Personalize Your Statement

When it comes time to write your personal statement (PS) take this advice: Tell YOUR story within OUR guidelines. In other words, use the PS as a showcase for your individuality but make sure it conforms to the guidelines set forth in the application. The law school admissions process involves a lot of numbers: class rank, LSAT scores, and GPA's. The PS is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee your personal story. Use the PS to express yourself. Since STJ law does not conduct evaluative interviews, use the PS as a "written interview," to tell admissions what's special about you. There's no need to give a narrative version of your resume. Instead, tell us a story that illustrates why you would be a great lawyer and an asset to the St John's University community.

It is important however, while you are telling your story, to remember that becoming a lawyer is about learning how to be a professional. This idea should permeate your thought process when applying to law school. In the PS context, this means paying attention to formatting and page limits. It means choosing appropriate subject matter for your essay, and it means proofreading. Nothing detracts from your message and announces carelessness, like a sloppy delivery. With these principles in mind, take some time and write an essay that shows us who you are and why you'll be a good lawyer. We can't wait to learn about you.