Admissions committees are seeking diverse and capable candidates with strong written communication skills and moral character.  There are two main components by which they evaluate these traits: the autobiographical sketch and the personal statement.

Do not think about these two components as entirely separate entities, but rather as a pair of unique, but equally important and complementary, supporting pillars for your application.  Avoid the mistakes we most often see: treating the statement and sketch as entirely different, independently-functioning, pieces with no convergence, or making them too identical—repeating the same titles and accolades.  What you should do is craft the pieces separately but thoughtfully, allowing them to come together for the reader as synergetic testaments to your drive, resilience, intelligence, and care.  With the length of the essay restricted depending on the law school, and your limited time, this is a challenging task.  Since most students applying to law school have strong marks, LSAT scores and letters of reference, an eloquent, unique, convincing and impressive pair of written submissions can tip the scales in your favour.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is meant to provide a personal and intimate account of the effect your background and circumstances have had on your goals and accomplishments, culminating in the steps you have taken, and your motivation, to study law.  It provides you with an opportunity to ‘pitch yourself’ and to make a compelling individualized argument for why you should be accepted to law school and why your experiences are relevant to your interest in doing so. When used properly, it should complement the autobiographical sketch by allowing you to expand on your accomplishments and fully discuss your involvements in activities outside of school.

The personal statement is an essay that serves to emphasize your personality, accomplishments and, most importantly, the steps taken, both academically and outside the classroom, to develop your inclination and path towards law.  It serves as an opportunity for you to tell the admissions committee what makes you unique and well-suited to law.