What are the optional statements for law school?
Asked by: Linnea Harber | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (53 votes)
The most common two types of optional essays are: (1) a Statement of Perspective (diversity statement) and (2) a “Why 'X Law School'?” essay. Some law schools may provide additional prompts to which you are permitted to respond.
What is a good personal statement for law school?
- What's a story that sets you apart?
- What was your childhood like?
- What are some ``undercover'' accomplishments you wouldn't add to your resume?
- What are your unique skills or talents?
- What are things people don't know about you?
- Why are you applying to law school?
Should I submit a personal statement if it's optional?
However, if it says a personal statement is optional, it's almost always a good idea to send it—especially if it's well written, demonstrates your positive qualities, and adds something new to your application.
What to write in the optional essay?
- Further discuss that which makes you a strong candidate. ...
- Mitigate any weaknesses in your application. ...
- → Low GPA or test scores. ...
- → Non-traditional choice of recommender. ...
- → Non-traditional work experience.
What to avoid in law school personal statement?
You will absolutely not stand out if you talk about general historical or political events such as “Obama's election inspired me to be a lawyer” or “Trump's insidious policies compel me to become a lawyer . . .” unless you are actively involved in these events or have been personally affected by them in a specific, ...
A2Z 09: Optional Essays, "Why X" Essay, + Possessives
Do law schools fact check personal statements?
Finally, this may go without saying, but don't stretch the truth (ahem) in your personal statement. We can tell. And we will check.
How do I make myself stand out for law school?
- Strong Academic Record and LSAT Score. ...
- Extracurricular Involvement. ...
- Excellent Writing and Reading Abilities. ...
- Personal Growth. ...
- Strong Recommendations from People Who Actually Know You. ...
- Something Special…
How to write a law school optional statement?
Optional essays should be used strategically to build your argument for admission. Don't simply talk about yourself to fill space. For example, if an optional essay prompt asks for your favorite book, there is no need to lie and claim that it is "The Common Law" by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Are optional essays really optional?
That being said, if you find that the optional essay prompts don't resonate with you or you feel that your application already thoroughly demonstrates your candidacy, it's acceptable not to complete the optional essay.
How long should an optional essay be?
How Long Should My Optional Essay Be? Colleges will give you a word or page limit for your response. A typical essay can be 400-650 words, and a personal statement can be 150–300 words.
How important are optional statements in law school?
Moreover, optional essays/statements can also demonstrate your writing skills and ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. This is particularly important for law schools, as the legal profession requires strong writing skills.
Can you get rejected because of personal statement?
Reasons a university may reject you
There could be a few reasons your application wasn't successful – including falling short of grade requirements, strong competition from other applicants and your personal statement. Or maybe the qualifications you're currently taking don't match up to their favoured subject mix.
What are the don'ts of a personal statement?
Don't make unsupported claims. 'I am the best student you will see all year' doesn't go down too well, even if you think you can prove it! Don't copy someone else's UCAS personal statement or use something you have found on the internet.
How to pay for law school if you're poor?
Financial aid can cover the FULL COST of attendance established by the school you attend, if needed. IF YOU NEED TO BORROW loans for this important investment in your future, the flexibility and safety of the federal student loan programs lets you afford repayment of any federal loans you borrow, regardless of career.
Why do I want to be a lawyer?
BECOMING A LAWYER IS A POWERFUL WAY TO HAVE REAL IMPACT.
As a lawyer, you can work for justice. You can create change and right the wrongs you see in your community. You can help people who need a passionate and effective advocate. Truth is, lawyers can work in just about any field.
What should a law school writing sample look like?
Examples could include: moot court brief; upper year seminar paper or research project; memo, letter, administrative comments, or advocacy piece from an internship or externship; clinic work sample; or journal note. o Remember that your sample should (usually!) be only 5-10 pages.
What to write in optional?
In some cases, an optional essay may focus on your interest in the institution or organization you are applying to. It allows you to explain why you believe you are a good fit, how your values align with theirs, or how their specific programs or opportunities will contribute to your academic or professional goals.
What is an optional personal statement?
This is what the optional essay is in the application for: An opportunity to discuss something you weren't able to address elsewhere; OR, an opportunity for you to explain a situation that needs more detail.
Should I submit optional letters of recommendation?
It's worth considering submitting optional letters of recommendation in your college applications if you believe they will highlight different aspects of your skills, experiences, and character that aren't already covered by the required recommendations.
What questions are optional for law school application?
The most common two types of optional essays are: (1) a Statement of Perspective (diversity statement) and (2) a “Why 'X Law School'?” essay. Some law schools may provide additional prompts to which you are permitted to respond.
What is an example of a rule statement in law school?
For example: “If a witness is able to see all of the accused's facial features clearly for longer than a few seconds, then the witness's testimony is likely accurate, especially when the incident occurs during bright daylight.” This rule statement incorporates all the parts of the standard in just 35 words.
How long is the optional essay for law school?
A typical word count for the optional essay is only 250 words, although some schools will ask students to submit multiple optional essays or allow for a greater word count. Schools like Stanford and Yale are among the top schools which allow only 250 words for optional essays.
Do law schools care about extracurriculars?
Ultimately, extracurricular activities are a plus factor. Law schools weigh grades and LSAT scores most heavily, but keeping busy in interesting and admirable ways is a way to distinguish yourself against a sea of applicants with similar numbers.
Can introverts go to law school?
So yes, you can definitely be a lawyer and an introvert at the same time. The key to being a good lawyer, whether introverted or extroverted, lies in understanding and utilizing one's strengths. For introverts, this might mean preparing meticulously and finding ways to recharge after social interactions.
Which GPA do law schools look at?
When it comes to the primary GPA that law schools look at, it's your undergrad GPA. A grad GPA is nice, but it doesn't replace or get combined with the UGPA. A low UGPA will not be bolstered by a high grad GPA.