The Personal Statement
One of the most important parts of your application is your personal statement. Since we do not grant interviews, the personal statement is your only opportunity to address directly the admissions committee and you’ll want to put your best foot forward. Some things to consider:
1. Proofread! You'd be surprised how many applicants hit the “Print” or “Submit” button without reading over their work. Don't let that applicant be you!
2. Spell-check! Spell-check can catch those major spelling errors, but it doesn’t catch everything, like the improper use of words (e.g., confusing “there” and “their”). So, you’ll need to…
3. Proofread again! Better yet, get someone else (preferably someone with a strong command of grammar and punctuation) to go over your personal statement with a fine-toothed comb.
4. Read and follow instructions. Your personal statement should be up to 3 pages, double-spaced (the closer you can get to 3 pages, the better). Remember, you’re applying to law school. Attention to detail is important. Please do not be the person who submits a single-spaced statement. Of course we’ll read it, but we won’t be happy.
5. Do not repeat your résumé . We require a résumé from all applicants, so there’s no need to summarize your list of accomplishments in your personal statement.
6. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day... and rarely is a personal statement written in one. Please be sure to allow yourself ample time to write and revise your statement.
We give you a lot of flexibility with your personal statement and you may choose your topic. Past statements have included topics such as hardships in life that you’ve overcome, what you intend or hope you do professionally with a law degree, or personal strengths that you would bring to the Law Center and the practice of law.
Finally, there is no formula or secret to writing a good personal statement. Other than the aforementioned tips, each personal statement will be different because each applicant is different. Regardless of which topic you choose, make sure that your personal statement accurately reflects who you are and what motivates you. Good luck!
1. Proofread! You'd be surprised how many applicants hit the “Print” or “Submit” button without reading over their work. Don't let that applicant be you!
2. Spell-check! Spell-check can catch those major spelling errors, but it doesn’t catch everything, like the improper use of words (e.g., confusing “there” and “their”). So, you’ll need to…
3. Proofread again! Better yet, get someone else (preferably someone with a strong command of grammar and punctuation) to go over your personal statement with a fine-toothed comb.
4. Read and follow instructions. Your personal statement should be up to 3 pages, double-spaced (the closer you can get to 3 pages, the better). Remember, you’re applying to law school. Attention to detail is important. Please do not be the person who submits a single-spaced statement. Of course we’ll read it, but we won’t be happy.
5. Do not repeat your résumé . We require a résumé from all applicants, so there’s no need to summarize your list of accomplishments in your personal statement.
6. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day... and rarely is a personal statement written in one. Please be sure to allow yourself ample time to write and revise your statement.
We give you a lot of flexibility with your personal statement and you may choose your topic. Past statements have included topics such as hardships in life that you’ve overcome, what you intend or hope you do professionally with a law degree, or personal strengths that you would bring to the Law Center and the practice of law.
Finally, there is no formula or secret to writing a good personal statement. Other than the aforementioned tips, each personal statement will be different because each applicant is different. Regardless of which topic you choose, make sure that your personal statement accurately reflects who you are and what motivates you. Good luck!
posted by UHLC Admissions Staff at
12:50 PM
