Top Law Schools

Hey guys,

I was wondering what the general consensus is on including sensitive personal info in a personal statement. For example, experiences as a child that have lead to you overcoming extreme adversity, along the lines of child abuse. While I feel like writing about these experiences would be important, would it possibly lead to legal ramifications? Can adcomms take content from a PS and give it to people who could press charges (like child protective services)?

I've done a lot to protect my family over the years from things like these possible ramifications, but I feel like it was a pivotal part of my life that changed who I am as a person. Thoughts?

I doubt it would have any legal impact unless it involved sexual abuse of some kind, homicide, or if the abuse is continuing to this day (i.e. if you had younger siblings who are currently going through the abuse). If you are really that concerned about it, check out the statute of limitations on any criminal activity that you write about. I discussed some criminal activity in my PS, and I dont think it had any negative impact in either my acceptances or criminal charges against those who committed the crimes.

I wrote about the abuse I experienced as a child and how it's shaped my life. I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about, although I was concerned for the same when writing it. Ultimately, I decided to do it because overcoming that was so pivotal in my life and writing about something else would have been contrived.

Why are you, presumably the victim, trying to protect your family members from the ramifications of child abuse? Ramifications are what someone deserves when they perpetrate/cover up/ignore abuse.

Let's put it this way: unless you are speaking to a lawyer who is representing you or a priest/variant, the person/entity can and will be subpoenaed to testify about what you revealed.

hpp67 wrote:Hey guys,

I was wondering what the general consensus is on including sensitive personal info in a personal statement. For example, experiences as a child that have lead to you overcoming extreme adversity, along the lines of child abuse. While I feel like writing about these experiences would be important, would it possibly lead to legal ramifications? Can adcomms take content from a PS and give it to people who could press charges (like child protective services)?

I've done a lot to protect my family over the years from things like these possible ramifications, but I feel like it was a pivotal part of my life that changed who I am as a person. Thoughts?

I don't know if this will directly answer your question, but on this site (under the PS section) there is a PS called "Rape" and an accompanying review/critique. Basically, TLS suggests that you be careful when you talk about sexual assault/abuse in your PS and avoid writing about details. Their view is that it should state what happened and not elaborate. It seems like if you followed their advice it would be very difficult for anyone to press charges, regardless of their policy.

I have gone through the same situation and was wondering how to shape my situation. The situation caused me to become very close to my older brother and that relationship also ties into my lower GPA which will be explained in my addendum. I was wondering how I should write this. It would include the damage that it played on my mental state as a child. I am worried I may be too revealing and scare away potential law schools. I feel all the information is necessary in providing proof that I am a diverse candidate and can overcome adversity. Thank you for any assistance.