Submitting a strong personal statement will help you stand out from other law school applicants. Here are some tips for success.
Know Your Audience:
Research the law schools you are applying to. Vermont Law and Graduate School is nationally known for our top environmental law program and work in restorative justice. Understanding our mission in public interest law will help direct your personal statement to reflect our core advocacy values.
Find Your Authentic Voice:
Begin with an inventory. What’s notable, unique, distinctive, or impressive about your life story? In addition to your skills and career goals, think about how the details of your life (personal, familial, events) have shaped or influenced your goals. When did you become interested in the law, and what has stimulated your interest or reinforced your conviction? What personal characteristics do you have that would improve your prospects for success in the field or profession? These are the most compelling reasons you can give for the admissions committee to be interested in you.
Telling vs. Showing:
Understanding how to craft a personal statement goes beyond stating your abilities. Use a specific experience to illustrate the qualities you are trying to demonstrate and engage the reader. Write in an active voice and include details. For example, instead of writing “I was a detail-oriented, dedicated paralegal,” you could write “Our firm was working on a critical case, and documents needed to be ready by the morning. I spent the night fact-checking so our attorneys could confidently draft the key document in the case.” This provides a clear picture of your actions with context.
Dos and Don’ts:
Do reflect before writing, be yourself, personalize your statement for each program, ask for feedback, and have someone check for errors. Don’t be someone you’re not (we like you for you), and please don’t submit your statement in an unprofessional format — a poem crafted about your life is memorable, but not in a good way. Lastly, don’t upload the wrong personal statement after all your hard work.
You’ve researched your audience, found your voice, and know what not to do. Your next step is to put pen to paper. We can’t wait to read your story!
To learn more about Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) and our JD programs, or if you have questions about the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or 802-831-1239.