Hi, I am really having a hard time coming up with a topic for my personal statement. I've sat down to write it probably a dozen times, and...nothing. I've tried thinking of anecdotal stories from my childhood. I've tried going the "why do I want to be a lawyer" route. I've tried thinking about the the "hardest thing I've overcome". I've tried addressing why I want to practice immigration. I'll get one paragraph out then scratch it. I'm feeling really discouraged about it. I studied 6+ months for the LSAT and brought my score up from a 149 to a 165. In some ways the LSAT seems less daunting than this personal statement. Any suggestions? Anything helps. Thanks in advance.

Here are bullet points of my life/educational background:

Homeschooled

Community college: Earned AA (living at home)

State College for last two years (Poli-Sci degree) (Culture shock first semester as I caught up on two decades of social development)

Dept of State Internship at US Embassy in Mexico City

Immigration Paralegal work (3yrs)

Founded my own immigration paralegal services business this year

Notes: Learned Spanish as an adult (I don't come from a Hispanic background). Now use it everyday for work. Have traveled/lived extensively in Latin America.

LSAT: Mid 160s / GPA 3.1 (Strong GPA addendum for one semester with low grades)

3.04 GPA, 163 LSAT (July2020), nonURM, strong softs, Florida resident

I have applied to

Reach: The University of Florida, Arizona State University (Denied; it was free to apply), Boston College

Target: Florida State University, Cardozo Law, University of Illinois, SMU Dedman, Penn State

Safety: University of Miami, Florida International University, (should I apply to another safety?)

I am retaking the LSAT in November, and my PTs have been in the mid 160s. I am hoping to bring it up to the high 160s by the November test.

Right now, the University of Florida is my top choice. I am worried that I should have waited to apply there until I took my November LSAT. I have read conflicting information about what schools do if a future LSAT is scheduled - some wait, others don't. Should I write a letter to UF asking them to wait to evaluate my file until my November LSAT comes back?

Schools I would like to apply to depending on my Nov LSAT score: Fordham University, Emory University, University of Georgia.

Is it advantageous to apply now and ask the schools to wait until my November LSAT comes back to evaluate my file? Or is that the same as just waiting until Nov to apply?

Goals: I want a decent shot at big law; although, I am okay if I don't end up in big law. I am young, single and kid-less so I don't have a lot of ties to any particular area; I'll go wherever the best opportunity is. (although Florida in-state tuition would be nice).

Thank you in advance to anyone who offers a fresh perspective! I have been turning this over in my head quite a lot lately.

I never thought this day would come, but come it has.

I created a groupme chat for people interested in swapping personal statements or any other law school application essay. Here is the link if you would like to join. If you post your essay for someone to review, please make sure you review someone else's essay. https://groupme.com/join_group/62168096/kaVeo3T3

Stats: 163 LSAT (Retaking in November; PTing high 160s) GPA: 3.1 (I know; I don't speak of it); Not URM; Strong softs (Fed. government experience)

I am only going to ED to a place that offers a full ride scholarship, as I really don't see the point of paying sticker to get a decision early or get into a school a couple rankings higher.

Here are the three options I'm considering:

(1) George Washington Law (Presidential Scholarship) - It's a reachhhh (Chances are low; I know)

Pros - DC fits with my resume/experience, Top 25; Con - Odds are low; might be throwing away my ED.

(2) George Mason (Scalia Law Scholars) - It's a reach, but less of a reach than GW. Still unlikely.

Pros - Near DC (See above); I have family in Virginia. Cons - A lot of better schools in the area.

(3) Arizona State (O'Conners Merit) - It's a reach, but I might actually have a slight chance of getting this one, which is a bit scary as I'm not sure I want to live in Arizona. Nothing against Arizona, I'm sure it's a great place, just it's not high on my list personally.

Pros - Top 25; Con - Arizona

Other pertinent info: I'm a Florida resident (aiming for UF Law)/my family is in Florida. I'm 25 (so I'm not sure if I'm considered a nontraditional applicant. I think I'm on the line).

I am wondering if anyone would like to do an exchange proofreading of Personal Statements. I proofread yours and give you my thoughts. You proofread mine and give me your thoughts. I feel like it just helps to have a second set of eyes look over it. If anyone is up for that, message me!