At this time of year, many students are trying to write their personal statements. It can be incredibly tough, so don’t give up! Over the years I’ve read thousands of personal statement drafts, and I want to share one of the most important tips: When you think your draft is final, it’s not. That may seem overly harsh, so let me explain.The Goal is Perfection, and Perfection Takes Time I get it: writing about yourself is no fun and feels … [Read more...]
Writing Your Personal Statement, Part 10, Don’t Be Afraid
Although all components of a law school application are important, the most important one is the personal statement. To that end, this series explains some of the pivotal points you should keep in mind as you prepare to write your law school application personal statement. This is a 10-part series that will help get you from starting to finishing your personal statement. Don't Be Afraid Well, we're at the conclusion of this 10-part series on … [Read more...]
Writing Your Personal Statement, Part 9: Proof
Although all components of a law school application are important, the most important one is the personal statement. To that end, this series explains some of the pivotal points you should keep in mind as you prepare to write your law school application personal statement. This is a 10-part series that will help get you from starting to finishing your personal statement. Proof Once you self-edit and have others read and give feedback on your … [Read more...]
Writing Your Personal Statement, Part 8: Involve Others
Although all components of a law school application are important, the most important one is the personal statement. To that end, this series explains some of the pivotal points you should keep in mind as you prepare to write your law school application personal statement. This is a 10-part series that will help get you from starting to finishing your personal statement. Involve Others We get it, it can be really hard to show your writing (be … [Read more...]
The Trap of “Why X” Essays
Many law schools allow you to submit an extra, optional essay that addresses why you would like to attend that school. For example, Duke Law School allows applicants to include the following: “You may submit an essay providing additional information about why you have chosen to apply to law school in general and Duke in particular. We are interested in the factors that have prompted your interest in a legal career and the ways in which you think … [Read more...]
Writing Your Personal Statement, Part 7: Edit
Although all components of a law school application are important, the most important one is the personal statement. To that end, this series explains some of the pivotal points you should keep in mind as you prepare to write your law school application personal statement. This is a 10-part series that will help get you from starting to finishing your personal statement. Edit Once you have your first draft and a break under your belt, it's time … [Read more...]
Writing Your Personal Statement, Part 6: Step Away
Although all components of a law school application are important, the most important one is the personal statement. To that end, this series explains some of the pivotal points you should keep in mind as you prepare to write your law school application personal statement. This is a 10-part series that will help get you from starting to finishing your personal statement. Step Away The most important part of writing a personal statement is, … [Read more...]
LSAT Podcast Episode 72: Test Accommodations – The Inside Story
Testing accommodations are one of the LSAT’s most mysterious and misunderstood features, but not to worry: Dave and Jon are here to clear it all up! Whether you’re wondering if you qualify and what options might be available, how to apply without fear of getting denied, if law schools can spot accommodated applicants and how they’re treated, or what steps to take to ensure you receive exactly what you deserve on test day, Episode 72 has these … [Read more...]
Is the 2021 Law School Admissions Cycle More Competitive?
The 2021 law school admissions cycle is going to be extremely competitive. Due to an influx of new circumstances stemming from an incredibly unusual year, we are seeing law school applicant numbers rise significantly and you will have a lot of competition. So, let’s look at the four factors driving this cycle: 1. More Applicants and More Applications The total number of law school applications submitted so far is up 57%, and the number of … [Read more...]
Writing Your Personal Statement, Part 5: Embrace Variety
Although all components of a law school application are important, the most important one is the personal statement. To that end, this series explains some of the pivotal points you should keep in mind as you prepare to write your law school application personal statement. This is a 10-part series that will help get you from starting to finishing your personal statement. Embrace Variety Variety is the spice of life. As it turns out, it's also … [Read more...]
Early Decision Application Deadlines for Top 50 Law Schools
Early Decision application deadlines vary greatly from school to school, and some schools don’t even have an Early Decision program at all. To help you keep track of everything, we’ve organized the Early Decision candidacy submission deadlines for all top 50 law schools (per U.S. News Rankings) in a chart below. A few notes to consider while looking over the info.This is the most recent publicly-released information from each of these … [Read more...]
Writing Your Personal Statement, Part 4: Get Specific
Although all components of a law school application are important, the most important one is the personal statement. To that end, this series explains some of the pivotal points you should keep in mind as you prepare to write your law school application personal statement. This is a 10-part series that will help get you from starting to finishing your personal statement. Get Specific A personal statement is only as powerful as the … [Read more...]
Secrets of the Law School Admissions Process Webinar with Dave Killoran
On November 17th, 2020 Dave Killoran hosted a special law school admissions webinar aimed to dispel common misconceptions about the application process and how those misconceptions often lead to students submitting subpar applications. Dave covered the major elements – including personal statements, GPA, recommendations, and more – and gave clarity on how to make each aspect shine as bright as possible. Discussions also took place on how to … [Read more...]
Writing Your Personal Statement, Part 3: Get Personal
Although all components of a law school application are important, the most important one is the personal statement. To that end, this series explains some of the pivotal points you should keep in mind as you prepare to write your law school application personal statement. This is a 10-part series that will help get you from starting to finishing your personal statement. Get Personal In this third installment of our Writing Your Personal … [Read more...]