Personal statement weight

tjh361

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RealGeeker

Just went to a law school fair this past weekend and spoke with ~10 admissions officers from different schools ranging from mid-size mid-rank to larger and higher ranked. I would say I've also had unique circumstances surrounding my education journey, though none so as varied and drastic as yours it sounds like.
I asked them all specifically they would look for most in someone who is a few years out of an academic career that they maybe felt on paper doesn't look as strong as they think it should. All, every single one, of the admissions officers said more or less the same thing.

Your personal statement, and less so your professional resume and letters of recommendation, are the MOST IMPORTANT THING to address these concerns by displaying your strengths in ways that cannot be measured quantitatively in tests and degrees. HOW you write, WHAT you write about, and WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY about yourself on your own essay are the biggest advocates you can establish for yourself.

So to answer your question: yes, absolutely. In fact, in your case, it may matter more than it would for most other people. But, by the same way, this can be your biggest strength in the application process. So, take time to figure out the "how" and "what", ask yourself those sorts of questions and find ways to show it on paper.

tjh361

@RealGeeker said:
Just went to a law school fair this past weekend and spoke with ~10 admissions officers from different schools ranging from mid-size mid-rank to larger and higher ranked. I would say I've also had unique circumstances surrounding my education journey, though none so as varied and drastic as yours it sounds like.
I asked them all specifically they would look for most in someone who is a few years out of an academic career that they maybe felt on paper doesn't look as strong as they think it should. All, every single one, of the admissions officers said more or less the same thing.

Your personal statement, and less so your professional resume and letters of recommendation, are the MOST IMPORTANT THING to address these concerns by displaying your strengths in ways that cannot be measured quantitatively in tests and degrees. HOW you write, WHAT you write about, and WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY about yourself on your own essay are the biggest advocates you can establish for yourself.

So to answer your question: yes, absolutely. In fact, in your case, it may matter more than it would for most other people. But, by the same way, this can be your biggest strength in the application process. So, take time to figure out the "how" and "what", ask yourself those sorts of questions and find ways to show it on paper.

I appreciate your comment and insights into the process! I will spend a great deal of effort articulating my personal statement then.