The law school application personal statement/essay provides schools with the opportunity to evaluate your writing and your ability to communicate an idea or theme in a clear and concise manner. It is also a great way for them to get to know you.

Get Organized. It is most important that your ideas be well organized and focused. Your theme choice is not limited to "Why do you want to attend law school?" but should be a topic that reflects personal values, decision making processes, significant contributions, accomplishments and/or special experiences that are not fully revealed elsewhere in your law school application.

Be Affirmative. Think of the personal statement as your opportunity to share your strengths in a positive, non-defensive way. This should not be viewed as an opportunity to explain, apologize for, or defend a negative issue or experience, such as a poor academic record or LSAT score.

Make It 'All About You'. Given that law schools do not usually provide interviews, the essay serves as an opportunity for admissions officers to get to know you. What would make an indelible impression and make clear who you are? In choosing a topic, take time to first analyze your personal history, evaluate experiences most relished, and determine the personal significance of learning or events in your life.

Law Is Process; This Essay Should Be, Too. Discuss the "hows" and "whys" of your experiences. Why did you make a particular decision? How did you benefit from the choice you made? What did you value or gain from your experience? Discuss the personal significance of an event.

Make Every Word Count. Two pages, double spaced, is sufficient for most schools, although some school requirements may vary. Generally, applicants can attach the same essay to each application, perhaps varying the last couple of paragraphs to address the particular issues a particular school would like you to cover. Use active language. Perfecting your grammar and spelling is a given. Vary your sentence structure and write engagingly.

Be Persistent. You will probably craft several drafts with many revisions and refinements. The pre-law advisor can critique your typed drafts. (Please allow 3-5 days for a thorough critique.

Berkley's Career Center: Resource on Essays

Some law schools require a statement, called a Dean's Letter/Form, from each of your undergraduate institutions. The few law schools that require this will have clear instructions on how to complete this part of the application. A note about misconduct: You are required to disclose any disciplinary issues on your law school applications.

In most cases, a Dean's Letter is actually a form to be completed only by the Dean of the college. For questions, contact Jennifer Barr. To have your form completed, email Joyce Bylander, and please copy in Susan Lewis.

The application process can be quite costly in time, energy and money. Fee waivers may be available. Learn more about LSAT fees and waivers at lsac.org.

Haverford students and alumni apply to an average of 10-12 schools.

Letters of Recommendation must be submitted through LSAC via the CAS ("Credential Assembly Service,") which is often called LOR (Letter of Recommendation Service). Most applicants should prepare:

• two letters (preferably from PhD faculty)
• on professional letterhead
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• Letters are uploaded directly to your CAS account through a link provided to your recommender.

When asking for letters, make sure you are considerate and professional, making your appointment to meet with letter writers well in advance of the application deadline. Ask them, "Do you feel you know my work well enough to write a positive letter on behalf of my application to law school?" Provide information about your background to assist him/her in writing a detailed letter by including a 'reminder' cover sheet describing your academic relationship, including courses you have taken, research you have conducted, your experience as a TA, etc. including a list of dates when recommendations are due.

Whenever possible, include:

• a copy of your transcript
• a resume
• copies of exams or papers written in the class

Letters will be maintained for five years from the time you register for CAS or from the time you take the LSAT, whichever comes last.

To read more on letters please visit LSAC: Letters of Recommendation.

Resume

You should submit a professional resume as part of your law school application. If you are in school or just a few years out, it is recommended that you keep to a one page resume.

CCPA: Resumes & Leters

Transcript

Transcripts from any institution past high school that you have attended are almost always required.

• If you studied abroad for a full year, you must have your transcript sent and it will count towards your GPA.
• If you spent a semester or less abroad, it does not count toward your GPA. However, if you feel the grades are important to your application you can scan a copy of the transcript and submit it as an addendum on LSAC.
• If you transferred from another institution, have a transcript from that school sent to LSAC.

• Office of the Registrar: Transcripts