Why Personal Statements Matter

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a good actor on Stephen Colbert. The interview did not go well. It seemed apparent that Stephen Colbert was unimpressed with him. More importantly, the actor left viewers with a poor impression.

Contrast that actor to Jennifer Lawrence (Hunger Games, Silver Linings Playbook, etc.). She’s a terrific actress, but it is her personality off-screen that caused her popularity to skyrocket, and deservedly so. She comes across in interviews (and even not in interviews) as natural, real and very funny.

Because of their respective interview performances – which are largely independent of their acting ability – I am more inclined to watch a Jennifer Lawrence movie, and less inclined to watch a movie with the other actor… simply because of how they come across as a person.

Your personal statement has a similar impact on law school admission committees. If it’s good, it makes them want to admit you. If it’s not, it makes them feel quite comfortable rejecting you. Everyone knows how critical your LSAT score and undergraduate gpa are. Those “hard numbers” – as imperfect as they are – provide committee members with a rough estimate of your potential law school ability. But your personal statement matters too, especially if your LSAT score and gpa make you a realistic candidate.

Because of the importance of your personal statement, my ScoreItUp courses include (1) a FREE discussion about the “do’s and don’ts” of personal statements (in live courses), and (2) a FREE step-by-step video tutorial on how to write an excellent personal statement (in live and online courses). And, of course, individual 1-on-1 assistance with me also is available at a reasonable price. Your personal statement is serious stuff, and should be prioritized by you.

For more details, please see the “Course Information” section of the website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.