Self-study
Hi applicants! I'm the coordinator of 7Sage's admissions program. It's my job to organize our committee of admissions officers, train all of our consultants, and refine our expert strategic advise to all applicants. I'll be on the 7Sage podcast answering questions about the admissions process. Give me all your questions, particularly those related to:
How admissions officers view different 'softs'
How to approach the personal statement
What law school are really looking for
Anything else!
Two lucky question-askers will get a free Essay Workshop with a 7Sage consultant, chosen at random on the day of taping ! (Friday, May 1st). Post away!
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215 comments
Can you use the same personal statement and optional addendum when applying again?
How would you compare approaching the personal statement versus optional diversity statement when it comes to why you want to law and talking about your background? Should they be similar or very different?
@alai Congrats! You get a free Essay Workshop. I messaged you!
How do you approach early law app cycles (Harvard JDP/Columbia LEAD) v.s. regular app cycles, if at all?
Thank you for this opportunity. How would a 3.47 GPA be at a non-T 14 schools also, do you recommend to do anything to approve the GPA or only to work on the LSAT itself? Plus I am non-traditional student as well. Do you see any disadvantages in attending a school that is fully remote in out of state where I live at?
Hi Ethan! After a disappointing cycle, I am retaking the LSAT this year and reapplying for next year. My essays and resume were very strong, my LSAT score just simply wasn't good enough to get over the hurdle. As of next year, I will have 4 years of WE, and I'm struggling to decide how to approach re-writing my personal statement/addenda since I gave them my all the first time. How do I retell my story in a way that doesn't read as derivative? Will admissions committees re-read my previous application essays when reviewing my reapplication?
Hi!
As a mature student, I have lost contact with all my academic references. I would like to know if I provide professional and community references, would that weaken my application?
Also, how important is volunteer and community work?
What made this admissions cycle so difficult/competitive, and how should we tailor our applications to adapt with the increased competition in future cycles?
How do you create a personal statement that is dynamic and encapsulates your personality. What are dos and don’ts of a personal statement? What are the best qualities of personal statements you have seen?
How much weight does a graduate degree add to an application? How much does it affect an applicant's admission chances?
Hello, my question would be : Beyond numbers - For applicants whose numbers fall below your median, how much can strong work experience, recommendations, and a compelling personal statement realistically move the needle?
As a non-traditional applicant with over a decade in healthcare leadership, how can I translate hands-on experience and recognition (like leading teams and receiving professional awards) into a personal statement that feels compelling rather than résumé-driven?
How do admissions officers evaluate resilience narratives (e.g., single parenthood, career pivots) without them becoming ‘overused’ themes?
Good morning Ethan! I have questions regarding the personal statement. I have a powerful story and have experienced a lot from childhood to current that has really shaped who I am today. I feel that my personal statement is strong but still question if it is too much or not enough. What do law schools want to see in these Personal statements? Also I took LSAT for first time this April and broke 150's - I will be taking again in June because I know I can break 160's. One of the schools I'm interested in, I'm a few points short of their median LSAT score with my current LSAT- my LSAC GPA is significantly lower than my actual GPA (due to excessive withdrawals in my early college years - I started at 17 with a child- all of my course work once I matured and became serious -reflects 4.0 work. My bachelors degree GPA is a 4.0 but due to the withdrawals my LSAC is around a 3.2. I'm very concerned about this. Any insight, advice would be great Thank you!
@TeneishaCraighead Great question! I'm sending you a free Essay Workshop to answer it!
Hi Ethan, my question is about putting together a compelling story for admissions. Specifically, for candidates who had a non-traditional major, how important is it to offer an explanation for why that major/why now law school? And could the personal statement be a good place to do that? Its been difficult for me to decide between structuring my statement as one that (a) draws a connection between my undergrad studies and the legal field, or (b) explains my personal motivations/background which have inspired me to attend law school.
Hi! I was just wondering if you have any tips for crafting a personal statement when your downstream legal interests (i.e. national security) doesn't coincide with your current internship experiences (family and criminal law). Should I focus my personal statement on my present experiences or my future ambitions, for which I have no experience? Thank you for your time!
@York1234 I second this question! Feel like my PS is a complete flop for this exact reason.
Hi Ethan!
As someone who is hoping to apply to UBC Law School (Allard) and has the average grade of most successful applicants (84%); however, does not have as many work, volunteer, or club experiences, is this a concern? I work part time as an administrative assistant, I am getting my Masters in Management, and was the Logistics Director for UBC Model Parliament during my fourth year undergrad. At times, I worry my involvement in the community is not enough compared to other applicants. In this case, how should I approach my personal statement?
Hi Ethan! I am planning to apply in Fall 2026 and I recently started to brainstorm ideas for my personal statement. I've been finding it really daunting to pick a topic/angle that is both compelling and earnest. Do you have any tips for brainstorming/outlining in the beginning stages of essay writing?
@ObligingExcitedSuccess What better way to answer than with a free Essay Workshop? Check your chat!
Hi Ethan! Is there any real difference when it comes to Early Decision vs Regular Decision? Also, when would you recommend beginning planning your personal statements? Thank you!
What are realistic expectations for someone who has a 3.6 GPA, 170+ plus LSAT, and very strong softs/work experience
What is the most important things in writing an application essay? Most of the advice I've seen is "make yourself interesting"/"make yourself seem appealing" which is unhelpfully vague, so if you think those are the most important could you expand on them, and if you think other things are more important could you expand on those instead?
How do admissions officers weigh ‘softs’ for candidates who have been in the workforce for 5+ years but are below medians for schools?
How to make sure your "why" is strongly reflected enough in your personal statement. What makes your why "valid".
How to differentiate my personal statement from a public interest essay, if honestly they they go hand in hand
@LuzClarissaRosales Great question! I'm sending you a free Essay Workshop
Is it better to have tried a wide range of differnet laws (work and school activities) or is it better to branch out to show variety? passion>variety?
Hi Ethan, I have an unusual situation - I am a U.S. citizen without a reportable GPA. There's very little information about this online and a lot of it is conflicting.
In my case, I graduated from a U.S. university with fewer than 60 A-F credits because I used credit-by-exam extensively and transferred in some foreign credit as well. My profile is extra strange because my transcript from my earlier schools is quite messy (two F's from a US college, some D-'s from my foreign university, etc.), but I ultimately graduated with a 4.0 from my degree-granting university - I'm curious how that will be interpreted.
I spoke with an admissions consultant earlier this year who told me that it was truly a non-factor and the focus will basically be entirely on my LSAT - this would be great if true, as I'm PT'ing in the mid 170s. However, I've seen comments elsewhere that claim it'll be treated as a 3.low by adcoms.
Do you think I would be competitive at the t14, assuming I score a 175 or higher? I have around 5 years of work experience in compliance/privacy at a tech startup and plan to pursue privacy law, if that matters. Thanks in advance!!!