Besides your GPA and LSAT score, your personal statement is the most important part of the application process. It is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from every other applicant. You may either discuss factors that otherwise would not come out in the application process or elaborate on specific aspects of your application. Consider this to be an interview on paper. Describe who you are and what you have done that makes you uniquely qualified to study and practice law.
- Write about yourself. What you have done and how you have done it tend to be more important than what you think. For example, describe how you have overcome tremendous obstacles or how you have excelled in student government rather than your theories on life or the American political system. Overused topics such as "Why I Wanted to be a Criminal Lawyer Since the Age of Two" or "How I Will Seek Social Justice for the Poor" generally are ineffective unless you can convincingly demonstrate your claims.
- Be specific. Simply listing your achievements and experiences does not add anything to your application. Use examples and explain your contribution when appropriate. Make sure that the admissions committee understands the significance of what you have chosen to discuss. This is no time to be overly modest. Highlight your strengths, maintaining a positive, confident tone without being arrogant. You should comment on any irregular grade trends or circumstances that affected your academic performance or test score; however, while explaining or accounting for a low GPA or LSAT score is acceptable, limit this to a few paragraphs or less. Do not waste your entire statement apologizing for your weaknesses.
- Avoid grammatical and spelling errors on all parts of the application. Law schools also are evaluating your writing ability. How you say it is just as important as what you say.
- Be brief, comprehensive, organized, and factual. Write clearly and concisely. Tell your story or make your point in as few words as possible; verbosity is not valued. The FSU College of Law allows up to four double-spaced typewritten pages.
- Read and follow the instructions carefully, noting any specified topics or word limits.
Like the other factors in the admissions process, even a wonderful essay will not compensate for poor grades, low LSAT scores, or a weak application. A memorable essay, however, may tip the scales in favor of a borderline candidate.
