If you’re not confident in your exam results or if your LSAT score isn’t stellar, law school editing could save the day. Having a strong personal statement can help an admission committee decide whether you’re a good fit for their program. A strong personal statement will also show the admission committee that you’re enthusiastic about attending law school. Here are some tips for law school editing. Listed below are some of the best tips for law school editing.
Unifying theme
The last paragraph should tie the themes together. Mention the law school you are applying to and the degree you plan to obtain. A common mistake is to simply throw in the name of the law school as a token. Almost any law school program would fill that spot. This example fails to communicate the research and interest the writer has shown in NYU’s law program. It fails to mention the strengths of NYU’s law program in intellectual property and the city’s technology specialists.
Your statement of purpose should demonstrate why you want to go to law school. Instead of being a glorified salesperson, it should showcase your passion for law. Highlight what makes law school unique and exciting to you. Don’t pander to the admissions committee, and instead describe why it’s exactly what you need to get your degree. Mention modules and internship opportunities that interest you. Describe your research interests.
Avoiding legal concepts and jargon
While most law schools require a two-page, double-spaced essay, many do not. Some schools have specific word/character requirements for personal statements, but the standard is two pages and double-spaced. The key is to avoid using legal concepts and jargon, rhetorical flourishes, or complex language. As with any other application, clarity and concision are essential to securing admission to law school.
Although it may seem tempting to use legal jargon to impress admissions officers, the truth is that admissions officers do not like it, especially when it is used incorrectly or as a show. Instead, use your own voice and convey your uniqueness. Avoid using cliches, which have been overused and do not add value to your statement. They make your personal statement sound generic and impersonal.
Formatting restrictions
Among other things, you should follow the formatting restrictions when editing your law school personal statement. Always use 12-point Times New Roman font. It’s also important to double-space your paper, so make sure you use one-inch margins. Double-spaced and left-aligned paragraphs are recommended. Similarly, avoid adding extra returns between paragraphs. Then, you should use the numbering system to indicate which school you are applying to, and write after these specific numbers.
Despite the fact that your personal statement is an essay, it’s important to keep it objective. Avoid writing about social issues or public policy. It should be a reflection of who you are, not about a family member or a social or legal issue. When editing, remember that your personal statement should allow the admissions committee to get to know you and your personality, not just your achievements. To make it more interesting to the admissions committee, consider asking a friend or family member to read your essay. It’s likely that they’ll feel the same way.
Writing in first-person narrative
The best law school personal statement is written in the first person. This style of writing is more personal than other forms of writing, and it demonstrates a person’s personality, as well as their interests. It should be a concise account of your experiences, rather than a generic ramble about the applicant’s background. In addition, a personal statement for law school should be no more than two pages, double-spaced, and typed in Times New Roman or Arial font.
To make the essay seem more genuine, consider highlighting any negative aspects of your life. Law schools typically seek high achievers. So, if your personal history contains a low grade or learning disability, this strategy is probably not the best choice. But if you have been in a serious accident or other challenge in your life, this approach is most appropriate. You can use the opportunity to show improvement over time to make your personal statement more authentic and personal.
Avoiding focusing on negative aspects of your life
In your law school personal statement, you need to emphasize your strengths while avoiding focusing on your weaknesses. If you include a weakness, it is likely to stand out more than your strengths. It is also best to write in a confident, positive tone, and if you must mention a problem, include it in an addendum. Your personal statement should also be unique to each law school, so avoid rewriting it for each application. Make sure to use concrete examples, rather than abstract concepts.
One of the most common mistakes when writing your law school personal statement is focusing on adversity. While you may want to write about the hardships you overcame, remember that your applicant pool contains people who have suffered homelessness, abuse, or natural disasters. Don’t focus on a minor adversity, such as getting chickenpox as a child, or witnessing bullying.