Advising

PRE-LAW ADVISING

U.S. law school applications will provide direction on the personal statement

Northeastern University 2007 application states:
"We value applicants as individuals.  One of the best tools for finding out more about you is through the information you share in your writing samples.  The personal statement and optional essays are designed for you to share with the Admissions Committee those aspects of yourself you believe are not reflected in your LSAT score or GPA.  Take the time to assess factors such as why you have chosen to apply to Northeastern, what inspires your pursuit of law, what you will add to the law school community as well as any adversity you have had to overcome to get to where you are today.  This is a chance to help us get to know you in a more personal way; the committee takes these writing samples seriously."

University of Southern California 2007 application states:
"The admissions committee gives careful attention to your personal statement.  We are particularly interested in your motivation for studying law, your academic background, and qualities you possess that may enhance the diversity of our study body.  If you are a college senior or a recent graduate, you may wish to mention your work history and extracurricular activities.  If you have spent a year or more in the workforce after college, tell us about your employment experience; enclose a resume to illustrate your chronological work history.
 
There is no specific word or page requirement or limit for your personal statement.  However, the committee values carefully crafted essays that are clear, concise, and compelling."

Yale University 2007 application states:
"Most applicants to Yale Law School have outstanding academic records and LSAT scores.  Faculty readers look to the two required essays to obtain a nuanced picture of each applicant.  The 250-word essay helps readers to evaluate an applicant's writing, reasoning, and editing skills, as well as to learn more about the applicant's intellectual and personal interests and ability to think across disciplines.  The subject is not limited; the choice of topic itself may be informative to the readers. 

Applicants are also asked to submit a personal statement, where they may add any additional information neccesary for a full representation of their candidacy.  Applicants often submit the personal statement they have prepared for other law school applications."