Effectively Discussing Your Motivations in Your Essay with the Help of a Sample Law School Personal Statement
The members of admissions committees look for a certain factor that could make them decide if you make or break your chances of getting into law school. You don’t have to write about a near-death experience or a tragic incident in your life in order to grab the attention of the admissions officers. Showing your passion and motivations for the field that you are applying to, if done effectively, will make them notice your admissions essay. According to some experts, among the most compelling essays are the ones that discuss about the applicants’ motivations.
Why talk about your motivations
One of the secrets of a successful person is a good dose of motivation. Motivation is actually the driving force that can help one go on even when adversity arises. If you are motivated, chances are, you won’t easily give up when obstacles come your way. This is why, for some admissions officers, a person’s motivations are a plus. So if you are a motivated person, use this virtue to get better chances of obtaining admissions into the law school that you dreamed of. Below are some tips that you should keep in mind when writing about your motivations in your personal statement for law school.
Tip #1: Be honest in writing your essay
There are applicants who think that in order to get their essays noticed, they have to make it grandiose to the point that they manufacture information about themselves and their experiences. Always remember that the people in charged of reading your essay are experts in the field. So for sure, they can see through your lies. It is important, therefore, that you do not sacrifice sincerity for a melodramatic essay. Even if the events or the instances in your life that motivate you to pursue a study law is not grandiose, moving, and life-changing, you can still use it to get better chances of getting admissions. Just focus on how this little spark of motivation can eventually grow into a flame. What is important is you don’t manufacture passion, desire, and motivation. Just write in your own voice and be very natural with it.
Tip #2: Strive for uniqueness
Uniqueness should be one of your goals in writing a personal statement. Many applicants would also talk about their motivations in entering law school. But you can still have an edge over these applicants if you just make an effort to make your admissions essay unique. One of the ways to do this is by presenting a four-dimensional picture of yourself. This means you have to include not just your strengths but also your weaknesses. Uniqueness can also be achieved if you take a risk sometimes. This means that you could try something new and creative when writing your essay.
Tip #3: Be clear and concise
Clarity is also very important. Your personal statement is your chance to tell the committee about the things that you won’t be able to show on your resume and test scores. So make sure that you state everything clearly.
You can read a good sample law school personal statement in order to give you an idea on how to write your own. There are available essay samples online.
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Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
If you’re planning to pursue a JD degree, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is a good choice. The college opened its doors to aspiring lawyers and legal educators in 1964 and received its current name on 2006 in recognition of US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. As a major department of the Arizona State University, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law offers not just JD degrees but also hybrids like JD-MD, JD-PhD in Law and Psychology, JD-PhD in Justice Studies, JD-MBA, and a two-year MLS (Masters of Legal Studies). To learn more about the legal educational institution, visit its official website.
Baylor Law School
The Baylor Law School is the oldest law school existing in the state of Texas. The school was founded in 1857 and has since been a provider of top-notch legal education with a strong underlying Christian commitment. The graduates of Baylor Law School are remarkable and well-known for their excellent services as part of the federal and local government. Many of the alumni of Baylor Law School, with their education and training, pursued careers in public service and became senators, congressmen, judges, justices, and ambassadors. For more information on Baylor Law School, just visit its official site.
Ave Maria School of Law
Just like Baylor Law School, the Ave Maria School of Law integrates a Roman Catholic perspective with legal instruction. Located in Ann Arbor and established in 1999, the Ave Maria School of Law was granted full accreditation by the American Bar Association in 2005. The school offers degrees with specialization in philosophy and ethics as well as courses on Dignity in the Workplace, Papal Teaching and the Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. To learn more about the Ave Maria School of Law and its admission process, visit the official website.
Albany Law School
The Albany Law School is one of the most prestigious legal educational institutions in the United States. Founded in 1851 and located at the Capital Region of New York, the Albany Law School is considered as one of the oldest independent institutions. It prides of having not just the first student-edited law review, the Albany Law School Journal, but also distinguished and well-known alumni. Among them are former President William McKinley and US Supreme Court Justices Robert H. Jackson and David Brewer. To know more about course offerings and the admission process in Albany Law School, visit its official website.
Appalachian School of Law (ASL)
Established in 1994 in Virginia, the Appalachian School of Law was built as a tool to improve the region’s economic development. Among the factors that make the ASL one of the top-ranking law schools in the United States are its three-year Juris Doctor degree program as well as the school’s emphasis on alternative dispute resolution and professional responsibility. In addition, because the curriculum of ASL focuses on leadership and community service, students are required to complete 25 hours of community service every semester before graduation. Learn more about ASL, its degree offerings, and admission procedure through the school’s official site.
The American University Washington College of Law (WCL)
The American University Washington College of Law is located at Washington D.C. and was established in 1896. For decades, WCL has developed efficient, brilliant, and respectable graduates who are able to make remarkable contributions in the legal industry. What distinguish WCL from other law schools are its human rights law programs and public interest work programs. WCL is also recognized for its two student publications, The American Jurist and The Business Law Brief, as well as for providing grants through the Equal Justice Foundation to students involved in the public sector. To know more about WCL, visit its official website.
Boston College Law School (BC Law)
The Boston College Law School, one of the graduate schools of Boston College in Newton, Massachusetts, was founded in 1929. What makes BC Law one of the most prestigious schools in the United States are its programs in public interest law, human rights, and social justice. The college also has very high standards in selecting students, assuring that only the most talented will receive quality legal education in BC Law. Among the notable alumni of BC Law are former American Bar Association President Michael S. Greco, US senator John Kerry, and others who became senators, judges, justices, congressmen, and ambassadors.
Brooklyn Law School (BLS)
Norman P. Heffley and William Payson Richardson established Brooklyn Law School in 1901 with a goal of enabling women, immigrants, and less privileged members of society receive legal education. BLS today has a diverse student body, as well as a multi-faceted academic community. In addition, the school offers joint degrees in partnership with other academic institutions. Examples of joint degrees are the JD-MBA with Baruch College, JD-Masters in Urban Planning with Hunter College, and JD-MA in Political Science with Brooklyn College. Learn more about BLS and its course offerings through its official website.
Boston University Law School (BU Law)
As a branch of Boston University, the Boston University Law School was founded by a group of law teachers, jurists, and lawyers in 1872 with the aim of enabling anyone with merit to access quality legal education. What distinguishes BU Law from other law universities is the fact that it uses the Socratic method of teaching. Through this method, students are encouraged and are able to engage in interactive and intellectual discussions with lecturers and and fellow students. Those interested in pursuing degrees at BU Law School may want to consider having joint degrees, considering the school offers them in association with other Boston University colleges and graduate schools. To learn more about BU Law and its curriculum, visit the school’s official website.
Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law (Campbell Law)
The Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law was founded in 1976 and is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. The school is a graduate department of Campbell University, that is why it has Campbell Law as its shorter name. The aim of the school is to produce graduates who are professional and competent in the legal industry while showing strong moral conviction and social compassion. Among the programs offered in Campbell Law are the JD-MBA program and the JD-MTIM (Masters in Trust and Investment Management) program. The JD-MTIM is offered to interested students in partnership with the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business of the Campbell University. Learn more about Campbell Law, its program offerings, and the admissions process through the official website.
Chapman University School of Law (Chapman Law)
Located in Orange, California, the Chapman University School of Law was established in 1995 as a private, non-profit law school. It is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools and the American Bar Association. Students who would like to pursue a combination of degrees can look into the program offerings of this school and choose programs such as the JD-MBA, JD/MFA in Film and Television Production, and the LL.M. Degrees in Prosecutorial Science and Taxation. Graduates of Chapman Law are proud to have undergone training and instruction with an emphasis on good citizenship and ethics, making them truly competent lawyers. Visit the official website of Chapman Law to learn more about the school and the admission procedure.
Franklin Thomas Backus School of Law (Case Western Reserve Law)
The Franklin Thomas Backus School of Law is the law school department of the Case Western Reserve University, giving it the nickname, Case Western Reserve Law. It opened its doors to students in 1982 and has since been producing competitive, recommendable, and brilliant graduates. Many of them serve in the local and federal government as lawyers or politicians. Among the joint-degrees offered in Case Western Reserve Law are the JD-MSSA (Social Work), JD-MBA, JD-MD, JD-MA in Bioethics, and JD-MPH (Public Health). Check out the school’s official website to submit an online application.
Charleston School of Law (CSOL)
The Charleston School of Law is one of two law education institutions in South Carolina. CSOL was founded in 2003 with the aim of producing competent lawyers with strong moral fiber. To promote a healthy intellectual discussion among its students, CSOL hosts three student publications—the Charleston Law Review, the Federal Courts Law Review, and the Maritime Law Bulletin or MALABU. Topics covered in the said student publications include issues on human rights, current events, and legal studies. Learn more about CSOL, its program offerings, and the admissions by visiting the school’s official website.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Cleveland Law School was the original name of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law when it was established in 1897. It is the law school department of Cleveland State University that is located in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1946, the law school merged with the John Marshal School of Law and received its current name. Students who wish to enroll at Cleveland-Marshall can look into various degrees offered including JD degrees, LL.M. programs, and five dual-degree programs. As the first evening law school in Ohio and one of the country’s first schools to open doors to women and minorities, Cleveland-Marshall promotes quality education that is accessible to anyone. Visit the official website of the school to learn more on offered programs and admissions.
The City University of New York Law School (CUNY Law)
The City University of New York Law School was established in 1983 and is well-known for its specialization in public interest law. “Law in the Service of Human Needs” is the motto of the school and its curriculum is geared toward serving the disadvantaged and disempowered members of society. In accordance to and as proof of the aim of the CUNY Law curriculum, specializations and clinics revolve on issues in Community and Economic Development, Economic Justice Project, Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and International Women’s Human Rights. More information on CUNY Law and its programs can be found at the school’s official website.
Marshall-Wythe School of Law (W&M Law School)
Thomas Jefferson founded the Marshall-Wythe School of Law in 1779. It is the law department of the College of William & Mary, the second oldest college in the United States after Harvard University. W&M Law School, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the oldest law school that exists in the country and it is often ranked among the top 30 US law schools. A few of the most notable programs offered at W&M Law School are the Election Law Program, Human Rights and National Security Law Program, and the Institution of Bill of Rights Law. To know more about the programs, the school, and the admissions process, visit the school’s official site.
Cornell Law School
As one of the graduate schools of Cornell University, Cornell Law School was established in 1887 in Ithaca, New York. Cornell Law is also one of the five renowned Ivy League law schools. It offers JD-MBA, JD-Masters in Global Business Law, JSD, and LL.M., among others. In addition, programs such as Public Interest, International Human Rights Clinic, International and Comparative Law, Clarke Program in East Asian Law and Culture, and extensive externships are offered by Cornell Law. Apply to this school by completing an online application form at the official website.
Columbia Law School
Otherwise known as Columbia Law, Columbia Law School is one of the most prestigious legal institutions in the United States. This school is one of the graduate departments of the Ivy League-member institution, Columbia University, and it has a highly selective admissions process. Graduates of Columbia Law have become successful lawyers, congressmen, senators, businessmen, ambassadors, and diplomats. Among them are the famous Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt. Students eager to specialize in intellectual property, and corporate and international law will do better to proceed to Columbia Law because the said programs are the school’s forte. Learn more about this law school by visiting its website.
Like other higher learning institutions, law schools also place prime importance on grades as a measure of student performance. Because grades serve as the main tool by which academic performance is evaluated, students continually strive and aim for high marks. So much so that there has been a constant increase in the number of students who get high GPAs. This phenomenon, called grade inflation, has led many colleges and universities to raise their grade percentiles. By doing so, they’re able to place limits on the number of students who make it to the top ranks. And because top law firms look at applicants’ grades and rankings, one glaring implication of raising grade percentiles is that the number of students who get into prestigious law firms are also limited.
Grade-based law schools
Grade-based law schools face much criticism from certain academic groups because the grading system fosters tough, and often unhealthy, competition. Students who attend grade-based law schools deal with stress on a regular basis because the harsh grading system allows only a specific percentage of students to reach the top ranks in the class. While the fierce competition serves as a motivating factor for students to excel, it can also work to the detriment of some who simply cannot keep up with the stress of competing for high grades.
The downside to grade-based law schools is that not all the excellent students who rightly deserve to be on top are granted the high-ranking prestige. This is because of the specific limits placed on the number of students who will be considered as belonging to the top percentile ranks. The emphasis on getting high grades can also be unhealthy in that students may not necessarily be gaining knowledge, but merely devising ways by which they can get the highest grades.
Non-grade based law schools
Instead of the traditional percentage-based grading system, non-grade based law schools such as the Boalt Hall of Berkeley Law grade and group students into ranking categories such as High Honors, Honors, Pass, Substandard Pass, and No Credit. Non-grade based law schools also usually rank their students based not just on academics, but also on other aspects of student performance. Non-grade based law schools place flexible limits on who, and how many, gets High Honors and Honors rankings. Because of this, more excellent students are given the chance to belong to the top ranks — something which they truly deserve.
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While transcripts, grades, and recommendation letters are given significant weight and importance by admissions committees and law schools, your personal statement essay can help increase your chances of getting admitted. The importance of that single document can be seen in the number of sample law school personal statement essays you can find on the Internet, as tons of student look for guidance to come up with a well-crafted essay.
While the grades will show your academic skills and intellectual prowess, some admissions committees of law schools look for applicants’ ability to relate with, and contribute to, the academic community they belong to. The extracurricular activities you engaged in during college shows the areas or fields you’re interested in, thus giving the committee a glimpse of who and how you are as a student and as a member of the academic community.
School publication
Excellent communication skills is required AND valued in law school. This is why having held a position in your school’s publication can give you an edge over the other students applying for law school. Membership in your college or university’s publication also shows that you’re interested in discussing the views and opinions of other people, as well as interest in the pressing issues that your academic community faces.
Joining the staff of your school publication, or having your articles published therein, also shows that you can eloquently express your thoughts and principles in writing — an ability that will prove to be useful in law school and in your post-graduate legal career as well. You can check sample law school personal statement essays to see how contributing to your school’s publication can increase your chances of getting admitted into law school.
Non-profit and community organizations
Membership and participation in non-profit and community organizations dedicated to specific causes can also help increase your chances of getting into law school. Especially for those planning to specialize in environmental law, gender equality, human rights, and the like, your involvement in related organizations speak of commitment and passion. If you read through sample law school personal statement essays, you’ll also see how applicants dedicate a part of their essay to discussing their extracurricular activities and involvements.
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Passing the bar exam is a requirement for all law students to be given a license for legal practice in an given state or jurisdiction. The bar exam consists of a series of multiple-choice tests and essay questions that test the student’s knowledge on statutes and laws. The bar exam follows no template, it differs depending on the specific state’s regulatory board. If you’re planning on practicing law in a specific state, that’s also where you should take the bar exam.
To help you get an idea of how state bar exams are formulated and structured, you can check out the websites of your desired state’s bar association. Another option would be to consult your law school’s career and placement office. That said, here are more tips to help you prepare for the bar exam.
Check if you need to take other qualifying exams
The MPRE or Multi-state Professional Responsibility Examination is a set of standardized tests that should be taken by law students in all US states and is recognized as a qualifying exam except in Wisconsin, Washington, Maryland, and Puerto Rico. You should also check if your state requires law degree-holders to undergo character evaluation to become licensed attorneys.
Sign up for bar exam review schools if you need to
While some students are confident that self-studying is enough to help them pass the bar exam, some attend bar exam review schools to help them prepare. It’s recommended that law students enlist the help of review schools to provide them with a guided study on the various subjects covered and discussed throughout your whole law school education. Some people even say that preparing for the law exam can be likened to having a full-time job, because it requires intensive review and studying. Another benefit of going to a review school is that it can provide you with sample questions that appeared on the previous years’ bar exams.
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