Can I use the same personal statement for all law schools?

Asked by: Stephan Towne  |  Last update: August 10, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (24 votes)

Requirements from School to School
It wouldn't be the wisest decision to submit the same personal statement to all law schools because they're not identical at all! When you apply to law schools via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), each school has its own personal statement requirements and prompt.

Do you have to write a different personal statement for each law school?

Applicants may also tailor their personal statement to a certain school, or create an expanded version for a school that allows three pages. But otherwise, the same personal statement might be used for multiple schools. Read: Advice for Law School-Specific Recommendation Letters.

Can you use the same personal statement twice law school?

If you are a re-applicant, consider adding a new recommender to your existing recommender pool, one that reflects your current activity and acts as an update to your application. Begin writing or re-writing personal statement/essay; If you are a re-applicant do not use an essay from previous applications.

Can you use the same personal statement for multiple schools?

Can I use the same essay for all my college applications? You can use the same personal statement and additional information essays for all of your college applications. The supplemental essay is a bit different as it tends to be more specific school focused.

Can I reapply to law school with the same personal statement?

Even though law schools may see your old materials, don't just submit the exact same essays. They will want to see a new personal statement and supplemental essays to show that you really are taking reapplication seriously. Some schools (like Penn Law) will ask you specifically why you didn't enroll in school.

LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS | my personal statement

21 related questions found

Can you reuse your personal statement?

You should contact your choices for further advice about your personal statement and provide any further information directly to them. I applied last year and I want to use my old statement – is this OK? It's OK to reuse your previous statement if you have applied before.

What not to say in law school personal statement?

Lofty, pretty words that come off as vague should not be included in your law school personal statement. Be specific and look for overly abstract phrasings. If you notice one, try to determine if it's necessary and if so work on clarifying the point you are trying to get across.

Should I brag in my personal statement?

If you've done your research – brag about it!

This sounds obvious but when writing a personal statement, it's important to show your passion for the subject. If you've read any related books, talk briefly about what you learnt from them, and why they have developed your interest in the subject.

Can I edit my personal statement after submitting to one school?

While you can't edit your personal statement after submitting it to a college, you can edit it between submitting applications. So if you pressed submit there is something you can do to avoid that sinking feeling in your stomach next time.

How long should my personal statement be for law school?

Depending on the law school, your personal statement will range in length from 300 to 1000 words. Most law schools require personal statements that are two to two-and-a-half pages, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and 12 point font.

What to do if you get rejected from law school?

How To Handle Law School Admission Rejection
  1. Take a break.
  2. Exercise.
  3. Reassess your options.
  4. Consider waiting another year.
  5. Option to transfer.

How much do law school personal statements matter?

The personal statement, one of the most important parts of your law school application, is an opportunity to highlight your writing ability, your personality, and your experience. Think of it as a written interview during which you get to choose the question.

Can you appeal a law school rejection?

Although it doesn't happen often, law schools sometimes offer admission to previously rejected candidates. Alternatively, they may offer conditional admission or waiting list status. In most cases, however, an appeal does not result in a change of status.

Who should read my law school personal statement?

You should have a peer, professor, or admissions advisor read your essay. The core question to ask them to evaluate is, “Do you have a good sense of who I am and why I want to attend law school after reading this?” If the answer is no, revisions are necessary. For big changes, rewrite instead of editing.

How many times can you change your personal statement?

You are allowed unlimited edits to the essay after your first application submission. To edit your personal essay, go back into the Common App tab and click on the Writing section. Simply click within the text box and make any changes that are needed.

Do I need to rewrite my personal statement if I reapply?

Yes, admissions committees expect you to write a new personal statement when reapplying to medical school. While your new essay can focus on a similar theme and communicate the same qualities from your previous personal statement, the anecdotes should change.

Who can revise my personal statement?

With that being said, you should have 2-4 trusted people to read your personal statement. Medical students, doctors, professors, or friends who are excellent writers are excellent editor options. Read more about medical school personal statement editing services.

What should you not start your personal statement with?

Avoid overused opening sentences, quotes and clichés like 'when I was young…' They want to know about you now, not your childhood or Shakespeare!

What are the do's and don'ts of a personal statement?

Don't be modest or shy.

You want your passions to come across. Don't exaggerate – if you do, you may get caught out in an interview when asked to elaborate on an interesting achievement. Don't use quotes from someone else, or cliches.

What should you not mention in a personal statement?

What Not To Put In A Personal Statement
  • 1 Claims With No Evidence.
  • 2 Skills Or Extracurricular Activities Irrelevant For Your Course.
  • 3 Poor Grammar And Spelling.
  • 4 Failures And Regrets.
  • 5 Sentences That Lead Nowhere.
  • 6 Quotes That Don't Fit.
  • 7 Facts With No Context.
  • 8 Made Up Stories.

How do you write a killer personal statement for law school?

9 Important Personal Statement Tips for Law School Applicants
  1. Tip 1: Focus on you. ...
  2. Tip 2: Brainstorm broadly. ...
  3. Tip 3: Be genuine. ...
  4. Tip 4: Just write. ...
  5. Tip 5: Remember your “why” ...
  6. Tip 6: Be specific. ...
  7. Tip 7: Grab our attention. ...
  8. Tip 8: Know what makes the school tick.

What should be the opening sentence of a law school personal statement?

The beginning of a solid law school personal statement ought to be intriguing, experts say. "The statement should begin with a strong intro sentence, that summarizes the applicant's goal or tone," Ivy says. "For example, 'I have always been interested in international finance.

What does a good law personal statement look like?

Tell the Admissions staff something about yourself, your experiences and your life. Use vivid, descriptive prose with the intent to draw readers in and keep them interested. A boring, flat essay can be the kiss of death. There are three different essays to consider when applying to law school.

Can you use the same personal statement as you did 3 years ago?

It's OK to reuse your previous statement if you have applied before. However, if you are now applying in a different name, make sure you fill in the 'Previous Name' box when completing your application.

Is it okay to copy a personal statement?

IMPORTANT: When writing your personal statement, it's vital you remember not to copy from anyone else's personal statement (not even just a sentence!).