How to express to the world who you are?
(in less than two A2, double spaced, 12pt pages)
Start here and let’s go step by step.
Quick Guide
So, how do you start?
Writing a personal statement can be one of the most difficult parts of the LLM process. How long is it? What do you need to write? How do you write the document? In this article I have provided some tips for you to help lead you through the process.
As I mentioned in the title, this tedious process can be the tipping point to getting into the top schools of your dreams, or not. This one- or two-page document can be quite tricky, but on the other hand is a great opportunity to grow and learn about yourself during the application process.
What do you write?
Here is an example:
Hard-to-Read vs Easy-to-Read Requirements Section
Hard to Read
“Personal statement should be no more than two typed pages. Instead of repeating the accomplishments listed on your resume or CV, tell us about your specific reasons for pursuing a graduate law degree in the United States and at Penn Carey Law in particular. You may also explain why your background makes you a good candidate for Penn Carey Law’s program and include your post-graduation plans. Although we do not require any particular font or spacing, we expect you to submit a professional and easy-to-read personal statement authored exclusively by you.”
Easy to Read
“Personal statement should (must) be:
- no more than two typed pages.*
(Must not) Instead of repeating the accomplishments listed on your resume or CV:
Tell us about your:
- specific reasons for pursuing a graduate law degree in the United States,
- specific reasons for pursuing a graduate law degree at Penn Carey Law in particular.
You may also explain why:
- your background makes you a good candidate for Penn Carey Law’s program,
- and include your post-graduation plans.
Although we do not require any particular font or spacing, we expect you to submit a professional and easy-to-read personal statement authored exclusively by you.
Must Do, May Do, Must Not Do.
Must Do, May Do, Must Not Do.
MUST DO:
You’ll notice that the requirements about why to pursue a graduate law degree are very important, and more particularly at specific institution you’re applying to. After you have established that you know why you’re planning to study, they want to know a little about you and why you were a good candidate. And the final part is being sure that you will use your degree in accordance with the rest of your future plans.
MAY DO:
(but highly recommended) if the University suggests or recommends that you may add some information, do it. It’s a good idea in this case to add a little information about you. Also, they say you may add information about your future plans; however, I think this is an essential idea in almost every personal statement unless they ask you specifically not to.
MUST NOT DO:
Do not repeat your CV or résumé. However, make sure all the information corresponds to the time and place and doesn’t leave the admissions committee with any questions. Another MUST NOT DO is cheating, plagiarizing, or crossing the line when it comes to getting professional feedback from classmates or colleagues.
What makes you special?
What makes you special?
Rich kid, poor kid
Rich kid, poor kid
Feedback is king
Feedback is king.
Fee Waiver Programs
Fee Waiver Programs
And one final piece of advice, apply to every school that offers a fee waiver program. Contact me for details and tips about this.
Competition has never been more intense for admittance into the nation’s top law schools. The application essay represents your only chance to plea your case to admissions officers. Why select you over so many other qualified applicants?