Tips on Writing Your Law School Admissions Essay
If you're applying for law school, you might think that the hard part's over once you've taken the LSAT. However, don't let these feelings of apathy sink in until you've written your law school admissions essay! The essay is one of the most important parts of your application because it gives you a chance to showcase your personality to a prospective school. The following are some of the best things to touch on in your law school admissions essay:
Why are you seeking a law degree?
If you haven't already done so, now's the time to sit down and really think about what you plan to do with your law degree. It's not enough to just say, "I want to be a lawyer" – you need to be much more concrete than that. Do you want to focus on environmental protection law, medical malpractice, or some other branch? Where do you see yourself working after you graduate? Try to articulate these thoughts clearly in your admissions essay – if the school isn't clear on what your goals are, they won't be able to tell if you're a good fit for their program or not.
What do you bring to the program?
Remember the scene in Legally Blonde where the Harvard admissions board is reviewing Elle Wood's application to the law school? Perhaps they didn't admit her for the best of reasons, but it's true that law schools look for something special in each candidate and consider how the person will make an impact on the community during their three years in the program.
Do you have past experience in the legal field, perhaps as a paralegal or assistant? Or do you have other work experience that has led you to seek an education in law? What aspects of your personality make you a good match for the school and how do you expect to contribute to the community while you're there? In your essay, try to demonstrate that you're a well-rounded person and give specific reasons that make you a good candidate for their program.
Why have you chosen the program?
If you've ever been through a job interview, you know it's best to demonstrate some interest in the employer. After all, people want to work with others that like and respect them. How impressed would you be if you were reviewing applications that read, "I want to attend this program because it's cheap and close to my house?"
Instead, do your research before you begin writing your admissions essay to find things that interest you about each school's particular program. Some good things to touch on are any hands-on learning opportunities or paid internships, volunteer opportunities specifically related to law or any student group or club that relates to your personal interests.
Writing a good law school admissions essay isn't an overnight thing – it will take time to cultivate the message you want to send. Have a trusted friend or family member read over several drafts before you send it in to check for clarity of thought and any spelling or grammar issues. First impressions count, so make a good one by putting time and thought into your law school admissions essay.
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