There is no doubt that writing your personal statement can feel a little daunting. After all, it is the one part of your law school application where you have full control, and a well-crafted personal statement can really help you stand out. Think of it as your interview on paper: a chance to share your story, your motivations, and what makes you unique.

So how do you get started? The key is to shift your mindset from dread to opportunity. Your personal statement is not just a requirement – it is an amazing tool to highlight who you are beyond your transcripts and test scores.

You may be thinking, "I'm not interesting" or "I have nothing to write about." Believe me, we have all been there. Sit down and make a long, honest list of everything you have experienced, no matter how small or random it may seem. If you are stuck, here are some prompts to spark your ideas:

• What cities, states, and countries have you traveled to? How have those experiences shaped or changed you?
  
  
• Have you participated in community service or volunteer work? Did it give you a new perspective on life?
  

• Is there a particular person or event that inspired your decision to go to law school?
  
  
• Have you started anything? A club, business, or volunteer group? What challenges did it bring, and how did you grow from them?
  
  
• What hobbies or interests do you have? How have they helped you develop as a person?
  
  
• Have you overcome physical, emotional, or financial hardships? Have you experienced significant tragedies? How did those experiences change you?
  
  
• Are there family customs or traditions that you cherish? How have they influenced your values and outlook?
  

Still drawing a blank? Ask a close friend or family member what they find remarkable about your life or personality. Sometimes others see the story you do not. Remember, everyone has a story worth telling. Your personal statement is your chance to tell yours.

After you have done some brainstorming, the next step is simple: just start writing. Set a timer for five to ten minutes and write about whatever comes to mind. Do not edit yourself. Do not worry about tone, word choice, or structure – just let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. This is where your personality begins to shine, and often, it is where the seed of your personal statement is born.

This first draft does not need to be perfect. You will have plenty of time to revise and polish later. The hardest part is getting started and writing that first sentence. The sooner you begin, the more time you will have to refine your statement into something truly compelling.

So, what makes an exceptional personal statement? It is one that is well-written, that builds a persuasive case for why you belong in law school, and that creates a genuine connection with the reader that allows them to see your true, unique, and authentic self.

Keep in mind that admissions officers have some clear preferences when it comes to personal statements. To help guide you, here are a few of my personal Do’s and Don’ts to make sure your essay hits the right notes:

Do:

• Remember, this is a personal statement. Make it about your story and your journey. Write about what excites you or matters deeply to you – not what you think we want to hear.
  
  
• Write clearly and get to the point quickly. Admissions committees read thousands of essays, so capture our attention early and hold it.
  
  
• Follow directions carefully. Stick to the prompts, page limits, and word counts.
  
  
• Keep your tone positive. If you discuss challenges or setbacks, focus on what you learned and how you grew. You want to avoid sounding like you are making excuses.
   
• Edit, proofread, and revise. Take your statement through multiple drafts to make it polished and compelling.

Do Not:

• Use overly formal, “lawyerly” language. It often rings false and makes us question your authenticity.
  
  
• Simply list your experiences in chronological order – your resume already covers that. Use your personal statement to share something new and meaningful.
  
  
• Devote the entire essay to explaining why you want to attend our law school. We already know about our program. We want to get to know you.
  
  
• Rely on humor, gimmicks, or scholarly quotes to grab attention. Honest and authentic storytelling will always resonate more.
  
  
• Submit your first draft or something you have not thoroughly proofread. Do not just trust spellcheck. Have others review your work for errors and clarity.

Writing your personal statement might feel intimidating at first, but it does not have to be. Start with honest reflection, give yourself permission to write freely, and remember that your goal is not to impress us with perfection. Your goal is to help us understand who you are, why you are pursuing law, and how your experiences have shaped you.

Be real, be clear, and be intentional … and start early. The more time you give yourself to brainstorm, write, revise, and polish, the more confident you will feel about what you have shared.

This is your chance to advocate for yourself on your own terms. Use it to tell your story the way only you can.