was when I became involved with these organizations that I began to see just how cruel the world could be to LGBTQIA [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual] people. I met thirteen-year-olds who had been abused and thrown into the street because they were gay. I met trans women who had been discriminated against for their identities by bosses and landlords. I met drag queens whose daily experience involved street harassment and the threat of bodily harm. For the first time in my life I was surrounded by people who were struggling every day to meet their basic needs like food and shelter because of their identities.

I also began to learn from people who were older than me, who had slept on the Chelsea Piers, and lived through the plague of HIV and AIDS. I learned about intersectionality, the varied forms that oppression can take and where they meet in an individual’s life. I learned of how mainstream organizations like HRC [Human Rights Campaign] and those involved in the fight for marriage equality often jettison the most vulnerable members of queer struggle in order to achieve what they consider the “greater good”—like the exclusion of transgender people from the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the ‘90s. I learned about assimilation of gay people into mainstream society, and how it worked remarkably well for some while for others it would never, ever be an option.

In the end, it was these—the most vulnerable members of my community—that I found the most reason to fight for. People whose doctors won’t treat them because they’re HIV positive. Trans men and trans women without legal documentation who can’t find a lawyer that will take them on. Intersex prisoners who the prison industrial complex tries to squeeze into its limited boxes.

I honestly believe going to law school is the best way I can help these people. I have spent years writing and signing petitions, organizing LGBTQIA dance parties, protesting in the streets. Now, as I enter the phase of my life in which I am choosing a profession, I want it to be one that takes all I have learned and keeps it in the forefront of my mind. I want to stand up for the people in my community who have so few advocates.

A queer utopia—that is, a world in which the struggles I have learned of through my involvement in the LGBTQIA community no longer exist—is still a long way off. But I have seen good people filling in the gaps in the lives of those most strongly affected by inequality. I am committed to becoming one of those people, and I feel that this is the best way I can do it.

A story illustrating the reasons you want to go to law school is always going to be more effective than a generic essay that anyone could have written; remember the point of the law school personal statement is to show a law school something unique about yourself. 

Law School Personal Statement Don’ts

• Avoid dramatic tales of romance
• Curse often
• Avoid absolute statements which tend to sound more unreasoned than reasoned— law school is all about reason
• Do not submit an essay version of your resume
• Do not use the same personal statement for every school

[ NEXT: What not to do in a law school personal statement ]

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Law School Personal Statement

Your personal statement is an opportunity to present yourself as more than an LSAT score and GPA. The personal statement sets you apart from other candidates. It is also a sample of your ability to express thoughts clearly and cogently.

The Process

• Brainstorm any topics or themes you might want to consider for your statement
• Select 1-2 topics/themes you believe will be the strongest
• Write a rough draft. Don’t worry about length, style, or grammar
• Put it away for a while. Time adds an interesting perspective on your writing.
• Redraft and edit as needed
• Have several people read it including NCA’S prelaw advisor, a professor or the Writing Place
• Consider the feedback you have been given and craft your final draft
• Proofread, proofread, and proofread

Possible topics

If the school does not specify a topic (and many don’t, but always check) here are a few ideas to help you brainstorm:

• Hobbies/work/other experiences that have shaped you
• How you became interested in the law
• Life events that have changed or motivated you
• Challenges & hurdles you have overcome
• An issue or subject that you feel strongly about and why (just make sure not to “preach”)
• The growth you’ve experienced in college
• A unique experience that you have had inside or outside the classroom
• Your goals and the events that have shaped those goals

Things to Watch for when Writing and Editing

• Ensure that you answered the essay questions they provided
• Remember to put the “personal” in the personal statement – use a personal stories/anecdotes
• DO NOT approach this as a “Statement of Purpose” ( which would be an essay about why you want to pursue a law degree) unless the law school essay prompt indicates to do so
• Try to “Show” the reader/Do not “Tell” in your writing
• Avoid just restating your resume or transcript: law schools are looking to get to know who you are outside of your achievements
• Most schools do not place restrictions on the personal statement but a general guideline is 2-3 pages double spaced (although check with each school for specific guidelines)

Formatting your Personal Statement

• Make it distinctive by telling a story
• State your topic

Detailed Body Paragraphs

• Focused, each with its own topic sentence

Relevant, each contributing/supporting to your main idea Conclusion

• Summarization of your points
• Brings essay full circle to the beginning

Top Mistakes Made in Personal Statements

• Spelling and grammatical errors
• Staying too detached in your writing style and not letting your personality come through in your “personal” statement
• Using too many big words, “legalese,” or research jargon
• Spending just a few hours on your personal statement and submitting your first draft
• Not following directions: exceeding the specified page limitations, not answering the questions
• Using gimmicks such as writing in crayon, modeling your personal statement as a legal brief, or writing it as a poem

Pre-Law Advising

Personal statement.

• Apply to Law School

Law schools require you to submit a personal statement as part of your application. An effective personal statement offers a clear and memorable portrait of you - your interests, experiences, personality, skills, and motivations to pursue education and a career in law. Because personal statements are personal, there is no one format or approach that will work well for everyone.

Navigating Prompts

It is typically best to develop one comprehensive version of your personal statement and to modify it if necessary to meet specific prompts. It’s impractical for most students, applying to ten or more schools, to write different versions of the personal statement for each school, and for most prompts it’s simply not necessary.

Personal statement prompts are generally quite broad: for example, “Write a statement about yourself,” or “Tell us something about yourself and your interest in law.” Though the vagueness of the prompt can be daunting, the personal statement offers an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to admission committees on a more personal level, allowing them to learn about you beyond the information presented in other parts of your application.

A number of law school admissions deans have blogs and podcasts, and they have all covered the subject of admissions essays. Some of them are found on the law schools’ websites.

The Harvard Law School Exception

Following Students for Fair Admissions Harvard Law School modified its essay prompts. HLS now requires a “statement of purpose” and a “statement of perspective.” According to the Dean of Admissions, the Statement of Purpose is expected to be a very straightforward essay “cut and dried” were words used to describe it – about your connection to and ambition in law. The Statement of Perspective prompt looks something like a combined personal statement and diversity statement prompt; it asks you to discuss how your background, experiences and interests have shaped you and may affect your interest in law. 

Brainstorming Your Personal Statement

Unless you already have a very clear idea of what you want to write about, start by NOT writing a draft personal statement. Instead, work just on generating ideas and getting used to writing about yourself. Set aside time to do unedited reflective writing, identifying things about yourself that are important, formative, or particularly characteristic, and experiences that reflect those things. Spend 20 - 30 minutes at a time, and write 500-1000 words. Some potential things to explore in writing:

• Who are my role models and what do I admire about them
• What would my friends/parents/teachers say are my key characteristics
• What do I think my key characteristics are, where do they come from and how do I embody them in my activities
• What do I like/admire/value in my friends
• What experience have stayed with me and why
• What did I learn from my (first/last/favorite) (job/class/trip)

Do a bit of this and narrow the themes down to one or two. Then start drafting.

Tips for Writing the Personal Statement

This is a professional school application essay. Be personal, but be professional. Stay away from “attention-getting” writing gimmicks (especially the notorious “cold open” that begins in the middle of some scene or action; this is a trite technique that screams “undergraduate admissions advisor”). Be personal. The essay is your introduction as a person to the admissions team. Ask yourself “what do I want them to know about me as a person when they are done with this essay.” Reconcile these first two points. Don’t use gimmicks, but don’t be afraid to be yourself in your essay.  

The essay does not have to be, but may be, a “why law” essay. If you decide to write about “why law” or “why law school” don't simply tack it on at the end in a final paragraph. Instead, make it integral to the essay.

Many applications, independently of the essays, convey a logical connection between the applicant and a desire to study law. If you feel that your background doesn’t convey a logical connection to law, through classes, concentration, research, internships or jobs, consider making that clearer with your essays.

Make the essay idea-based not chronological. Even a good theme can be spoiled by an essay that is, essentially, “first I did this.  Then I took this class. Then I did this volunteer project. Then I wrote this paper, then I had this job.” They have your resume and your transcript; don’t make your essay a rehash.

Make your theme clear at the beginning. Journalists are taught “don’t bury the lead.”  Lawyers are taught to preview the main point and use clear topic sentences. The theme should be clear from the first paragraph. Anecdotes should be used to demonstrate the theme but more than three anecdotes is too much for this length of essay. As you consider the theme, give the essay an arc; try to connect the beginning and the end in some way.

Most admissions officers have told us that they don’t want you to write about their school in your essay; they know their own school, they don’t know you. Some schools have a specific essay or prompt that asks you to write about your interest in or connection to that school. However, a few include this in the general personal statement prompt, so be sure to read it carefully.

• Don’t name drop in your essay except for really good reasons (such as working with a Nobel prizewinner who wrote your recommendation).  
• They know you went to Brown. You don’t have to use the name of the school.
• Be sure to proofread very carefully as small errors can seem glaring to the school.
• Keep your own voice. While it is important to get feedback and suggestions on your essay, ensure that in the end it is your voice and your ideas and not those of any editors.

Tips For Law School Personal Statements: Examples, Resources And More

Updated: Mar 22, 2024, 4:48pm

Tens of thousands of undergraduates pursue law school every year, and the competition for admission is fierce.

When it comes to admissions, your law school personal statement is not as impactful as your LSAT scores or undergraduate GPA. Still, a personal statement can be the deciding factor when competing with other applicants.

In this article, we discuss how to write a law school personal statement that demonstrates why you belong in a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program.

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What Is a Law School Personal Statement?

A law school personal statement is a multi-paragraph essay or narrative highlighting the reason you are pursuing a J.D. degree . This essay is an opportunity to share your identity with an admissions committee—beyond just transcripts and test scores.

Personal statements are typically two to four pages long. Most law schools do not provide specific prompts for applicants’ statements, but some do. Either way, the content of your statement should leave a strong impression.

Why Do Law Schools Ask for Personal Statements?

Law schools receive a high volume of applications and typically do not contact applicants for interviews until after reviewing their applications. As a result, personal statements largely act as a substitute for the applicant interview process.

Your personal statement serves as a writing sample that shows your ability to communicate ideas effectively. In addition to demonstrating your ability to write well, a personal statement can give an admissions committee a clear picture of your motivations for attending law school and indicate how well you might fit into their program.

If you’re wondering how to become a lawyer , law school is the first step—and your personal statement is important to the law school application process.

How To Write a Law School Personal Statement

Writing a law school personal statement can be a challenging part of the application process, involving hours of planning and drafting. However, with solid brainstorming and prewriting strategies, you can craft an effective personal statement that illustrates how you are a strong candidate for law school.

Picking What to Write About

If your prospective school does not provide a prompt, choosing what to write about can be frustrating and time-consuming.

Start with a serious brainstorming session to get your ideas on paper. Give yourself the license to explore every experience or idea before deciding on your final topic.

Consider spending time jotting down every idea that falls into the following categories:

• Life events or experiences that motivated you or changed your perspective
• A meaningful personal achievement and what you learned from it
• How you became interested in the law
• Your passions and how they contributed to your individual goals

Structuring Your Law School Personal Statement

The structure and method you use to craft your statement is important. It might be tempting to follow a rigid formula and write a personal statement that methodically unpacks your reason for attending law school, your qualifications and the relevance of your extracurricular engagements. However, some of the most effective personal statements are crafted through a narrative approach.

Well-written narratives are engaging and illustrate why law school would benefit your career path. Your essay should exhibit your dedication and passion for the law and highlight the relationship between your values and your target law school. By creating a narrative with a common theme woven throughout, you can captivate your reader while informing them of your qualifications and goals.

Rather than overtly telling the reader why you should be accepted into law school, a narrative allows its audience to make connections and engage at a personal level. Your anecdotes and specific examples should reveal the traits you want the admissions committee to see and appreciate.

What Makes a ‘Good’ Law School Personal Statement?

Law school admissions teams read hundreds, even thousands of personal statements, so it’s important to write one that stands out. Ultimately, a good law school personal statement engages the reader, provides a unique perspective and demonstrates why you would make a good candidate for law school.

Choose a Unique Topic

A personal statement is exactly that: personal. Crafting a memorable narrative is paramount and dependent on your story and unique life experiences, especially since reviewers read so many personal statements with similar stories and themes.

Unfortunately, certain topics can come across as cliche. This is not to say that your lived experience of overcoming adversity or your time spent volunteering to help those in need is undervalued. However, those narratives have motivated thousands of aspiring attorneys to pursue law—meaning they have appeared in thousands of law school personal statements.

Give Specific Examples

Once you’ve selected a topic, take time to unpack the examples you plan to share and how they tie into the “why” behind your pursuit of law school. General statements are not only boring to read but lack the depth of meaning required to make an impact. Specific examples are critical to creating interest and highlighting the uniqueness of your personal experience.

According to law school admissions consultant and founder of PreLawPro, Ben Cooper, “It is always great to have a story that speaks for you. A story that demonstrates certain qualities or a key lesson learned is always more compelling than simply saying, ‘I am dedicated, responsible etc.’ ”

Be Personal and Reflective

Law schools want to see critical thinking skills and deep reflection in applicants’ personal essays. Before you write, consider a few questions. Is your story unique to you? What was the primary conflict in your story? How did you develop over time? How does this story reflect who you are now and how law school suits you? Take time to ponder what challenges you’ve overcome and what events and experiences have shaped your worldview.

Common Pitfalls for a Law School Personal Statement

Before you invest hours writing an essay just for it to fall flat, make sure you’re aware of the most common pitfalls for law school personal statements.

Failing To Follow Instructions

Law schools set specific formatting and length guidelines. Reading comprehension and attention to detail are key skills for law school success, so failing to meet these expectations could count against your application or even result in an automatic rejection.

Length and formatting requirements vary among law schools. For example, if a school expects no more than two pages, 11-point font, 1-inch margins and double spacing, make sure to format your personal statement precisely according to those specifications. We advise tailoring your personal statement to each individual school to avoid violating any formatting requirements.

If a law school asks you to answer a specific prompt or write multiple essays, make sure to follow those instructions as well.

Not Revising And Proofreading

Nothing screams a lack of effort, interest and commitment like an unpolished personal statement. Admissions teams will quickly notice if you skip proofreads and revisions, even if the content of your essay is exceptional.

This step entails much more than running a spelling and grammar check. You must ensure that the order of information is purposeful and logical. Each word you use should be intentional and add value to the story you are trying to tell.

Revising an essay is not a one-person job. Have others provide feedback, too. Your peers and mentors are a great place to start, as long as they give objective feedback.

Also ask people you do not know to provide feedback. You might start with your university’s writing center . Writing centers employ trained writing tutors who are skilled in providing feedback across disciplines. A writing center tutor will not proofread your essay, but they assist in making it reach its full potential.

Using Flowery Or Overly Academic Language

The voice and tone of your personal statement should flow naturally and reflect who you are. This doesn’t require flowery or overly academic language, which can make your essay sound more obtuse and less personal.

As we stated earlier, your personal statement should use specific examples and stories to generate interest and reveal why you want to attend law school and become a lawyer.

Likewise, you should avoid using excessive legal language or famous quotes in your statement. Admissions reviewers are academics, so if you use a term improperly, they will catch it. Use language that you feel comfortable with, without being too informal, and allow your narrative to convey your intended themes and ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Law School Personal Statements

What is a good personal statement for law school.

A good personal statement for law school is original, engaging, truthful and well-structured. When composing your personal statement, take time to reflect on your life experiences and how they led you to pursue a legal career. Follow each school’s required format, make sure to proofread carefully and use natural-sounding language.

How much does a law school personal statement matter?

Law school admissions committees typically place more emphasis on your LSAT performance and undergraduate academic record—including your GPA and the rigor of your course of study—but a personal statement can still have a powerful impact on the success of your application. A strong essay can help you stand out from the crowd, and conversely, a clichéd, poorly written or incorrectly formatted essay can hurt your chances.

Do law schools fact-check personal statements?

Assume that law school admissions officers may fact-check any verifiable information in your personal statement. They may not know if you are presenting your motivations for applying or your career plans honestly, but they can—and will—check whether, for example, you participated in a particular student organization or attended a specific conference.

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Ben Cooper the founder and CEO of PreLawPro, a law school admissions and career consulting firm. He is a former international lawyer who spent much of his legal career as a litigator in London’ financial district. After leaving private practice he oversaw the Pre-Law program at Baylor University, where he taught college classes on the legal profession, law school admissions, careers, and academic success. He has also helped students explore careers in diplomacy, intelligence and national security. After almost a decade of working with college students and young professionals, Ben has helped hundreds of law school applicants gain admission to law schools all over the country. Ben also coaches and mentors college students and young professionals (across a broad range of industries) as they navigate their education and careers.

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Crafting a Standout Personal Statement

Submitting a strong personal statement will help you stand out from other law school applicants. Here are some tips for success.

Know Your Audience:  Research the law schools you are applying to. Vermont Law and Graduate School is nationally known for our top environmental law program and work in restorative justice. Understanding our mission in public interest law will help direct your personal statement to reflect our core advocacy values.

Find Your Authentic Voice:  Begin with an inventory. What's notable, unique, distinctive, or impressive about your life story? In addition to your skills and career goals, think about how the details of your life (personal, familial, events) have shaped or influenced your goals. When did you become interested in the law, and what has stimulated your interest or reinforced your conviction? What personal characteristics do you have that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? These are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you.

Telling vs. Showing: Understanding how to craft a personal statement goes beyond stating your abilities. Use a specific experience to illustrate the qualities you are trying to demonstrate and engage the reader. Write in an active voice and include details. For example, instead of writing "I was a detail-oriented, dedicated paralegal," you could write "Our firm was working on a critical case, and documents needed to be ready by the morning. I spent the night fact-checking so our attorneys could confidently draft the key document in the case." This provides a clear picture of your actions with context.

Dos and Don'ts: Do reflect before writing, be yourself, personalize your statement for each program, ask for feedback, and have someone check for errors. Don't be someone you're not (we like you for you), and please don't submit your statement in an unprofessional format — a poem crafted about your life is memorable, but not in a good way. Lastly, don't upload the wrong personal statement after all your hard work.

You've researched your audience, found your voice, and know what not to do. Your next step is to put pen to paper. We can't wait to read your story!

To learn more about Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) and our JD programs , or if you have questions about the application process, please contact us at  [email protected]  or 802-831-1239.

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Law school personal statement format & examples

The personal statements you submit to law schools are among the most crucial elements of getting your applications noticed since they tell a story of the person’s personality that cannot be otherwise identified from the resume.

The law school personal statement matters because you want to get into the top schools. You need to make sure that your personal statement shows how much you care about the law and what makes you unique. Your personal statement should be written in a way that shows why you want to go to law school. You should also know how to write a great personal statement. Here are some tips on writing a perfect personal statement.

What Is A Personal Statement For Law School?

The personal statement (or “personal”) is a piece of writing by a law school student describing the background of their life and how they are an exceptional candidate for the law degree course. It could include the applicant’s plans to pursue studies in the program — such as a desire to pursue legal issues, immigration, or environmental law. It also outlines what they expect to gain through attending the law school of their choice. Although personal statements can’t be able to make up for poor LSAT results, they may contain personal experiences from a different perspective that aren’t obtained from other elements of your application, such as transcripts and resumes, or letters of recommendation.

There are three types of essays to take into consideration when applying to law school.

• Diversity statement
• Personal statement

The majority of law schools require personal statements. Some schools may permit the use of a diversity statement or an addendum. You must submit ALL statements that pertain to you.

MBA Personal Statement Sample

Part Introduction: Law School Personal Statement

The Law School Admissions Process is very confusing and scary but you need to focus on 2 things: your GPA and your LSAT Score.

That means you should spend as many hours as possible studying for the LSAT. You should also work hard to improve your GPA. If you’ve already graduated or are about to graduate from college, you should focus on increasing your LSAT score as well as your GPA.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the third-most important part of your application: Your law school personal statement. You should write your personal statement before taking the LSAT because your LSAT and GPA will carry so much weight. But while you wait to take the LSAT, you can start thinking about your personal statement.

Before we get into the step by step guide, we’ll offer some general framing thoughts. Many people apply to law school without being strong writers. They forget the components of good storytelling as soon as they sit to write their essay.

Your law school essay should be about your life story. You need to tell people what you’ve done, why you did it, how it affected you, and what you want to do next. A good lawyer needs to know more than just facts. He or she also needs to understand the human condition.

What Is The Best Way To Create A Personal Declaration?

In brief, here’s the format your personal statement at law school will require in terms of structure:

All-around  There is no title 12 or 11-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins.

Header  Your name and your LSAC number as well as “Personal statement” with the page number, which is formatted as three or one lines. Be sure to check with your school’s requirements.

Body  Double-spaced, left-aligned (or justified) paragraphs that are indented 0.5 inches, not separated by an additional line. Single space after periods.

Ending : End the same way as you would with a standard essay. This is not a formal letter; it doesn’t require a signature.

Length  2 pages, although some universities may specify that they will only require one

Word Count  250-500 words minimum

Spacing  Single or double spaced

Font : Times New Roman in 11- or 12-point font

Margins  not lower than 1 in.

Students should go through the specifics of each law school they are applying to before completing their personal statement.

Arsenic Pollution Paragraph

10 Tips For Law Personal Statements 

The process of writing a personal statement may be an intimidating task for some, however, most law institutions have guidelines to ease the pressure of deciding what you should write. Use the suggestions below to start making your personal statement however, you should make sure to consult with your advisor or an academic professional who can assist you in the procedure.

• Follow all the directions.  Be sure to read and adhere to the guidelines offered by law schools prior to you begin writing your essay to ensure that you do not spend time or effort on the formatting that could derail your application. A lot of schools provide thorough and precise instructions, which include elements that admissions committees use to determine the candidacy of applicants.
• Make a framework to think about and brainstorm .  Begin working with your adviser to think of possible topics for your personal statement and then discuss ways you can make every one of these topics distinctive and unique. Making an outline can be accomplished together or by yourself however it is beneficial to have a structure before you begin writing.
• Learn about the values of your school and know your target public.  Discover what values are essential to the school and determine the areas where these values align with your personal values. Learn about particular professors and their latest research areas to find out the possibilities you have for learning from them. You can also think about mentioning these topics in your writing.
• Choose two or three small subjects . Specific, small topics will help the candidate cover the subject instead of writing a long narrative that the writer doesn’t have time to complete. In addition, topics that are smaller will also aid the writer in sticking to the limit of a page.
• Find out what makes you stand out.  Focus on the events or experiences that distinguish you and, in particular, if they’re not listed included on your resume. Consider these aspects to make your message more authentic, personal and meaningful as you create your narrative.
• Make sure you have plenty of space to compose.  When you write under pressure, it can cause critical errors, like unfinished ideas and grammar mistakes. Making multiple revisions to your personal statement can ensure you are clear, have a chance to polish your writing, and have time to proofread.
• Engage the reader.  Make sure you pay attention to the first sentence to ensure that your voice and thoughts make an impact. A lot of admissions officers read hundreds of essays. keeping their attention right from the start can boost the chance of them being more engaged with your complete application. A captivating story or an engaging story can help your application stand out.
• Be on point and keep it short.  If possible, adhere to the outline that you created instead of straying from your script. Refer to your outline several times when you write, particularly when you are running out of space in the paper.
• Be yourself.  Personal declarations stand out when the voice of the writer can shine through. Don’t spend all of your time looking at the work of others as examples and trust your own personal experience. Concentrate on your own personal style, motivation, vision, and other important aspects that are unique to your personal situation. In the event that you don’t, your essay could be stale and boring.
• Make sure you proofread it and polish it.  Apart from hand-proofreading your work, use spell-checking software to look for grammatical mistakes . Also, check for legal terms that might be misinterpreted. It might be helpful to consult your advisor or an expert peer review to check for grammatical mistakes and overall flow prior to sending an individual statement.

5 Common Mistakes To Avoid In The Law School Personal Statement

The specific requirements for personal statements can differ in accordance with the school you attend however these general guidelines and advice on mistakes to avoid are used when writing an effective personal statement.

• Resumes should be rewritten.  Focus on crafting an essay that will not be apparent on your resume. Your resume should not be boring which means you’ll miss the chance to make yourself stand out.
• Discuss legal matters in detail.  Avoid extensively discussing the law or a controversial topic. There are plenty of chances to debate the issues once you’ve started your classes in law school. Find your passions without making your essay an agenda for your own political views. Keep in mind that a personal essay should concentrate on  the person you are .
• Inflate or overstate the facts.  Plagiarizing or fabricating life experiences and the work of others could result in the disqualification of your application, or even legal actions. Your personal statement must be authentic and prove your credibility. Be true to yourself as well as your experience and ability to write.
• Send your application Without editing.  Make sure you make time for your personal statement and then be sure to check it for grammatical and spelling mistakes, which includes the name of the desired school. It is also important to be aware of specific requirements for formatting and the word count. It is possible to consult a trusted adviser to examine your work to make sure that all university requirements have been fulfilled.
• Cover too much ground.  Focusing on your primary subjects will improve consistency, and clarity . Announcing too many subjects or even a large amount of a subject could make your message appear too long, unfocused, or rambling.

Law School Personal Statement Topics To Help With Brainstorming

Check out your resume and find some of your personal life that aren’t mentioned on your resume. What are the things that make you distinguish yourself as a potential law school student? If you’re struggling or unsure, try these suggestions to come up with topics to create your own unique personal statement.

Personal difficulties or obstacles you’ve conquered

A significant moment in your life, and how it impacted you

Individually unique hobbies or interests that reflect the character

Extraordinary achievements or awards that you have not previously mentioned on your resume

An event in your life or a situation that has shaped your beliefs or your worldview

A novel idea or research subject you’re enthusiastic about.

Your cultural or family background that has shaped your personality

Opportunities that you’ve utilized to help improve your community

If you’re confused about how to start, you can ask an acquaintance or family member who is familiar with you to assist you in identifying some of your personal traits.

My Home Town Paragraph

What Are The Main Contents Of A Personal Statement?

• Who are you?  Show readers that you’re a fascinating person with experiences and expertise that can benefit not just the students on campus as well as the wider legal community. You’re being considered in a field of thousands of potential candidates and you must emphasize what sets you apart from the rest of your applicants.
• Your authentic vocal voice.  There’s a reason that the personal statement shouldn’t be only a declaration or essay. Many applicants believe they must write about public policy or social issues, but they aren’t always revealing the applicant’s authentic voices. Consider having someone you trust look over your personal statement with an objective eye. If they’re unable to identify you’re the person who created it, it’s an opportunity to revise your statement.
• Particular information regarding that college.  It’s not sufficient to simply say that you’d like to enroll at Santa Clara Law School for its outstanding curriculum, its well-trained faculty, and the numerous clinic opportunities. What if you substitute “Santa Clara Law School” with any other law school’s name and still be logical?
• Find out more about the school’s website.  Figure out what is it that makes the school you’re applying to different from other schools. This is an excellent chance to contact alumni, and also talk to admissions representatives! It is also possible to use the Internet or go to your local bookshop and go through some reference books or browse forums on the internet.
• Remarks on the institution’s atmosphere.  Perhaps you’re looking for a law school that is a collegial setting that reflects your college experience at a smaller liberal arts institution. Perhaps you’re in search of an institution that is large enough so you can make use of the wide range of alumni and resources that the law schools of that size has to offer.
• Simple writing.  Check your school’s site to see the length of your personal essay should be, and then be sure to take it seriously. Law schools aren’t just considering whether you are able to write effectively and concisely and efficiently, but also how well you follow the guidelines posted by the school.
• Authenticity.  Law schools aren’t seeking you to start your own non-profit organization or become the next Olympic athlete . They’re more interested in individuals who can help complete the class and make a positive contribution to their institution.
• Proper writing.  Maybe for class assignments, you’ve had the option to submit your first draft as your final. Perhaps one revision will suffice for you to consider an essay completed. In the case of your personal statement, it is recommended to commit at minimum two rounds of editing to make your writing more perfect.

Why Does The Law School Personal Statement Matter?

A quality personal statement—a brief essay in which you explain what motivates you to apply to law school—can make the difference between getting into law school and being rejected. Your personal statement should help admissions officers understand your motivation to attend their school, and the reasons you want to attend their specific school.

Law schools have seen an influx of applicants in recent years. Students who apply to top schools tend to be more qualified than those applying to lower-ranked schools. Personal statements can help boost application numbers and give you a better chance of getting into a top program.

A lawyer needs to be persuasive and convincing when writing an essay. He/she should use examples and evidence to prove his/her point. A lawyer must know how to present his/her ideas in a clear manner.A strong set of law school applications shows that you’re not just going to law school because it’s the first thing you thought of. You’ve researched the field thoroughly, and you’re passionate about it. Your essays show that you understand the field and how it works.

Writing The Personal Statement For Law School

The general, comprehensive personal statements allow you maximum freedom in terms of what you write and are usually prepared for standard medical or legal school applications.Business schools prefer applicants who answer questions directly and concisely. Applicants should be prepared to write about themselves in a variety of ways.

An Example Of A Law School Personal Statement

I am a very caring person who wants to help others. I love working with children. I enjoy teaching them new things and helping them learn. I want to be a teacher when I grow up because I feel that I can make a difference in someone else’s life. I also want to be an advocate for children who need help. I want to help children who are being abused or neglected. I want to work with children who are having trouble learning. I want to teach them how to read and write. I want to help them get into college and succeed after high school. I want to give them hope and show them that there is something out there for them if they try hard enough.

I’ve learned about this field by taking courses, reading books, attending seminars, working in my community, and talking to people who already work in this field. My leadership experience has helped me grow as a leader.

I want to be a lawyer because I love helping people. I’ve never had any problems getting into law school. My LSAT score was a bit low, but my GPA was high. I’m currently working as an intern at a law firm.

I am compassionate, persistent, and honest. I am also strong-willed and determined. I have excellent communication skills . I am an excellent leader and organizer. I am very persuasive.

I’m very smart because I’ve been studying hard since I was young. I also have good grades. I am an excellent student. I am very responsible. I always do my homework. I am a good friend. I am loyal to my friends. I am honest. I am trustworthy. I am reliable. I am a great listener. I am kind. I am helpful. I am respectful. I am polite. I am courteous. I am considerate. I am thoughtful. I am thoughtful.

General Advice

A story should show something concrete. You should demonstrate how your idea works by telling a story about it. Your story must be fresh, lively, and unique. Make sure you tell a story that shows what your idea does. Don’t bore the admissions committee.

Don’t include any subject matter that could be considered controversial. High school grades aren’t very relevant. You should also avoid mentioning religion or politics. Research schools before writing about them. If you want to apply to a specific university, make sure you know what makes it different from others.

Example: I am a hard worker, and I do my best work when I’m working under pressure. I am conscientious about my work, and I always try to meet deadlines. I also make sure that everything I write is grammatically correct before submitting it. I avoid using clichés and repeating myself. I know how to express myself clearly and concisely. I understand what I need to do to get into medical school.

Why Law Schools Ask For Personal Statements?

Personal statements can be used as a narrative about the applicant. This is important because law schools rarely interview applicants.The statement helps applicants explain why they want to go to law school. It gives them a chance to show off their writing skills. Law schools and the legal profession require applicants to write well.

Personal statements can be very helpful when making difficult decisions about who should get into your school. Your statement can show how you stand out among other applicants. You can tell what kind of person you are by writing about yourself.Law schools are looking to fill classes with engaging and qualified applicants. Personal statements can provide insight into an individual’s personality and potential as part of the law school’s community.

What A Great Personal Statement Accomplishes?

Excellent law school personal statements convey who an applicant is, according to experts. Personal statements should be concise and focused on conveying the applicant’s personality and interests. A strong personal statement will help you stand out from other applicants.

You also need to explain why this school is right for you. Why do you want to be a lawyer? What kind of law do you want to practice? How does being a lawyer fit into your life plan?

Now that we’ve talked about what you want out of your application, let’s talk about how to write it.Applicants must be clear about why they want to attend this law school. They need to explain how attending this school will help them on their career path.

How To Structure A Law School Personal Statement?

A personal statement should provide context for the experiences that prepare you for law school and lead you to pursue a legal career. You should end your statement with a thoughtful conclusion that ties the statement together. Your law school application essay should spark the reader’s interest in your future as an attorney.

“It can be useful for applicants to explain what particular area of law they want to learn more about and which type of lawyer they’d like to become, if they’re clear about that,” says Ivy League Law School Dean David Yellen .

Personal statements should explain why applicants want to attend law school. They should also connect applicants’ backgrounds to their future goals. Each law school is unique, so applicants should tailor their personal statements to fit the specific requirements of each school.

Law schools want students who do their homework before applying. Students should show that they did their research by explaining why they chose this particular law school. A personal statement should focus on what makes them a good fit for the school and how they will contribute to the class.

How To Write A Personal Statement For Law School?

Personal statements for law school should include the applicant’s personality, interests, and goals. This information can be found by looking into the applicant’s past experiences and accomplishments. A good personal statement for law schools includes examples of how the applicant used these skills while studying in college.

A personal statement should be about you and why you want to go to law school. You should explain why you think this specific law school is right for you. Your personal statement should show your interest in the field of law.

Study Abroad Personal Statement Sample

FAQs on Personal Statements Required For Law School

Law school students may be unsure of specific information regarding their personal statement that they must research prior to starting the process of writing. Follow the below information to help you answer common questions and make sure you review each question in detail with an admissions advisor from your preferred law school.

What should be the length of the personal statement for the Law school?

Every law school has their own set of requirements, but generally, personal essays can range from one to two pages long. If there is no word count, or page size is specified be sure that your essay is sufficiently long to provide your main ideas however, it is short enough to keep your reader interested. Ask an editor or adviser to review your personal essay prior to you submit.

Do I need to justify my interest in the law on my own personal declaration?

Personal statements differ from a statement of intent It’s therefore not mandatory to state your motivation in law practice, which is a given from the fact that you’re seeking a law degree in the first. The applicant can mention an experience or passion that inspired their motivation to contribute in the world by earning a law degree. Check the directions provided by the school before you decide which information to include.

What is the importance of the personal statement?

Personal statements are an important element of describing what makes you the ideal candidate to a specific law school. The applicants should consider their personal statement seriously particularly when considering that all applicants are likely to be similarly qualified in their applications. A well-written personal statement can be the most important factor in your admission to law school.

Does the style of writing count?

Writing style is important on your personal statement, and throughout the application process, since writing is an essential ability that lawyers utilize on a everyday basis. Admissions committees are typically made by lawyers and law graduates from the school, therefore demonstrating exceptional writing skills is an advantage of those applying.

What Is The Admissions Committee Looking For In The Personal Statement?

Admissions committees typically look for students who are well-rounded but also have a strong focus on academics. Students should be prepared to discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and what makes them stand out. Committees want to see if applicants can make friends easily and if they can contribute to campus life.

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How to Structure Your Personal Statement for Law

It’s hard enough knowing what to include in your personal statement for law before even thinking about the structure it should follow. That’s why our contributor, Devangi, has outlined a framework of just how to do that.

So before you submit your UCAS application, read on for some tips on the way your text should be laid out so that it makes sense and impresses university admissions tutors.

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1. Section One: Personal Statement Introduction

Your personal statement introduction should showcase your motivations behind pursuing a law degree . Consider the following questions:

• What inspired you to study law? Were you intrigued by political events? Did you read an interesting article or book that encouraged you to pursue it further
• What interests you about a law degree?
• Are you interested in a particular area of law ? If so, what have you done to demonstrate that interest?

Avoid starting your introduction with cheesy quotes, unless it forms part of your motivation for studying law. Often, people find writing the introduction the hardest part, so if it helps, write it last.

2. Section Two: Academic Experience/Supercurriculars

This section should comprise the majority of your personal statement for law. Bear in mind that admissions tutors are more interested in your academic experience (and suitability for the course), rather than your affinity for a particular musical instrument.

Think about the following:

• How do your A-Level subjects relate to law? For example, studying history develops essay-writing skills, while maths enhances logical reasoning skills. Tutors are interested in evidence of independent work outside of the curriculum; perhaps you read an interesting article about Charles I’s execution that got you thinking about the monarch’s role in the judicial system.
• Have you attended any summer school or taster courses? Rather than listing things you have done, instead reflect on them critically – What did you learn? What did you do to develop your interests in concepts introduced to you at these events?
• How can you demonstrate your interest in law? Have you completed an online course on an area of law you find interesting? Have you participated in any mock trials ?
• Mention any reading materials that challenged you intellectually – This could be a book, an article or a magazine. Rather than summarising the content, focus on critically evaluating the material; did you agree with it? Why (or why not)?

3. Section Three: Practical Experience

Although not essential, practical experience is a good way of demonstrating your interest in law beyond the classroom. There are a number of ways to gain practical experience:

• Work experience or vacation schemes are the standard ways of displaying practical experience. Spending time at a solicitor’s firm or shadowing a barrister can provide an invaluable insight into a potential legal career path, as well as vital exposure to contemporary legal issues.  When writing about work experience in your personal statement, avoid presenting a wide overview of what you did. Focus on the relevant skills you learned or a particular aspect (like witnessing a trial) that you were interested in and carried out further research on.
• Witnessing a court trial in person can serve as a springboard for further intellectual inquiry – Perhaps you saw a criminal trial and the theoretical dispute concerned whether the defendant had the mens rea (intent) to commit the crime. This is a great way to engage with legal questions and form an opinion on them.
• If you have had a non-legal job, that can also be useful as you may have picked up valuable skills that are relevant to law. For example, working as a tutor requires you to communicate your ideas logically and teaches you how to engage with different types of people.

4. Section Four: Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities should only take up a small amount of your personal statement. Try and choose extracurriculars that demonstrate skills required in a law degree like perseverance, organisation and motivation.

• Mention any podcasts you listen to regularly that deal with current affairs or legal issues, like Today in Focus or  Law in Action . This is particularly good as it can directly be linked to law and you can discuss if you found a specific episode stimulating (and how that allowed you to do further research).
• If you play any sports, this can be a great way to demonstrate important skills like teamwork and communication.

5. Conclusion

Your personal statement conclusion should reiterate why you are a suitable candidate for law. Remember that there is no set formula for producing a perfect personal statement conclusion. It has to be tailored to what you have written in your own statement.

Instead of repeating what you have already mentioned, consider writing about what you hope to achieve on the course and/or what your future career aspirations are. This will ensure that you have a good overall structure for your personal statement.

Words: Devangi Dave

• Things to Avoid in Your Personal Statement for Law
• 4 Things I Wish I’d Known Before UCAS
• How to Write the Perfect Personal Statement for Law

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Law School Personal Statement Header Format: What Should Be in Yours

Categories: Law School Personal Statement , Personal Statement Advice , Personal Statement Formatting

Much of the application process now takes place online. Some schools have you submit your personal statement in a web form directly, which would negate the need for a header. However, when required to upload a Word file of your personal statement or send a paper copy with your application documents, be sure to include a proper header.

To Insert a Header in Word

Click on the Insert tab.

Select the Header drop-down menu.

Once selected, scroll down to the bottom and click on Edit Header.

Click the Right-Align button to right-justify your header text. Now you are ready to type in your header information, which we will discuss below.

Also note that you may want to insert your page number first before entering any other information. Inserting a page number using the Insert Tab will hide any current information in your header. We discuss how to insert a page number later on in this blog article.

The following are a few general guidelines for what you should have in your law school personal statement header.

Leave Out a Title

A title for your personal statement is unnecessary, as it is not a short story you would write for an English literature class. It is your personal story crafted specifically for law school, which happens to be in a narrative style. For this reason, refrain from including a pithy title even though it might feel so right.

Include Your Full Proper Name

Your personal statement should contain your full legal name in the top-right-hand corner of each page. We suggest using the Last Name, First Name format, as it can make candidate identification easier when being reviewed by Law School Admission Committee Members.

Cut or Copy this so that you can reinsert it once you have added page numbers to your header.

Include Page Numbers

Typically, personal statements are limited to two pages. Some schools will allow for longer personal statements. As long as an application document is more than one page, page numbers should be used. Put your page number to the right of your name. Your entire header should be right-aligned. Because we read right-to-left and stapled documents are stapled in the upper left corner, we suggest right-aligned headers for easy visibility. If you have a long name or prefer your page numbers to appear somewhere else, you can place your page identifier in the center of your document footer.

To Insert Page Numbers in Word

Select the Page Number drop-down menu. Click Top of Page. This should display various page number formats and alignments. As we previously mentioned, you may want to do this first before adding your name or any other information to your header as doing so will clear out this information anyway.

Click on the right-aligned Plain Number 3 option.

This should insert a page number on all pages of your document using your standard document font. Typically, Times New Roman font should be used for writing your personal statement. Change your header and page number font to Times New Roman if they are not already. You can paste your full name as described in the previous section back into your header at this point. Leave a space between the page number and your name.

Include Your LSAC Account Number

Use the line below your name in your header to include your LSAC number.

You will most likely submit your document through the LSAC website . As mentioned here: http://www.lsac.org/jd/apply/lsac-account-number.asp , the LSAC prefers that your LSAC account number appear on all documents and correspondence with them and in your application. Many schools like to see applicants’ LSAC numbers on documents for easy candidate identification as well.

Identify the Document Type

You may be submitting several essays, a resume or CV, along with other documents in your application. We suggest indicating the type of document (Personal Statement) in your header under your LSAC number if you have room.

If running short on room in your document, this part of the header can be eliminated to save space for more important story content.

For information on overall personal statement formatting, see our Guide to Law School Personal Statement Formatting . Also, be sure to check with each school’s respective website and application instructions on the LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service for specific details on document formatting requirements. The LSAC website should be the most up-to-date resource for each school’s application instructions. If there happens to be a discrepancy between the application instructions on the school’s website and www.lsac.org , contact the school’s admissions department to clarify before submitting your application.

Gradvocates Law School Personal Statement Editing

We make sure you have a proper header when we analyze and thoroughly review your personal statement document. Click here for more information on our law school personal statement editing service , and check out the rest of our blog for helpful tips and interesting stories.

If you need assistance with making any of your other law school application documents the best they can be, check out our law school application document editing service or contact us if the document you need help with is not listed on our website.

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Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

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These are the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended to December 1, 2023 1 . Click on any rule to read it.

• RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE FOR THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTS
• Rule 1 . Scope and Purpose
• Rule 2 . One Form of Action
• Rule 3 . Commencing an Action
• Rule 4 . Summons
• Rule 4.1 . Serving Other Process
• Rule 5 . Serving and Filing Pleadings and Other Papers
• Rule 5.1 . Constitutional Challenge to a Statute—Notice, Certification, and Intervention
• Rule 5.2 . Privacy Protection For Filings Made with the Court
• Rule 6 . Computing and Extending Time; Time for Motion Papers
• Rule 7 . Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions and Other Papers
• Rule 7.1 . Disclosure Statement
• Rule 8 . General Rules of Pleading
• Rule 9 . Pleading Special Matters
• Rule 10 . Form of Pleadings
• Rule 11 . Signing Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to the Court; Sanctions
• Rule 12 . Defenses and Objections: When and How Presented; Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings; Consolidating Motions; Waiving Defenses; Pretrial Hearing
• Rule 13 . Counterclaim and Crossclaim
• Rule 14 . Third-Party Practice
• Rule 15 . Amended and Supplemental Pleadings
• Rule 16 . Pretrial Conferences; Scheduling; Management
• Rule 17 . Plaintiff and Defendant; Capacity; Public Officers
• Rule 18 . Joinder of Claims
• Rule 19 . Required Joinder of Parties
• Rule 20 . Permissive Joinder of Parties
• Rule 21 . Misjoinder and Nonjoinder of Parties
• Rule 22 . Interpleader
• Rule 23 . Class Actions
• Rule 23.1 . Derivative Actions
• Rule 23.2 . Actions Relating to Unincorporated Associations
• Rule 24 . Intervention
• Rule 25 . Substitution of Parties
• Rule 26 . Duty to Disclose; General Provisions Governing Discovery
• Rule 27 . Depositions to Perpetuate Testimony
• Rule 28 . Persons Before Whom Depositions May Be Taken
• Rule 29 . Stipulations About Discovery Procedure
• Rule 30 . Depositions by Oral Examination
• Rule 31 . Depositions by Written Questions
• Rule 32 . Using Depositions in Court Proceedings
• Rule 33 . Interrogatories to Parties
• Rule 34 . Producing Documents, Electronically Stored Information, and Tangible Things, or Entering onto Land, for Inspection and Other Purposes
• Rule 35 . Physical and Mental Examinations
• Rule 36 . Requests for Admission
• Rule 37 . Failure to Make Disclosures or to Cooperate in Discovery; Sanctions
• Rule 38 . Right to a Jury Trial; Demand
• Rule 39 . Trial by Jury or by the Court
• Rule 40 . Scheduling Cases for Trial
• Rule 41 . Dismissal of Actions
• Rule 42 . Consolidation; Separate Trials
• Rule 43 . Taking Testimony
• Rule 44 . Proving an Official Record
• Rule 44.1 . Determining Foreign Law
• Rule 45 . Subpoena
• Rule 46 . Objecting to a Ruling or Order
• Rule 47 . Selecting Jurors
• Rule 48 . Number of Jurors; Verdict; Polling
• Rule 49 . Special Verdict; General Verdict and Questions
• Rule 50 . Judgment as a Matter of Law in a Jury Trial; Related Motion for a New Trial; Conditional Ruling
• Rule 51 . Instructions to the Jury; Objections; Preserving a Claim of Error
• Rule 52 . Findings and Conclusions by the Court; Judgment on Partial Findings
• Rule 53 . Masters
• Rule 54 . Judgment; Costs
• Rule 55 . Default; Default Judgment
• Rule 56 . Summary Judgment
• Rule 57 . Declaratory Judgment
• Rule 58 . Entering Judgment
• Rule 59 . New Trial; Altering or Amending a Judgment
• Rule 60 . Relief from a Judgment or Order
• Rule 61 . Harmless Error
• Rule 62 . Stay of Proceedings to Enforce a Judgment
• Rule 62.1 . Indicative Ruling on a Motion for Relief That is Barred by a Pending Appeal
• Rule 63 . Judge's Inability to Proceed
• Rule 64 . Seizing a Person or Property
• Rule 65 . Injunctions and Restraining Orders
• Rule 65.1 . Proceedings Against a Security Provider
• Rule 66 . Receivers
• Rule 67 . Deposit into Court
• Rule 68 . Offer of Judgment
• Rule 69 . Execution
• Rule 70 . Enforcing a Judgment for a Specific Act
• Rule 71 . Enforcing Relief For or Against a Nonparty
• Rule 71.1 . Condemning Real or Personal Property
• Rule 72 . Magistrate Judges: Pretrial Order
• Rule 73 . Magistrate Judges: Trial by Consent; Appeal
• Rule 74 . [Abrogated (Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997).]
• Rule 75 . [Abrogated (Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997).]
• Rule 76 . [Abrogated (Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997).]
• [Rule 71A. Renumbered Rule 71.1]
• Rule 77 . Conducting Business; Clerk's Authority; Notice of an Order or Judgment
• Rule 78 . Hearing Motions; Submission on Briefs
• Rule 79 . Records Kept by the Clerk
• Rule 80 . Stenographic Transcript as Evidence
• Rule 81 . Applicability of the Rules in General; Removed Actions
• Rule 82 . Jurisdiction and Venue Unaffected
• Rule 83 . Rules by District Courts; Judge's Directives
• Rule 84 . Abrogated, eff. Dec. 1, 2015
• Rule 85 . Title
• Rule 86 . Effective Dates
• Rule 87 Civil Rules Emergency
• XII. APPENDIX OF FORMS (U.S. Courts site)
• Rule A . Scope of Rules
• Rule B . In Personam Actions: Attachment and Garnishment
• Rule C . In Rem Actions: Special Provisions
• Rule D . Possessory, Petitory, and Partition Actions
• Rule E . Actions in Rem and Quasi in Rem: General Provisions
• Rule F . Limitation of Liability
• Rule G . Forfeiture Actions in Rem
• Rules 1 - 7

1 Title amended December 29, 1948, effective October 20, 1949.

Historical Note

The original Rules of Civil Procedure for the District Courts were adopted by order of the Supreme Court on Dec. 20, 1937, transmitted to Congress by the Attorney General on Jan. 3, 1938, and became effective on Sept. 16, 1938.

The Rules have been amended Dec. 28, 1939, eff. Apr. 3, 1941; Dec. 27, 1946, eff. Mar. 19, 1948; Dec. 29, 1948, eff. Oct. 20, 1949; Apr. 30, 1951, eff. Aug. 1, 1951; Apr. 17, 1961, eff. July 19, 1961; Jan. 21, 1963, eff. July 1, 1963; Feb. 28, 1966, eff. July 1, 1966; Dec. 4, 1967, eff. July 1, 1968; Mar. 30, 1970, eff. July 1, 1970; Mar. 1, 1971, eff. July 1, 1971; Nov. 20, 1972, and Dec. 18, 1972, eff. July 1, 1975; Apr. 29, 1980, eff. Aug. 1, 1980; Oct. 21, 1980, Pub. L. 96–481, title II, §205(a), (b), 94 Stat. 2330; Jan. 12, 1983, Pub. L. 97–462, §§2–4, 96 Stat. 2527–2530, eff. Feb. 26, 1983; Apr. 28, 1983, eff. Aug. 1, 1983; Apr. 29, 1985, eff. Aug. 1, 1985; Mar. 2, 1987, eff. Aug. 1, 1987; Apr. 25, 1988, eff. Aug. 1, 1988; Nov. 18, 1988, Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, §§7047(b), 7049, 7050, 102 Stat. 4401; Apr. 30, 1991, eff. Dec. 1, 1991; Dec. 9, 1991, Pub. L. 102–198, §11, 105 Stat. 1626; Apr. 22, 1993, eff. Dec. 1, 1993; Apr. 27, 1995, eff. Dec. 1, 1995; Apr. 23, 1996, eff. Dec. 1, 1996; Apr. 11, 1997, eff. Dec. 1, 1997; Apr. 24, 1998, eff. Dec. 1, 1998; Apr. 26, 1999, eff. Dec. 1, 1999; Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000; Apr. 23, 2001, eff. Dec. 1, 2001; Apr. 29, 2002, eff. Dec. 1, 2002; Mar. 27, 2003, eff. Dec. 1, 2003; Apr. 25, 2005, eff. Dec. 1, 2005; Apr. 12, 2006, eff. Dec. 1, 2006; Apr. 30, 2007, eff. Dec. 1, 2007; Apr. 23, 2008, eff. Dec. 1, 2008; Mar. 26, 2009, eff. Dec. 1, 2009; Apr. 28, 2010, eff. Dec. 1, 2010; Apr. 2013, eff. Dec. 1, 2013; Apr. 25, 2014, eff. Dec. 1, 2014; Apr. 29, 2015, eff. Dec. 1, 2015; Apr. 28, 2016, eff. Dec 1, 2016.

References to Equity Rules

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure supplant the Equity Rules since in general they cover the field now covered by the Equity Rules and the Conformity Act (former section 724 of this title).

This table shows the Equity Rules to which references are made in the notes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

• TITLE I. SCOPE OF RULES; FORM OF ACTION
• TITLE II. COMMENCING AN ACTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS, PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND ORDERS
• TITLE III. PLEADINGS AND MOTIONS
• TITLE IV. PARTIES
• TITLE V. DISCLOSURES AND DISCOVERY
• TITLE VI. TRIALS
• TITLE VII. JUDGMENT
• TITLE VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES
• TITLE IX. SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
• TITLE X. DISTRICT COURTS AND CLERKS: CONDUCTING BUSINESS; ISSUING ORDERS
• TITLE XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
• XIII. SUPPLEMENTAL RULES FOR ADMIRALTY OR MARITIME CLAIMS AND ASSET FORFEITURE ACTIONS
• SUPPLEMENTAL RULES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY ACTIONS UNDER 42 U.S.C. § 405(g)

How to Format Your Law School Personal Statement

How do you write your law school personal statement? Well first of all, let’s make sure that we’re on the same page about what your personal statement is. Your personal statement is the one part of your law school application package and law school requirements that you have complete control over, so you’ll want to put your best foot forward. A personal statement will often focus on why you want to go to law school (or transfer law schools ), but it can also focus on a personal story or aspect of your life.

It shows what makes you unique and why a school should admit you. The personal statement should focus on you, your background, and your goals more broadly. Make sure that it adds something new to your application materials – the school already has your transcript, resume, etc. Think about what you really want the application committee to know about you.

Before anything else, a quick clarification: the law school personal statement is different from an optional essay , which can take on a variety of forms. This could include diversity statements, addendums, or other essays. Here are some examples of law school personal statements that may help you understand the task at hand better.

How do you format a law school personal statement?

In brief, here’s what your law school personal statement will need in terms of format:

• Overall : No title, 11- or 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins.
• Header : Your name, your LSAC number, and “Personal Statement” with a page number, formatted as either one or three lines. Check with your school’s requirements.
• Body : Double-spaced, left-aligned (or justified), paragraphs indented 0.5 inches and not separated with an extra line, single space after periods.
• Ending : End as you would a normal essay. This isn’t a letter; no signature is needed.

Personal Statement Header

The header of the personal statement deserves a closer look. There are two ways of formatting this: either on one line, or on three. One line gives you more space on the page, but can look busy. Three lines have the opposite effect. Weigh the pros and cons based on the length of your statement, then format accordingly.

If you choose the one-line format, be sure to space your information out equally or separate it with punctuation (commas, dashes, and slashes work well) so that it reads clearly.

If you use a three-line format, separate information by line like this:

Name, Page Number LSAC # Personal Statement

Law School Personal Statement Format: FAQs

What should be included in a law school personal statement.

• Who you are. Show readers that you’re an interesting person who brings experiences and skills that will benefit not only the campus community, but the larger legal community.You’re applying in a pool of thousands of candidates, so be sure to highlight what makes you stand out from your peers.  
• Your true voice. There’s a reason why the personal statement isn’t just called a statement or an essay. Sometimes applicants feel that they should write pieces about public policy or social issues, but these too often fall short of showing an applicant’s true voice. Have someone you know well review your personal statement objectively. If they can’t tell you were the one who wrote it, it’s probably time for a rewrite .  
• Specific information about that school. It’s not sufficient to say that you want to attend Santa Clara Law School for its good curriculum, strong faculty, and numerous clinic opportunities. Notice how you could replace “Santa Clara Law School” with any other law school’s name, and the sentence could still make sense? That tells Santa Clara admissions officers that you don’t know very much about their school. Which leads us to our next point…  
• Research on the school itself. Figure out what makes the schools you’re applying to different from others. This is a great opportunity to reach out to alumni, and talk to the admissions staff! You can also use the Internet, visit your local bookstore and check out some guide books, or search around on online forums. Some schools are known for their strength in a certain area of law (think international law or intellectual property law ). Some schools are known for their commitment to pro bono work . Some schools’ faculty are renowned for their research in a specific discipline. Others offer distinctive programs or fellowships to their students. Identify what really interests you about the school, and tie that back to the academic and career interests you discuss in your personal statement.  
• Reflections on the school’s environment. Perhaps you’re looking for a collegial law school environment that mirrors your own undergraduate experience at a small liberal arts school. Or perhaps you’re looking for a large law school so you can take advantage of the network and breadth of resources and alumni that a law school of that size can offer. And don’t forget about the environment outside the school building! Is it important that you have access to hiking trials? Or a ski slope to enjoy over winter break? Environment is often a key factor students consider when deciding on a particular law school, so don’t forget to mention it as a way to express your interest!  
• Concise writing. Check your school’s website to determine how long your personal statement can be, and take it seriously. Law schools are not only looking at whether you can write concisely and effectively, but also whether you can follow posted instructions. Most schools only allow 2-5 pages for personal statement submissions. As a lawyer, you’ll need to write briefs and be able to clearly present client cases. Now’s the time to show that you are capable of honing your communication skills.  
• Authenticity. Law schools aren’t asking you to establish your own NGO or be an Olympic athlete. Rather, they’re looking for candidates who help round out a class and contribute positively to their school. Plenty of people get admitted to law school each year who aren’t superhuman, so don’t feel a need to pretend you’re more accomplished than you are (or stretch the truth). Be yourself – and view this as part of helping the reader understand who you are.  
• Correct writing. Maybe for class assignments, you’ve been able to submit the first draft you write as final. Or maybe one edit is typically sufficient for you to call an essay complete. For the law school personal statement, you want to commit at least two rounds of edits to perfecting your writing. Not only should you review your work, you should also ask both a friend and a fully objective reviewer (like a career center counselor or a campus writing tutor) to give feedback. Once you have at least two rounds of edits, read it out loud to yourself. This will help you identify any awkward phrases and typos. The more time you spend editing your writing, the more confident you’ll be in the strength of your personal statement.

What should you not write in a personal statement for law school?

• Repetition . If your resume shows that you were vice president of your college’s botany club, general secretary of Basket-Weavers Anonymous, and founder of a campus-wide Pizza Appreciation Day, your personal statement need not repeat these things. Now, if founding Pizza Appreciation Day was such a transformative experience for you that you need to highlight it in your personal statement, be sure you’re telling admissions officers something new that your resume doesn’t already tell.  
• Your autobiography . Admissions officers don’t need a play-by-play of your entire life’s events from day one. Autobiographies become long and rambling – two things your personal statement shouldn’t be. Focus on aspects of your life that truly differentiate you from others in a meaningful way.  
• Academic issues . Law schools offer you space in a separate essay to explain academic discrepancies. Your personal statement is your chance to focus on the positive and show admissions officers you’d be an asset to their school. Don’t use your personal statement to go into detail about how your dog’s unexpected chronic migraines prevented you from getting a good GPA during your first year of college.  
• Legal jargon . No, you’re not a lawyer yet – and law school admissions officers are not going to be impressed by legal jargon that’s used incorrectly or used as a way to show off. Keep your tone and language simple. Remember that your personal statement is meant to show your own voice.  
• Cliches . Don’t be the student who bores admissions officers with another essay about how you want to be a lawyer because you like to argue. Avoid clichés – by definition, they’re overused and don’t add value. They make your personal statement generic, and you’ll fall flat when compared with other candidates.  
• Other people . Your personal statement should keep the focus on you. It’s great if you want to write about how your famous lawyer uncle inspired you to join the legal profession, but make sure the essay remains true to your story – not your uncle’s.  
• Slang . Admissions officers view the personal statement as a showcase of your best writing – so slang and casual English are best left behind. While you want your tone to be friendly, you don’t want to sound like you’re chatting with a best friend on a Friday night. Keep things professional.

How do I write a statement for law school?

There are three main steps to the writing process, and they’re no different here! Namely: brainstorm, write, and edit. In this case, though, we’ll add a fourth step: format and proofread.

• Brainstorming is one of the most crucial things you can do for your personal statement. You want to make sure your ideas are strong, following the guidelines above. It can be helpful to spend a little quiet time alone or in a cozy coffee shop to start brainstorming. Check out some of our law school personal statement examples to spark ideas!  
• Once you’ve brainstormed and organized your ideas, the writing itself will go pretty quickly. After you’ve written the first draft, leave the personal statement aside for a day or two (a week or more is better!). Then, come back. What parts don’t flow well? What ideas need more (or less) elaboration? Cut—and add—brutally! Editing is not the same as proofreading; this is the point at which you ensure the ideas themselves are sound.  
• Now, it’s time for the final line edit-format-proofread. In a line edit, you’ll work to make sure you’re using the best possible words correctly, rephrasing and rewriting as needed. Then, use the law school personal statement format discussed above to organize the writing. Finally, read through for errors in spelling, grammar, and formatting.

Voila! Your law school personal statement is now ready. If you’re planning to send it off to a T14 law school, check out our post on the top law schools for more tips and information. And no matter what, check out our post on how to get into law school !

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Rachel is one of Magoosh’s Content Creators. She writes and updates content on our High School and GRE Blogs to ensure students are equipped with the best information during their test prep journey. As a test-prep instructor for more than five years in there different countries, Rachel has helped students around the world prepare for various standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT, and she is one of the authors of our Magoosh ACT Prep Book . Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Brown University, an MA in Cinematography from the Université de Paris VII, and a Ph.D. in Film Studies from University College London. For over a decade, Rachel has honed her craft as a fiction and memoir writer and public speaker. Her novel, THE BALLERINAS , is forthcoming in December 2021 from St. Martin’s Press , while her memoir, GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND , co-written with Jessica Pan, was published in 2014 by Penguin Random House. Her work has appeared in over a dozen online and print publications, including Vanity Fair Hollywood. When she isn’t strategically stringing words together at Magoosh, you can find Rachel riding horses or with her nose in a book. Join her on Twitter , Instagram , or Facebook !

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